Chapter Thirty-Five: Confidence

"When you lose your way, and the fight is gone. Your heart starts to break and you need someone around now. Just close your eyes a while. I'll put my arms above you and make you unbreakable."

-Jamie Scott Lyrics, 'Unbreakable'

True to the word, Kagome had to cut her time short with Ghaleon when they heard the front door opening and he was gone. Able to teleport – perhaps she should pick him to learn magic from just cause that would be a nice thing to be able to do. She headed back inside at Eri's insistence, smiling at her friend. "I just wanted a little air, all that good food and I was almost dizzy."

"Sure, we were gonna set up some card games and Mister Mustang was going to put on a movie, wanna come play spades or watch some Wonderful Life?" Eri was always the nicer one, she usually tried to get everyone involved and make sure they were all having fun.

"I might watch the movie, I'm not feeling cards. You think you'll have enough for four?" Kagome asked as she hung up her coat, trying to ignore the scarf Kyoya had left her. She felt a bit like she supposed a slut might what with all these men and she didn't really know who she was leading on – everyone it seemed. Even if it was the spell, she still didn't like the situation...but she was determined not to let it ruin the night.

"We got four, Me and Yuka, and Ed and Winry. Ayumi talked Roy into putting the movie on and has been hanging off his every word – I'm pretty sure she really likes him." Eri whispered conspiratorially. "I'm gonna try to set up some mistletoe for her so she can corner him."

Kagome grinned at that, something about her friends up to 'no good' while still looking out for one another put her in a jollier mood. "Well, I think we should, Ayumi needs a new guy."

"Right?" Eri nodded. "We'll get it done before the night's out."

"Eri come on, we wanna start before next Christmas." Yuka called from the kitchen and off her friend went. Kagome grinned after them and moved into the living room to sit down, noticing that Ishida sat next to her before anyone else got the chance. Forward but she didn't really mind, she liked the idea that he was willing to throw his hat right in with everyone else. Of course, most of them didn't know the extent of what he could do but he was just as supernatural as any others so she guessed that helped his bravado.

He leaned closer to keep his tone light, something that wouldn't be easily overheard in the room of chatty people. "I wanted to apologize...for that morning."

"Huh?" Kagome blinked before the image of him with his tongue trailing across her breast flickered through her mind and she nodded. "Oh...um, I'm not worried about it. I'm glad you decided to come Ishida. I didn't think you'd be able to make it."

"Father's working tonight, but I'll be busy with him tomorrow." Ishida answered, apparently accepting her apology then leaning back to continue their conversation. "I put a gift for you under the tree, it's that one in the silver and blue."

"You really do like blue." Kagome observed. "Thank you Ishida, hold on, I got you something too."

She hopped back up and went to look beneath the growing pile of gifts from admirers before plucking out the box that belonged to her fellow archer. It was a medium size but could still be carried in one hand. She moved back over to hand it too him. "Wait and open it on Christmas though, or at least not here – that's Higurashi household tradition. I'll open yours tomorrow as well."

"Yeah, the bitch is crazy and has to wait, me I just tear into a gift when I get it. Probably why she didn't bother getting me one." Albel remarked, having no filter as per the norm. "I'm out, gotta work. Try not to fall asleep."

"Good night Albel." Kagome managed. "Try to have a good Christmas."

"Just another fucking day, but with people getting more annoying than usual." Albel muttered on his way out the door. Kagome ruffled a little but her attention was brought back to Ishida when he put a hand on her shoulder.

"Sorry, he just annoys me."

"I think he annoys everyone, pretty charitable of you to invite him." Ishida stated, she was impressed he could compliment her while insulting Albel and she laughed.

"I guess. I am sort of happy he's leaving though, less of a chance of the police getting called out." Kagome replied, happy she got Ishida to smile at her own jest. "Didn't want to play cards?"

"Cards is dull, chess is more my game." Ishida answered with a shrug. "I tend to prefer it if I'm going to play a board game at all."

"I think we have a chess board in the closet." Kagome said, considering as she ticked the games she said on her fingers. "Chess, checkers, monopoly, clue, scrabble, life, and I think battleship – all the boring ones every household has."

"Chess isn't boring if you have a good opponent." Ishida replied. "Scrabble isn't too horrible either."

"I like risk." Roy jumped in since Ayumi had taken a break to use the restroom.

"Risk takes all day." Ishida shook his head as if not approving.

"Chess can take a long time against a good opponent, care to play?" Roy gave his best disarming smile. Kagome thought he was probably trying to escape Ayumi but she was a little curious how the two would pair off.

"I don't mind." Ishida answered. If Kagome remembered right he was in his school's chess club as one of his many activities – there were a bunch of trophies on one of his shelves at his house. He likely wouldn't have too hard of a time against Roy but then she was getting wary about judging too quickly...who knew – Roy could secretly be a mastermind.

She retrieved the game for the men and then wandered back into the kitchen to put water on the stove – dinner was still arranged along the counter and people would come and go looking for seconds or thirds. Except for the turkey, that had to be rewarmed from where it was stored in the fridge. Kagome had to admit all the extra help left her feeling a little lazy since she'd done exceptionally little to help – now though she was going to make some hot chocolate. Anyone that wanted some could come pour a cup – it wasn't fancy but it fit with the theme. Besides, even with a spell to stay warm having hot chocolate while it was snowing outside was just right.

"Holding in there?" Jade's deep voice was unmistakable and Kagome nodded to him as he came up – at least he still didn't have the apron on.

"Yes, it's good. I'm glad I get to see everybody." Kagome answered, turning to lean on the counter as she waited for the water to boil. "Figured I'd make some hot chocolate, would you like some?"

