A/N: Sorry it took me forever. I got home quite a time ago from the first trip but then I got mono and decided to work on the next chappie. Then my daddy wanted us to come with him for another trip, but to TX. *sighs* But you guys forgive me, right? Probably not, but it's Kurisumasu in July! You probably think I'm full of excuses, but it's true. T.T
Dedication: to everyone who wanted patiently and stayed to read this and said nice stuff. I'm not sure about a lemon though… Perhaps more fluff?
Chapter 10: Touch my heart
"Hurry," Kagome said pulling Inuyasha along the crowd of busy shoppers.
She'd wanted Sango to go with her but she was out with her father doing some extra shopping. Miroku had stayed home watching Kohaku, who insisted that he was too old to have someone watch him. Since Souta was out at the video arcade, Ms. Higurashi at work, and Grandpa busy doing work at the shrine, that left Inuyasha to accompany her to Kay Jewelers.
"I don't know why you wanna go back again," Inuyasha said, "You can't afford it now either."
She shot him a look but it was true. It was December 23 and Kagome had gone one day without seeing that gorgeous necklace. It wasn't as if she finally had enough money for it, but a girl could look and wish right? Perhaps they'd marked it down.
"I can still look or is that a crime?"
He sighed. That was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard of but he kept that thought to his self.
When they got there, there weren't that many people. Kagome thought that was a good sign. She let go of Inuyasha's hand and dashed inside the store to the spot she'd remembered it last.
It wasn't there.
Stay calm, Kagome, she told herself. They probably moved it or something… She kept telling herself this as she looked frantically around the store. Still no luck.
Kagome drew in a breath. She'd just ask the clerk. She went on to describe it as vividly as possible but she shook her head.
"Oh yes, that one was rather nice and awfully expensive," the clerk said eyeing Kagome up and down perhaps wondering how a girl like her could expect to afford it, "I'm sorry but old Mrs. Oumori bought it yesterday."
The words hit Kagome like a ton of bricks.
It was gone…?
Inuyasha looked over at Kagome who had an expression like she had been told she had less than a day to live. And then she did it. The one thing he hated most in the whole world.
She cried.
Without even realizing it, he wrapped his arms around her trying to comfort her. She buried her face in his chest but the sobs still came out pretty loud.
He thought it was silly of course. To cry over a piece of jewelry? Try a dead mother. Nonetheless he allowed her to cry, letting her warm tears soak his T-shirt. His favorite at that. Inuyasha felt instantly bad that he hadn't bought her the stupid necklace in the first place. When his father died he'd left both Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru a great deal of fortune so he always carried big bills, just hated using his own money. That was one of the reasons he stole most of the time. And he used to be in trouble most of the time so most of his money was spent getting him out of it. Usually small felonies like shoplifting, which he had made a game out of once. He and his gang would go into the mall and make a contest out of who could steal something worth the most money. He'd gotten caught lifting a 100,000,000¥ bracelet. He'd asked them to take it out so he could examine it and see if it was the type of bracelet his mom had wanted. His mom was dead at the time, but they didn't know that.
The clerks eyed him the whole time, daring him to steal it but there was that golden opportunity when they were busied with their regular customers, dropping their eyes off him. And so he swiftly placed it in his pocket as he walked out saying he wasn't interested. They let him walk a good way before the mall police came towards him with two silver bracelets in hand.
Handcuffs.
Sesshoumaru'd bailed him out and he'd found that strange. He hated his guts and the same back. When Inuyasha asked him about it, he simply replied that it would give him a bad reputation if anyone found out his little brother was a juvenile delinquent.
Funny. He wasn't saying that when he'd been head of a bunch of J.D.'s, Inuyasha thought bitterly, and then wondered why he was thinking about his past anyway. He looked down at the girl crying her eyes out and sighed.
"C'mon, Kagome, stop crying. You don't wanna make a scene."
She didn't reply, but she had started to calm down a bit. When it came to crying girls, Inuyasha wasn't of much help. It made him nervous or something and he wasn't sure of what to do. Why the heck did girls have to be so sensitive anyway?
He let out a sigh of relief when the sobs finally ceased and she pulled away from him rubbing her eyes. "Okay, Inuyasha, I'm ready. Let's go."
"Gratefully." And he followed her out of the store.
They immediately went back to Kagome's house after that. The car ride was silent, not even the radio playing. Inuyasha didn't dare bring up the subject of the jewelry; the last thing he wanted was for her to start crying again.
