The start of this one is tedious. I didn't want to leave anyone out in the present exchange. It may sound funny, but I would have felt bad about not mentioning what all my imaginary characters got for christmas.
Exchange
Dinner was a fun affair at the Taisho house Christmas Eve. Neither of the families celebrated the religious significance, but the spirit of the season, peace and family. Lady Shizu and Mrs. Higurashi ganged up on Souta, teasing him about his girlfriend, Lady Satori. Inuyasha commented he felt sorry for the kid, earning a growl from Satori. Mr. Taisho stated that he would allow the boy to have her for the time being, but he would claim his lady back when the boy was older.
The present exchange was equally fun, everyone delighted with their gifts. Inuyasha and Shiori got Lord Tsukuyomaru and Lady Shizu a trip to a seaside resort in Atami. Tsukuyomaru had a wicked twinkle in his eyes when he looked at his wife, who blushed like a tomato at the implication. Mr. Taisho got Mrs. Higurashi and Lady Satori, a gift card to a very nice upscale boutique, that way they could purchase whatever they wanted in the correct size. Satori, Shizu, and Mrs. Higurashi all got spa packages, the three gushed at the ladies day together.
Grandfather Higurashi received some ancient scrolls, about legendary demon rulers and their personalities, he was ecstatic. Inuyasha got his father a few brochures to retirement homes and a pair of sweats, earning a growl from Mr. Taisho and giggles and snickers from everyone else. Inuyasha then gave him his real present, a membership to a golf club.
Hikaru and Shippo both received simple toys, but then explained that in a fox demons hand, these simple toys could be used for all sorts of mischief, or even deadly weapons. Sesshomaru got art supplies from Mr. Taisho, showing his support of his son, and how proud he was of him for following his dreams. Lady Satori purchased him a desk for his studio, one that both he and Hikaru could share. Inuyasha got Sesshomaru a credit card gift card, saying he was to hard to buy for.
The Higurashi's, as a family, gave the Taisho's, a day trip to an indoor water park, that included Tsukuyomaru and his family. Mrs. Higurashi also gave each a high quality scarf, a mother's fussing present. She also told Shiori and Inuyasha that the shrine was available the weekend of June 20th and 21st, and that she would keep it open for them if they wanted it. Shiori just smiled and nodded. Inuyasha kissed Shiori on the cheek, earning eews from the Rin and Shippo.
Kagome got Mr. Taisho a book on retirement and finding ways to fill his free time, earning a non-threatening glare, and snickers from Inuyasha. She also gave him a book on teaching kids, to help with his community project, that he appreciated. She gave Shippo a sketch book and drawing pencils, along with a how-to book for experienced artists. Inuyasha and Shiori each got gift cards to a comic shop, to add to their manga collections. For Sesshomaru she got a book on baby-sitting and a book on cooking for children, earning snickers and laughs from everyone, but Sesshomaru. He smirked, with a twinkle in his eyes, but promised a return gag. She then gave him three tickets to a gallery, the other two for the kids, to which he was thankful for.
Rin opened her present and gasped. She held up a necklace on a silver chain, a crescent moon pendent adorned it. She immediately asked Lady Kagome to put it on her, loving the gift.
"What stone is this?" Lady Satori asked, admiring the gem.
"It's a moonstone." Kagome replied.
"How appropriate." Satori stated.
"I just hoped she liked it." Kagome said.
"Like it, I love it Lady Kagome. Now Rin has a symbol like daddy's." she commented.
"Open the other one." Mrs. Higurashi encouraged.
Rin opened another smaller box, inside were matching earrings, also in the shape of crescent moons and of the same stone. Rin was excited for a moment, then became solemn.
"Don't you like them?" Kagome asked, worried.
"Oh no, Rin loves them, but Rin does not have pierced ears, Rin can not wear them now." she explained.
"I will take you this weekend to get your ears pierced. Then you can wear your new earrings." Mr. Taisho said.
"Thank you daddy." Rin said, excited again, hugging Kagome, then her papa.
"This necklace also has a protection spell on it. If anyone tries to harm you, it will raise a barrier and keep you safe until help arrives." Kagome said.
Rin looked down at the necklace, then back at Kagome. She rushed the woman, hugging her tight.
Mr. Taisho nodded to Kagome, when she looked at him.
Sesshomaru passed out the presents he got for the Higurashi's, starting with the matriarch. Mrs. Higurashi and grandfather Higurashi were given gift cards to a bookstore. Souta was given a gift card to a video game store, who whooped. For Kagome he handed her a box. Which she smiled, then tore into, then gasped.
"How?" she asked, breathless.
"I saw you looking at it during our excursion." he replied.
"But .." she started.
"It was what you wanted." he interrupted.
"Thank you." she whispered, truly touched.
Kagome turned the box for everyone to see. A new telescope, the latest model in high powered optics. It also came with a mount attachment, to add a camera and take photographs.
Mr. Taisho cut his eyes to Sesshomaru, his son was blissful. Thrilled that he had made Kagome happy. Sesshomaru's eyes showed warmth, care, and longing. His son was deeply in love with the young woman.
Lady Satori invited the family to her New Years Celebration on December 31st, telling the ladies that she wanted to do the spa for the day before and set up appointments for the day of with a hairstylists. Mrs. Higurashi accepted the day spa, but not the hairstylist. She had to decline the invitation to the Celebration as well, saying that the shrine would be too busy to attend. Kagome and Souta also declined, stating the same reasons, wanting to help their family. Lady Satori pouted, but understood, saying she would miss her boyfriend, but would wrangle Toga to hold Souta's place.
(
Toga watched the Higurashi's drive off, before finding his son. Sesshomaru was in his studio, staring at a picture, which he covered up, when his father appeared at the door.
"How long?" Toga asked.
"About?" Sesshomaru returned.
"How long have you been in love with Lady Kagome?" Toga questioned quietly.
Sesshomaru sighed, "Since the day we met.", he answered, sitting down.
"That was months ago. Why have you not declared yourself?" Toga inquired.
"Because I am unworthy of her. Because she is perfect, and I do not deserve her." Sesshomaru responded, solemn.
"Son, is she the One?" Toga asked, not sure if he wanted the answer.
Sesshomaru turned to look out a window, "Yes.", he replied, whispering.
"Will you not fight for her?" Toga questioned, his tone gentle.
"To my dying breath, but .." Sesshomaru started.
"You love her. Only she can decide if you are worth or unworthy. But if you do not act you will never know, and she will not wait forever." Toga said, interrupting him.
"I will think on your words." Sesshomaru said, his voice hoarse.
Toga stared at his son's back for a moment, before leaving the room.
Sesshomaru stared out the window still, looking up to the dog star, sending so many messages upon it.
Lady Satori stood in the hallway, just outside. She would help her son, a delicious plan forming in her mind.