"Sesshomaru Taisho, if you don't put that ornament down right now, I'll have your head!" Kimiko snarled fiercely, pointing at her son.

Kagome blinked at the suddenly savage woman before looking over at Sesshomaru, who had merely raised a brow in return as he held the snowflake ornament in his palm. Strangely, he showed no inclination of returning it to its place on the tree, instead cradling it almost protectively in his palm.

"If you say so, mother." he said in his quiet monotone, hanging the snowflake back up delicately.

"Oohhh...you're lucky I don't beat you, pup." Kimiko huffed, turning to Toga. "Why did we have sons again?"

"Because you said a daughter would only cause you grief." Toga murmured with an impish grin, pecking his wife on the cheek.

Kagome flinched at the word 'sons', but didn't say anything. However, she could have sworn that Sesshomaru turned in her direction, as if he were wondering what she was doing.

"But, nevermind that. Kagome, love, come upstairs with me, would you?" Kimiko smiled at her, offering a hand. "I'd like to show you something."

"Uh.." Kagome stuttered, feeling her cheeks warm.

"Oh, come on." Kimiko rolled her eyes, grabbing Kagome's hand. "I promise it's nothing bad."

Spluttering, Kagome couldn't do much against the exciteable woman, and she was dragged up one of the two long staircases.

She was dreading what Kimiko's next actions were going to lead to.