The ride seemed to drag on for hours but soon they were in her driveway. Inuyasha hurried out and followed Kagome to the front door. But before they went in he asked her, "You alright?"
She nodded stiffly, he couldn't tell if she was lying or not. What he wanted to do was tell her that it was just a piece of jewelry; nothing to cry about. He was sure that in a few months they'd have another one so what was she getting so worked up for? Inuyasha just hoped she wasn't going to spend the rest of the day depressed and moping around the house—especially not on the Christmas she'd talked about so.
"Want some hot cocoa?" she asked taking him by surprise.
Guess she wasn't so depressed after all. "Not really."
"C'mon, have a cup," Kagome urged.
"Fine."
She flashed him a look. "Hey now, don't say it like it's some sort of punishment. I make good hot cocoa and if you're good I'll even give you marshmallows."
"Oh wow. Guess I better be good, don't wanna not get marshmallows," Inuyasha said sarcastically rolling his eyes.
Kagome didn't take long and she set the cup in front of him. "Here. But be careful, it's hot."
"Yeah, yeah," he said taking her warning light and taking a big sip. Just as quickly as he drunk it he was at the sink with his mouth under the faucet.
"Told you," Kagome said a matter-of-factly laughing, then her expression turned somewhat humorless, "So what do you want for Christmas?"
"Nothing."
"C'mon, you must want something. You know you would feel left out if everyone else had a present but you. So what do you want?"
The truth was he hadn't given it much thought. He'd just figured that he'd probably sleep late and miss the joyous celebration of 'Look what Santa bought me.' His Christmas spirit, like his father's, died when his mom did. "I already told you," he repeated, "Nothing."
But Kagome wasn't buying it. Everybody wanted something for Christmas, didn't they? Inuyasha was just a soft, gooey marshmallow under the exterior of a brick. Or at least that was how she saw him. A little kid who wasn't hugged enough as a child. She wasn't going to give up so easily. Perhaps she could coax it out of him. "Nothing? There's got to be something. One of them little bandanna things you wear on you head or something?"
Why does she care so much? Inuyasha wondered looking back at her from the kitchen table they were seated at. He found a voice asking him a question back. Why do you care so much that she didn't get that necklace? Somehow he couldn't bring himself to answer.
The rest of Kagome's family got home around 6 lugging a tree with them.
"Hey, why'd you go tree shopping without me?" Kagome moaned.
"You were too busy," her grandpa said winking towards Inuyasha.
Ms. Higurashi walked in last trying to pull in a tree two times bigger than her. Not knowing what came over him Inuyasha offered to help, carrying it in as if it were nothing.
"Thank you so much," she said and from the look in her eyes, she really meant it.
"It was nothing," he told her and it was. The men in his family were born naturally strong and it helped that Inuyasha worked out anyway. He could bench 3 times more than most guys his age and was a born runner. He would have done track in high school but ditched most of his classes leaving his grades to drop. He was smart but just "didn't apply himself" as one of his teachers put it.
They'd had him place the tree in the living room which had been cleared of its furniture a few days ago to make room.
"So what do you think?" Ms. Higurashi asked. "Not bad for not having you or Souta to help, huh?"
"You did great, Mom," Kagome said.
"I helped carry it to the car," Grandpa said.
Ms. Higurashi sighed. "And nearly died when the tree fell on top of him."
The two women erupted into laughter and old Mr. Higurashi was mumbling some excuse of how his back gave out.
Kagome stopped laughing to look over at Inuyasha. He'd been pretty silent there. "Inuyasha?"
"Huh?" he asked, his eyes darting away from the tree.
"Why are you so quiet?"
"Just looking at the tree."
Kagome stopped for a moment to look at it with him. It had that natural pine scent that only real trees could possess and was pretty thick with strong branches that fanned out perfectly. The foliage was a healthy shade of green and the tree seemed to stand proud. There wasn't a single fault with it.
A smile appeared on her face. "C'mon, Inuyasha," she said grabbing his hand.
"Where are we going?"
"Over to Sango's. Usually both of our families go Christmas tree shopping together but… Well, let's just go see what they got." Kagome called to her mother in the kitchen to let her know that they were heading over to Sango's and they left.
Her house was right next door so they didn't have far to walk. As if almost expectant, Sango opened the door the moment Kagome stepped on the front porch. "Hey," she greeted and invited them to come in.
"So… Where's your tree?" Kagome asked as though she couldn't hold the question in any longer.
The smile on Sango's face faded. "It's in the front room. We were just sorting out the decorations."
