Title: A Christmas to Remember
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha and Co.
Summary: "Tell me Higurashi, did you and the mythological Lord have tea together?" Her teacher asked sarcastically. "No professor, The Lord of the Western lands and I never had tea together, although we did spend Christmas together." was her simple reply. S/K
A/N:So, I will be gone over the weekend, which means there will be no updates during that time. Due to that, I will be trying to get one more update in before the weekend begins. I hope everyone is as excited as I am to finally be getting back to the story.
She had not been sure of why he had given her such a gift, but she was grateful nonetheless. So grateful that when she awoke from her slumber, her hands automatically went to the side of the bed where she had left her bow. As her fingers grazed over it, she once again felt the same spark as the night before. She was not sure why but she couldn't help but feel drawn to the weapon.
Looking over the unfamiliar room, her attention was drawn to the object that lay folded on the dresser. She did not need to unfold the clothing to know that it consisted of a red hakama and a white haori. Had he come into her room and placed the clothing there? The thought made her smile but also caused her to let out an exhausted sigh. What did he not know about her? How was he able to constantly predict her moves and know exactly what she wanted? Was she that predictable?
Dressing quickly, she grabbed the bow anxiously. Without warning, her feet began to carry her where she figured the range would be. Sure enough, in minutes, she stood outside taking in her surroundings. Before she knew it, she was shooting at the targets. With every arrow released, she felt a pulse in her body. Was this her miko powers? If so, why had she not felt something like this before?
She briefly wondered if it was the bow itself. Would it not be just like Sesshoumaru to find her a weapon with such capabilities? Taking a deep breath of fresh air, she focused on her target and attempted to draw out her miko powers into the arrow. Perhaps that would tell her if the bow had powers, or if the feeling was from her own body.
Releasing a breath, she fired the arrow.
Her eyes instantly widened from the results. She had thought that something might happen, but not this. She had focused what little miko power she could draw out and transferred it to the arrow. When she released, it had sped to the target faster than her eye could see. Then there had been the damage. She looked over at the target and cringed.
All she saw there now was rubble and dust.
What had she done?
Slowly, she put her bow down on the ground while she debated on assessing the damage.
"Interesting."
She did not need to turn around to know whom it was that now stood behind her. In fact, she didn't even need to throw out her powers to identify his.
"I'm sorry." There was nothing else she could say in regards to the damage that she had just caused. Cringing, she wondered how many more apologies she would have to give out for future accidents.
"Miko, I gave you a bow. I was aware of your miko powers. A demolished target is a good problem to have."
Turning to him in frustration, she searched his face for dishonesty. How was he so calm and not rattled by the constant destruction in her path? How was he not irritated at the fact that she couldn't seem to do anything right? Why was she constantly having to explain and justify her clumsiness?
"Did you give me a magical bow?!" She hadn't meant for her tone to hold such accusation and panic but curiosity got the best of her.
"I assure you, Miko—it is not the bows doing."
He had to be wrong. If he was implying it was her powers, there was no way. Her powers had never been capable of such damage—or such destruction. Perhaps among Youkai they would do some damage, but never a simple object.
"Tell me, how often have you utilized your powers in a controlled environment—or one of safety?"
The simple question resulted in her staring blankly at the Daiyoukai. She hesitated to admit the answer, yet knew that he was aware of it. He was implying that she just needed training—and someone to ensure she was being given the best environment to thrive. Slowly, she thought back to the conversation that they had about what qualities she needed in a mate. If he was going to overlook her training and ensure such an environment, did that mean that he was such a candidate?
She decided to find out.
"The bow was a test." She whispered in awe.
"Indeed." The confidence that his tone held made Kagome wonder if he had ever really known failure in his long life. Yet, in the back of her mind, she knew more than likely he had—but just refused to show it. Yet again, she wondered how he was able to have undying confidence in her. Here she was, trying to keep her breathing steady and her nerves calm—yet he gloated in confidence.
Confidence in her.
She had been so close to falling apart. Did he realize how close? Did he know how broken she had felt? She frown at the memory that her companions had of her—one that she had thought no longer existed.
Then he had found her.
She had been completely and utterly broken and had been barely holding on. Did he not realize how close she had come to giving up? Could he have possibly known—known the extent of her damaged soul? There was simply no way that he could have. Were Youkai able to sense when the fire left a person's eyes? Could they recognize when a soul had become hallow? She decided there was no way that he could have seen such things. After all, if he had—he would not be looking at her with such confidence and amusement. Everything had happened so quickly that she didn't realize it at first. She had not realized when the small flame in her soul had flickered out of thin air. It was not a flame of wrath and fury—but one appearing from the ashes.
It was something.
Smiling at the Inu, she realized there would never be the right words to explain to him what he had done—the impossible.
"Is the test over?" She had not known when such a question left her lips, but she knew the exact moment that his eyes met hers.
"Far from it. Environment, little miko—environment."
If she had not known better, she would have said that Sesshoumarus primary form of communication was by staring. His stare was not one of coldness but instead held intensity and curiosity. How many times had his answer been given by his eyes instead of his words? Too many.
"A pack—with you as Alpha?" She could not think of any other way to bring up such a topic. Hell, she was not even sure if her comment held a question or merely a statement.
"It does appear you are in need of one." Snorting at his indifferent response, she could not help but roll her eyes.
"What does that entail?" She was not sure why she continued to speak without filtering her thoughts but was thankful when she did not receive an annoyed look from the Inu. Instead, he continued to examine the damage she had done with a simple arrow.
"I shall ensure your safety. My role is to make sure you are healthy and strong." Even as he spoke the words, Kagome blushed. The response made her think of something that would be spoken to Rin. Yet, that did not sit well with her. She couldn't see him as a father figure. Was he being honest with his response? Quietly, she wondered if the same responsibilities would not be those of a mate. Once more, she spoke without a filter.
"Like a mate?" Her question had instantly made him annoyed. Not only could she easily sense the change in demeanor, but also his face turned from indifference to one of furrowed brows.
"Like a pack leader." He was quick to correct her in a tone of irritation and coldness. Mentally, she reminded herself to never ask such questions again.
"Sorry." Apparently, the sincere apology made him change his current facial expression to one that appeared to attempt patience.
"Tell me, Miko—are you seeking one?" This time, his tone held only seriousness. Blushing, she let out a nervous laugh. As she gazed at him in curiosity, she wondered what type of response he expected from her. That thought alone made the small ember in her soul begin to stir. With a twinkle similar to the stars, the once dim embers began to twirling into a small fire.
"He'd had to be awfully powerful." Her tone held a trace of humor and teasing but she continued to keep her eyes on the Inu. Even though his gaze remained on her recent destruction, he spoke.
"Indeed, he would."
Her stomach knotted up at his response that held agreement and amusement. Kagome did not realize when she had became conscious of every single beat of her heart, but she could not help but wondered why such a thing was happening.
"Do tell me when such an individual is interested, alpha."
Her senses told her to not move—much less breathe. Ignoring the pounding of her heart and her senses, she grabbed her bow and walked back inside. She was not sure how she had been able to pretend to be unaffected by the current conversation. Or what had gotten into her. Perhaps, it was the confidence and awe at her own display of power or maybe it was from the fact that she was finally home. Whatever the reason, it had caused her feel a fire in her soul that she had thought died long ago.
It was small—but it was finally coming back.
A/N: Remember, reviews are beyond appreciated. If you have ideas, feedback and thoughts feel free to shoot me a message or comment. (Just no flames-there is really no reason for such a thing.)