"Certainly, it is fairly cold." Jade answered, smiling at her and reaching up to help open the box and get cups ready. "I'm glad you are having a good time. If you aren't busy, when you are finished getting your drink prepared I would like to give you my gift. I've heard you don't like to open them until the holiday but it's not exactly something you open."

"Erm...all right." Kagome eyed the older man curiously, wondering what he had in mind. He could use magic somewhat like Ghaleon, so perhaps he wanted to do something with it like Ghaleon had. Hopefully he didn't want to make it snow – that would be a little awkward after it happened already...but Jade seemed subtle enough that she doubted that was his plan. Still, she was curious – and now the water would take even longer to boil since she really wanted it too – always the way the world worked.

Eventually she had her cup in hand and had to put her coat on yet again. She was going to get sick at this rate with all the in and out but she followed Jade outside and then looked around curiously when he stopped.

He nodded toward her arm. "Give me your arm please."

Kagome canted her head but after a moment offered her arm. Watching curiously as he put a bracelet with a few small charms around it.

"This is a magical item. If you break the bauble's on it it will teleport you to one of us in case you are in danger." Jade explained. "Though that is not the only thing. Would you be willing to come with me somewhere?"

Kagome hesitated...generally she didn't mind going somewhere around the shrine with any of her suitors but after the events with Lezard she was frightened to go anywhere else alone with them. She was scared that another one would betray her trust – but it wasn't as if any of the rest of them had hurt her.

"It's all right Kagome..." He reassured, squeezing her hand. She nodded at that and took a deep breath – she couldn't just let what happened destroy her life.

"Okay...let's go." She had barely finished the statement when the dizziness hit her. Anytime they teleported somewhere she had that moment of vertigo before her body adjusted. Then a wave of heat washed over her – and the humidity was enough to make her reach up to take off her coat.

She froze when she was suddenly hugged from all sides. Her family was here? But they weren't supposed to know what was happening...

"They won't remember when your visit is over." Jade whispered in explanation as if he'd read her thoughts. "It won't be for too long before I'll have to take you back but enjoy having some time."

Kagome glanced after where Jade was walking off to the side of the tropical resort and she almost wanted to cry – sure it hadn't been that long but being able to see her family on the holiday was great. She hugged her mom, then her grandpa, her brother followed after that.

"How are you guys doing?" The conversation didn't take long to get started.

Things were fine with them on their 'vacation' – Souta was enjoying his school on the tropical island where they were being kept. Grandpa kept going on about how wonderful the resort was where they were being put up – he apparently made common use of the spa and their massage services. Mom was pretty delighted by the break from work and enjoyed sitting by the beach or swimming. At least it sounded like they weren't suffering as a result of her problems.

Her mom however kept turning the topic back to her and Kagome eventually went to the side with her to try and talk more. For all the drama happening she couldn't really decide what to say about it. An arm wrapped around her and she found a soft smile on her mom's face. "Kagome, you'll figure out what is wrong. You are strong and capable, and I know you can take care of yourself – you always have. You'll figure this out too."

Kagome smiled softly at her mom, the words didn't really help her make any sort of decision. Knowing that her family was going to be in her corner no matter what did help her mood, and she was encouraged by her mom's words. That was right, she'd finally killed Naraku by turning the spell he used to curse her around on him – sort of. She survived the death of Inuyasha, the many many times she'd been kidnapped and attacked – she would eventually figure out a way out of this spell.

"Kagome..." Jade's voice interrupted her brother going on about one of his friends rooms being 'super cool'. She smiled and nodded, it was sad but still good – he didn't have to say it for her to know it was time for her to return. Kagome took Jade's hands and nodded to him.

"Happy holiday's guys." Kagome said just before they vanished. She wavered upon reappearing, shivering from the change of tropics to snow before leaning up to hug Jade.

"Thank you Professor Curtiss." She said appreciatively. This year was swiftly reminding her that gifts didn't all have to be physical – it seemed some of the best ones weren't. She leaned up to kiss his cheek.

"Jade." He remarked. "When we're alone I'd prefer if you used my name."

"All right, Jade then." Kagome answered, smiling lightly at the idea of using his first name. "I'm pretty sure my gift sucks compared to that."

He laughed, shaking his head at her. Leaning down to kiss her again, his tongue tracing her lips a moment before he managed to pull away. "That's not the point Kagome...come, we should get back inside before the others attack me for stealing you away for so long."

Kagome almost said that the others could wait, but she knew that he was right – and even though she planned to try and be more confident – starting a war between admirers wouldn't make that easy.

They were about to slip back into the house when Jade paused, a frown turning down his lips and his eyes paused near the steps to the shrine. Following his gaze Kagome had to blink in surprise – it was that man again – the gold haired demon grandson of Sesshomaru. "Kazama..."

"You are acquainted with this young man?" Jade asked, her comment of a name all that kept him from reacting less politely.

"We shared a dance at the recent formal." Kazama remarked before Kagome could come up with some excuse. "Can you give me a few minutes?"

End Chapter

So, another gift this chapter – a little pep talk from mom for Kagome so she has reason to perk up a little instead of being so down. Jade's such a thoughtful dude.

-Aura

To my reviewers:

I apologize that I lack time to respond to any individual reviews. Found out I'm pregnant again this week (YAY) and my son has an ear infection - so to say the least I've been swamped. I also have some pretty horrible morning sickness rocking so as soon as I post this I'm going to go pass the fuck out or something - bleh. I appreciate all of your comments though. I will really try to get up answers to any questions next chapter!/p