Kagome followed her anxiously as if she didn't know where the room was. And there stood Sango's tree. About as perfect in every way except for the fact that it was artificial and white.
Sango half-expected Kagome to be disappointed like she had been. She'd wanted a live tree that she could walk in on Christmas day and smell the pine and see some of the foliage of the tree on her gifts. Not to mention the thrill of vacuuming it up and leaving the room with a piney, outdoor smell. She wanted Kagome's tree. She'd been a little jealous as she watched her family struggle to pull it inside when all her family struggled with were to directions on how to set it up. Miroku kept claiming they were written in Korean. But they didn't have much money and her dad said they'd save a lot more with this tree. She understood but somehow it felt like it wouldn't be the same. For goodness sake, it wasn't even the authentic color.
But Kagome thought it was cool. "Wow, Sango, your tree's so pretty. It looks like someone dipped it in snow or something."
"Or 'silver snow' hair dye," Inuyasha added grumpily looking at his still silver hair.
Kagome pretended not to hear him and continued, "White's so much more sophisticated than green. And yours is as perfect as ours. Look at it this way, your leaves will never turn brown and you don't have to water it."
Who is she trying to convince? Me or her? Sango thought sulkily. Oh well. It's Christmas time. I shouldn't be worrying over a little tree. I'm better off than others. "You're right, Kagome, it is pretty nice." She nodded. "Nicer than your tree even."
"Hey."
"You said it."
"No…"
Inuyasha let the girls "exciting" conversation to go find Miroku. It didn't take him long. He was sitting in the den watching some Masami Okui music video.
"Well…"
"Well what?" Miroku asked, his eyes still watching the screen.
"How are things? Sango's old man is all right with letting his daughter date a letch?"
"If you must know, things are fine. Me being the fine young gentleman that I am."
Inuyasha coughed at this and Miroku shot a disapproving look. "So what are you getting Sango for Christmas?"
Miroku placed a finger to his lips to silence Inuyasha and looked around cautiously. Deciding the coast was clear he continued, "I did a little prying and found out Sango wanted some dog at the pet store in the mall. So, of course, I went to check it out—"
"Hold up," Inuyasha said interrupting and getting an annoyed look from Miroku who obviously hated being suspended from his story. "How the hell did you get there? Your car's at Tokyo U."
He nodded. "Mr. Hiraikotsu let me borrow his Sedan. Now anyway…"
Miroku went on to tell Inuyasha that he went in the pet shop and found out the dog Sango wanted cost quite a lot of yen. Too rich for his blood, and, so, as he was driving back some animal was in the middle of the road standing there like a deer caught in headlights. Miroku swerved to avoid hitting it and to make a long story short, he brought that dog home.
"Well let me see it," Inuyasha said.
"Nope. I want Sango to be the first to see it!" He changed the subject suddenly seeing the expression on his face. "So, what are you getting Kagome for Christmas?"
He drew in a long breath. "As it stands nothing."
Miroku stared with wide eyes before shaking his head. "You can't not buy her something. That would be impolite seeing as you are the guest in her house. Not to mention it's expected of you."
"What do you mean 'expected of me'? It's not as if we're dating or something and I have to get her something."
Might as well be, Miroku thought. "Look, either way you need to buy her a present. I bet she's getting you something."
It was true. Well, she wanted to anyway. She was putting up the effort. "Alright, fine. I will. Happy now?"
Miroku sighed. Why did Inuyasha act like doing something nice for someone else was so hard? Especially when people went out of their way to do nice stuff for him. But Kagome was definitely softening him up. "We'll go shopping for her gift tomorrow?" he suggested.
Inuyasha shook his head. "Nope, tonight. Tomorrow'll be time for all those busy parents to go get their kids last minute gifts so it'll be too crowded. Let's go tonight. And to Kawasaki mall."
"What's the rush?"
"Everything."
The two boys sauntered out of the den and were headed out the front door until a voice called them back.
"Hey, Inuyasha, ready to go back home?" Kagome asked, "I want to make sure they don't decorate the tree without me."
"Actually we were headed to the bar."
Sango arched an eyebrow and Miroku quickly responded, "I'm the designated driver."
"Aren't you underage?" Kagome asked eyeing Inuyasha.
"So? I have a fake I.D." He shrugged.
She shook her head. "You could get into trouble. Let's just go home."
No way, he thought. Why the hell did I sue that for an excuse anyway?
"Alright, the truth is we wanted to visit our family back in Kawasaki."
Kagome stared him hard in the eyes to see if he was lying. Evidently she didn't see anything or even if she did, she let him go anyway. "I'm gonna let you borrow my car but if my family has to bail you out of jail or something, Inuyasha…" she warned.
He nodded and took the keys anxiously, relieved to be free of her stare. He swore that girl could burn a hole through your skull if she wanted.
Why am I letting them take my car anyway? Kagome thought, having second thoughts about it. But before she could change her mind she could hear her car starting and preparing to pull out.
"Wait!" she yelled as Inuyasha stopped impatiently.
"What?"
"What time will you be getting home?"
He shrugged, and then figured he'd better tell her something. "It's 6:20 now so maybe no longer than 12."
"But you'll miss dinner." Dinner was served at 7 in her house and most of the time everyone was too starved to wait on anyone else.
"I'll get something at Candy Sushi or somewhere."
"Fine." Inuyasha started back pulling out and Kagome called him back again.
"Don't get a speeding ticket!"
He nodded but still pulled out a little too sharply, nearly knocking over her mailbox and speeding off.
She shook her head. Born to break the law she supposed.
"C'mon, Kagome, we're about to put up the Christmas decorations," Souta called from the doorway of their house.
When did he get home? Kagome wondered then shrugged it off. "Okay!"
"So what is it exactly you're supposed to be getting Kagome?" Miroku asked from the passenger seat of Kagome's Malibu.
"Dunno," he lied although he knew exactly what he had in mind. Go to Kay Jewelers at his mall and hopefully find the same necklace. He thought he remembered it well enough.
"Sure wish we'd eaten dinner first."
"There are fast-food joints along the way yanno."
"Still… It'll be a ride."
"Aw… Shut up and quit whining," Inuyasha said turning up the radio. For Real by Hidenori Tokuyama blared from the speakers.
Miroku sighed and laid back in his chair. Just wake him up when they got there.
*
Kagome looked at her watch. 11:30 and Inuyasha and Miroku still hadn't gotten back. They'd finished decorating the tree hours ago. And she was pretty proud. They'd strewn popcorn and tinsel all around it. Twinkling lights and cute figurines were sprinkled stylishly around the tree. And to accent it was the beautiful star that lit up. All and all, it was quite a nice sight. They had the curtains open to display it.
She wished she had Inuyasha's cell number or something. Not that she was worried or anything and he did say around 12. Still…
The sudden shrill of the telephone startled her and she answered quickly.
"Hey, Kagome, it's me, Sango. Do you know exactly what time the boys are expected home?"
"Around 12 Inuyasha said."
"Oh," Sango heaved a sigh of relief. "He didn't tell me anything. But while we're on the subject of the boys, what do you plan on getting Inuyasha for Christmas?"
"Actually I'm not sure. He makes everything so complicated and claims he doesn't want anything. Got any ideas?"
"I'm having a hard enough time thinking of what to get Miroku. Maybe some new earrings?"
Kagome laughed at the thought. But why was it funny? She didn't know, maybe it was just thinking of seeing Miroku open a present with earrings. Okay, it was stupid. "I think that's a good idea, but I still can't think of something for Inuyasha. Some pants that fit maybe?"
Sango laughed. "Yes. The ones he wears now always show his boxers. Enjoy the view?" she asked half-kidding.
For some reason Kagome blushed, she was glad Sango didn't see that. "No! Of course not!" But she had peeked—only a few times. She meant, how could you miss it? It was there. Especially those fire engine red silk boxers he loved to wear. Hold on. How did she know they were silk? Uh… Looking at the material, she decided. But changing the subject…
"Hey, Sango, I see some headlights, I think they're back."
"Okay. Bye."
Kagome hung up the phone without even saying bye. What was her rush? But instead of running out there she pretended to be indulged in some magazine. She felt as if she'd been waiting for quite some time. What was the hold up?
She peered through the window blinds and saw Inuyasha making his way to the door. Back to the position.
The front door opened. "Shouldn't you lock your door? It's night. I know they say Japan has a low crime rate but you might wanna lock it anyway."
Halfway in the door and he was already complaining, she thought looking up slowly. "You lock up my car?"
"Didn't you hear me? Yeah," he said taking a seat next to her on the floor. "Why are you in here were there's no furniture? Waiting up for me?"
She could feel red slightly forming on her cheeks. "No! Just admiring the tree."
Inuyasha looked up at it. "It's nice."
"Yeah," she agreed. "So how's your family?"
"Huh?" What was she talking about? Then it occurred to him. That lie he'd made up. Well, it wasn't all that much of a lie. Miroku had him drive him to see Mushin. "Oh yeah. Everybody's okay."
"Glad to hear it. Police didn't stop you for anything?"
"Nope, I'm sorry to disappoint you."
"No, I'm happy you didn't. C'mon, Inuyasha, what do you want for Christmas?"
"I already told you. Nothing."
"Look, if you don't think of something I'll get you a big present full of charcoal!"
"That's just what I want!" he shouted back.
They sat in silence for a while until Kagome broke it by laughing.
"What's so funny?"
"Everything," she said, "You make something as simple as a Christmas present complicated. C'mon, Inuyasha."
He sighed trying to think of something. The fact remained though, he didn't want anything. Why couldn't Kagome just leave it alone? "Um… Look, Kagome, whatever you get me I'll be happy with. All right?"
She couldn't tell if he was just saying that to get her off of his back or because he really meant it. Maybe he wasn't all bad. That gooey marshmallow was beginning to show. "Even if I bought you a purse or something?"
He narrowed his eyebrows. "You wouldn't."
A mischievous grin came on her face. "You said you'd be happy with whatever I got you."
"You know what I mean."
She smiled. Well, now she knew what she could make…
"Well, let's go to bed. It's late." Kagome rose from her spot on the floor.
"It's early. 11:40 is nothing," he said unmoving.
"C'mon anyway. There's nothing on T.V. this late."
"Who said we were gonna watch T.V.?"
"There's nothing else to do."
"I can think of quite a few things we could do late at night," he said seductively.
For some reason Kagome's heart was pounding. It felt like it was going to burst straight out of her chest. Was that a gleam in his eye when he said that or her imagination? "H-hey now, what are you thinking about, buddy? We barely know each other."
"Huh?" he asked surprised. "Hey, get your mind out of the gutter."
"My mind?! You were the one talking 'There's something fun we could do at night'," she said mimicking him.
"Hey now! I didn't even say that! You just wish I did. Your mind's in the trash can, not mine."
"As if!" she yelled before going up the stairs to her bedroom. He had some nerve to accuse her of having gutter brain. Kagome sighed. She was going to bed now and dream the dreams she wanted. She certainly wasn't going to think about that needle noggin downstairs.
*
Inuyasha awoke to some yelling. A little boy's voice. Souta. Perhaps if he buried himself well enough under the covers he could block him out.
"Hey, Inuyasha!"
Nope. No such luck.
Well, if he was quick enough he could lock his bedroom door and Souta wouldn't be able to bother him.
Nope. Didn't make it fast enough either.
Souta came bouncing in like a 2yr. old telling him to look out his window.
"C'mon, kid, let me sleep."
"Just look out the window."
And so, after a while of pleading and begging, Inuyasha finally got up and pulled back the curtains.
Wow. Snow. Not like he'd never seen it before or something. Yet he had to admit that it looked kind of nice and it appeared to be sticking to the ground in nice clumps. Like a Winter Wonderland of some sort. And there was still snow flurries falling, adding to the effect. Still, it was a nice sight but not so much that he'd want to wake up at 10:36 in the morning to see. Inuyasha usually didn't wake up until around noon or later; whenever he felt like getting up. But before he could go back to his nice, warm cover, Souta was begging him to get dressed so they could make a snowman.
For an 8th grader he sure acted like a little seven year old. "Alright, kid, just let me get dressed. You don't want me to go out in my boxers do you?'
"Guess not. Be ready quick though," he said before closing the door.
Inuyasha smiled. He'd eaten the bait. Time to go back to bed. He was barely in for a good five minutes before Souta was back. Why hadn't he locked the door?
"Don't sleep! Let's go before the sun melts the snow."
He groaned, rubbed his eyes, and walked to his closet. If he never went outside, Souta'd never leave him alone.
And so Inuyasha got dressed: A pair of jeans and a sweatshirt whereas Souta was dressed like an Eskimo. "Overkill ain't it?" he asked.
"Nope. It's cold outside and I watched the weather channel earlier. They say it's going to get around thirty degrees," he informed Inuyasha.
"Wow. Whaddya want—a cookie?"
"No. Let's go get Kagome."
Inuyasha followed Souta down the hallway to her bedroom. "Hey, Kagome!"
"Yeah?" she asked trying to hide something behind her back.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Nothing. I'm ready. Just um… let me brush my hair for a second and I'll be right with you."
"Okay." Souta shrugged and walked out. Inuyasha pretended to walk after him but hid himself. What the heck was Kagome hiding?
She checked to see if they'd gone and then retrieved the object from under her bed and quickly placed it in her jewelry box. Inuyasha didn't get much more than a glimpse. A purple bead?
Kagome walked out of her room, closing the door behind her. Inuyasha would've snooped but he was already supposed to have left. He decided to just follow her out, luckily her mom needed her for something and he managed to slip out unnoticed.
Kagome managed to come out in the middle of a snowball fight and was amazed to see Sango, Kohaku, and Miroku were out there as well.
"Hey, Kagome, you can be on our team," Sango called motioning for her to join her, Kohaku, and Miroku.
"No way," Souta shouted. "You've got more players."
"Don't sweat it," Inuyasha said packing a snowball in his bare hands. "Two is all we need to kick their as—I mean, butts."
Souta nodded. "Let's get it on."
And so began the 'Snow War' as Souta had dubbed it. It started out competitive but then it was more for fun. Inuyasha had begun this game where you'd try to hit a person walking on the street and not get caught. But when he missed this man and ended up hitting some old lady in a wheelchair's wheels and she flipped over, the game ended.
They stayed outside until they were too cold to pick up snow.
"I'm so cold," Sango said rubbing her hands together.
Miroku smiled. "I can warm you up."
"Back up, Miroku, or my hand and your face will meet," she warned.
"We can all go inside my house for hot cocoa," Kagome suggested.
"Sounds like a plan to me."
And so they went inside chatting and sitting by the fireplace. For once, Inuyasha felt like he had some sort of family.
"All right, Souta," Ms. Higurashi called. "It's time for you to go to bed."
"I'm not sleepy."
"Santa's going to be here soon."
Inuyasha snickered. "Yeah, Souta, you don't wanna wake up and not have any presents."
Souta rolled his eyes. "How come you guys aren't going to sleep then?" How old did they think he was? Still that ignorant third grader? "There ain't no damn Santa Claus."
Everyone stared at him with wide eyes except Inuyasha who started laughing hysterically.
"All I'm saying is that I'm going to see Santa when you guys do," Souta added quickly.
"Souta," Ms. Higurashi said, her eyes nearly bulging out, "Go to bed right now! And where did you pick up such language?" She glared over at Inuyasha.
"Not me!" he said holding up his arms. "I've been watching my language when I've been around him."
Ms. Higurashi was about to continue her lecture but Souta had already escaped to his room. "Well, I'm heading of to bed. You two don't stay up too late."
"Okay, mom," Kagome said as her mom leaned down to kiss her goodnight.
"Hey, Souta!" Inuyasha yelled turning his eyes away from the mushy moment.
"Yeah?"
"You forgot to leave Santa milk and cookies!"
"Leave me alone!"
Inuyasha snickered again.
"Just couldn't help yourself could you?" Kagome asked with a smile. Although she had to admit it was funny.
The snow was still falling and made the night especially nice. It gave that Christmassy feel as Kagome and Inuyasha sat in front of the window in the family room. The fireplace was going and of course the stockings were over it.
"Tomorrow's Christmas," Kagome announced.
"No duh."
"Just saying." Then she turned to Inuyasha. "Excited?"
"Nope. I'll probably sleep late and it'll be like any regular morning for me."
He still hadn't gotten into the Christmas spirit. Perhaps tomorrow. "You'll see and you'll have fun."
He seriously doubted this but he'd let her believe what she wanted. No sense in making a big deal out of nothing.
"Good night, Inuyasha."
"Night," he said expecting to see her heading to her room, but she didn't. Instead she laid her head on his shoulder and dozed off.
Inuyasha would have woken her seeing as she just had fallen asleep but he didn't. He just let her stay and soon sleep overtook him as well.
*
Souta rushed down the stairs around 7 yelling that it was Christmas as if everyone didn't already know. He made a point of opening up everyone's bedroom door and waking them up. And why shouldn't he? This was the one day you got most everything you wanted. You didn't just sleep late on today. He made his way down the hall waking up his grandfather who was already on the verge of awakening. He'd just past by his mom's room for now, she might still be mad about what he said last night. On to Inuyasha.
He rapped on his door and then opened it shouting, "Merry Christmas!" But there was no one in there. The same for Kagome. Perhaps they were unwrapping presents already or maybe he'd walk in on them again. Even Souta knew that you were supposed to lock the door…
He headed down the stairs to the living room, and as usual, the room was filled with presents. Much so you could barely see they had a floor. He wanted to open his presents badly, but his mom always insisted that they wait for her. He'd asked her what the big deal was once and she'd explained that she wanted to see the expression on their faces. Well, while he waited he might as well continue his search for Inuyasha and Kagome.
It didn't take him long to find them. They'd fallen asleep on the family room sofa. He was surprised he hadn't seen them earlier. Kagome was on the side of him with a hand and her head placed on his chest. Inuyasha's arm was lazily strewn around her shoulder. Even if it was an innocent enough pose, Souta couldn't help but think they had some sort of secret relationship or something. Oh well. Back to work.
"Wake up you two, it's Christmas!" he boomed as the two woke up startled.
"What the hell?" Inuyasha asked, forgetting to mind his language.
Kagome just yawned, surprised. "Christmas?" Then her eyes lit up. "Yeah. Christmas." She quickly ran her fingers through her hair as if they were a comb and then grabbed Inuyasha's hand, dragging him into the living room. She rummaged through the many presents to pull out a box wrapped in smiling snowmen wrapping paper.
"What's this?" he asked sleepily as she thrust it at him.
"Your Christmas present, silly."
He took it from her wondering what she'd decided to get him. Probably socks or something. No matter how eager he was, he took his time unwrapping it careful not to tear the paper.
This proved to be boring for the others to the point that Kagome snatched the present from him, unwrapping it herself. When she was done, he was handed back the box.
"I could have done it myself," he said.
"Yeah. In a few hours, great grandpa." And she and Souta broke into laughter.
"Ha ha, real funny," he said sarcastically as he removed the lid of the box.
Inside was a purple beaded necklace. The beads reminded him of prayer beads… Every four beads or so was some sort of funny-looking "horn" shaped bead. It reminded him of something you saw on the Flintstones.
Kagome was bubbled over with excitement. "Well, how do you like it?"
"Why would you give me a necklace?" he asked joking.
She wrinkled her nose. "Not like you made it any easier for me, Mr. I-want-nothing-Scrooge."
"Oh so you hate me now? Gonna hate me after you open my present to you?"
Kagome squealed in delight. "You really bought me something? I'm glad you've started to see me as your friend."
"Yeah, yeah," he said, a slight blush appearing on his face. "Here." He shoved a small box her way.
She squealed even louder. "I get it, you bought me that necklace at Kay Jewelers and told the clerks to cover for you when it wasn't there?!" she asked but didn't give him much time to answer. Kagome ripped off the wrapping paper faster than Miroku taking aim for Sango's hindquarters. Then, she drew in a deep breath before lifting the box that was a gold color and read—surprise—Kay Jewelers. Then her face fell.
Inuyasha would have been happy if the floor had just sucked him in. Kagome didn't like it. He knew it wasn't the necklace she'd wanted the clerks told him that one was a favorite among the masses. Sold out again, of course. Inuyasha had never known that that many people actually bought jewelry. It being so pricey and all. It was like a luxury for the rich. He expected a little disappointment but not this. She hated it. Maybe he could convince her otherwise.
"C'mon, Kagome, it was just as expensive. Cost me a lot of yen."
She turned her head, her eyes unreadable. Then she smiled, "Gotcha! How could I not like it? I think it's even prettier than the one I first wanted."
Inuyasha didn't know about that but it was pretty; a small pink gemstone dangling from a thin silver chain. Not much, he knew but still.
"Oh thank you! I didn't think you were going to get me anything." And before Inuyasha knew it, Kagome was hugging him.
"Come on, now, it was nothing."
"Yes it is! I'll treasure it and not just because of how much it costs. What matters is the emotional value."
"Please," he rolled his eyes. "People only say that when they get you something cheap."
She was amazed at the way he thought. Oh well. "Really think so?"
"I know so."
And so they went on unwrapping gifts, Souta receiving any type of video game there was and Kagome received mostly clothes and shoes. Inuyasha was stunned to find Souta had gotten him something. A Game Boy Color.
"I don't need it anymore now that I have a Game Boy Advance," he'd told him.
Somewhere inside he'd felt bad that he hadn't gotten Souta something. And even Ms. Higurashi and old Mr. Higurashi chipped in and bought him something. A pair of clothes he knew he'd never wear. It looked like something that belonged in Houjo's closet. He didn't say that, just forced a plastic smile and thanked them.
Moments later, the Hiraikotsu family came over. Sango carried in her arms a funny looking creature. It was a tannish color with red eyeballs and black eyes. It had three tails too. What in the heck?
"Cute plushie," Kagome said walking over to touch it.
Sango just shook her head. "No she's not. She's as real as you."
This made her step back a few steps causing her to bump into Inuyasha.
"Miroku bought it for me," she continued proudly, "though it's not the Yorkie I wanted at Chinami's pet mall, I love Kirara a lot."
"You named it Kirara?" asked Inuyasha.
Her eyes narrowed. "What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing I guess. But where the hell did something like that come from? Little deformed creature." He laughed.
"Shut up. Miroku told me he saved her from the scientists who were trying to experiment on her."
Inuyasha looked over at Miroku wondering where he came up with this stuff.
"Oh well," Kagome said trying to end the conversation, "let me show you what Inuyasha got me for Christmas…"
Miroku walked over to Inuyasha as the girls went on talking animatedly. "Sango bought me some earrings, package of rubber bands, and a glove."
Inuyasha tried to suppress a laugh but it tumbled out. "All the girly stuff, huh?"
"I'm surprised Kagome didn't buy you hair care supplies, Long Hair," Miroku countered.
"Shut up, she made me this chain."
He nodded. "And that's manly? More of a necklace than a chain, I'd say."
"Shove it."
"C'mon, you guys," Kagome said interrupting the fight that was about to commence, "let's go eat breakfast at my house. My mom's making hot cakes."
"Sorry, Kagome-chan, we just came over to show off our stuff," Sango said, "But hey, I bought you your Christmas present from me and Miroku."
"Same here. Except from me and Inuyasha."
He looked over. What was Kagome talking about? He didn't buy Sango anything. Wasn't even aware Kagome'd bought her anything until now.
The girls ripped open their gifts. Sango's being a makeup set and Kagome's a stylish Chinese dress.
"Thanks," they said in unison.
Miroku and Inuyasha just looked at each other. They hadn't spent a dime on each other.
"Don't worry, me and Miroku got you something too," Sango said. She handed Inuyasha a box and Kagome did the same. They were two black leather jackets with their names on the back.
"What do we look like? The Fonz offa Happy Days?" Inuyasha asked although he was rather pleased with it.
"No. We just bought them because we thought you'd like them," Sango shot back. "You have such poor grammar skills."
"Well, I'm grateful," Miroku said leaning over to kiss her but she turned her head purposely and it landed on her cheek. Great, now Sango's in one of those moods. "And thank you, Kagome."
"You're very welcome." She nudged Inuyasha, urging him to do the same but he ignored her.
"You're welcome," Sango said.
"But I didn't say thank you," Inuyasha pointed out.
"I know, but you should have." And then she and Miroku strolled out the door. Sango once again thanking Kagome for the gift. Kagome was all smiles when they were there, but as soon as they left so did the smile. Like one of those parents smiles do when their kid is acting bratty in the supermarket and you're in front of the cashier. "Inuyasha, what was up with the attitude problem? It cost Sango and me a lot of money for the lettering. She just thought you two would like it and you give her a hard time," she scolded.
"All right. I won't ever do it again."
"I know and that's why you're going to thank her properly later when we go to her house for dinner tonight. And you're going to wear the jacket too."
Who did she think she was—his momma? Nobody bossed him around or talked to him like that, not even his own parents when they were alive. Regardless of those facts he nodded his head. What was the point in arguing with her? And besides, it wasn't like it was a punishment or something. He knew he'd look good in that jacket.
Kagome's face turned pleasant again. "C'mon, let's go eat breakfast now."
"All right." But the sound of his cell phone interrupted. Who could be calling? Rarely anyone did anymore. His eyes searched the caller I.D. but it wasn't any number he recognized. He soon found out why—the person was calling from a pay phone. Oh well, if it was important, they'd leave a message he decided before walking on towards the kitchen.
After a rather delicious breakfast, Inuyasha decided he'd see if they'd left a message. For some reason it ticked him off to no end when people would sit and let the phone ring a dozen times yet it wasn't' so urgent that they had to leave a message. Yeah, that was annoying.
But this person had the decency. He couldn't believe it when he played it back. When he heard the voice he nearly dropped the phone.
"Kikyo…?"
Ending Notes: You guys hate me now and perhaps VicFan spoke too soon, but you knew it was coming. Anyhow, leave me a present, preferably a nice review and I'll send you a nice present, that being the next chapter. How's that? Next chapter's due out Wednesday or before that if I can. And from now on I'll try to update every Wed. or sooner. All rai? Sayonara bye bye. Megu-chan ^_^ Oh and HieiNimbus3007, there was a hint of YYH.