Christmas through the well

Chapter Two: Just missed

Author's Note: Hey, and welcome to chapter two! Before reading, I want to apologize ahead of time for the English-dub version of Kaede that I use in the story. It's all I have access to, so you'll just have to bear with me. She isn't present for long, however, so it's not too bad.

Further more, beginning here is where I really start to pull out my artistic license. The more research I do, with the addition of talking to some people first hand, I'm finding out just how small family Christmas celebrations in Japan can be. Thus I'm embellishing quite a bit, mostly westernizing the story. To keep things authentic would force me to cut out a lot of a cute scenes I've planned, so I'm hoping you'll all allow me to fudge the background stuff in order to deliver you with cute-and-squishy moment-age. It's all good as long as I keep everyone in character, right? Right?! *Squeak*

And now, without further adieu: Chapter two!

[behold my mad rhyming skillz]

~*~

Inuyasha found himself outside the village in no time at all, his hair billowing behind him like a magnificent silver cape as he ran. Thankfully it was just after dark, which meant there were very few villagers still out and about—it saved him from having to dodge and dart through them.

He had just recklessly trampled through Kaede's herb garden and jumped the fence surrounding it when an age-ripened voice met his ears. The hanyou mentally groaned, wishing to ignore the voice even as his legs instinctively slowed before halting completely. Annoying as the old woman may be, she was inherently insightful. Maybe she knew something about this holiday that seemed so important to Kagome?

"Inuyasha? What are ye doing back so early? Did ye not just depart but a few days ago?" asked Kaede, rising slowly from her crouched position amongst her medicinal herbs. Inuyasha folded his arms over his chest, looking horribly grouchy. Though, in his case, such an expression was not at all uncommon.

"Keh. The wench is being a major set back. Again! Some stupid holiday pops up and what does she want to do? Leave for six days! SIX DAYS! Can you believe the nerve of that bitch?" Inuyasha shouted, his anger riling him up to the point that he began to pace back and forth. Kaede sighed, trying her best to maintain an impassive face.

"Calm down, Inuyasha," commanded the elderly miko. "Now, what holiday is it that ye are referring to?"

"I don't know!" he seethed, throwing his hands up in the air out of frustration. "Kurisumasu? Even Miroku had never heard of the damn thing!"

Kaede's brows furrowed, perplexed. Her remaining eye appeared thoughtful and confused, and after a long moment of silence, she finally shrugged her rounded shoulders.

"I have not heard of this holiday—"

"HAH! I knew it! The damn girl probably made the whole thing up!" interrupted Inuyasha, hands clenching and unclenching into fists. Kaede's expression at that moment was nothing less than deadpan.

"But," she continued, as if she hadn't been cut off in the first place. After all, she was used to it when in the hanyou's presence. "I am not surprised to have no knowledge of it. Ye must think, Inuyasha. Kagome's time is five hundred years into the future. There are many things that we cannot even hope to understand about the time from whence she came."

Inuyasha's pacing stopped abruptly with her words, and his face scrunched in an undeterminable expression. Secretly, he harbored no doubts regarding Kagome's truthfulness. She was a good and pure as they came, and if she said that there was some major holiday coming up in her time, then there must have been. His mind was merely still reeling over the prospect of spending almost an entire week without his Kagome, and was searching for any excuse to go and retrieve her. Without a word he turned his back to Kaede, preparing to dart off when her voice once again brought him to a standstill.

"What are ye doing? If it is to interrupt Kagome's holiday, I'm afraid I simply must protest!" Kaede called after him, voice set in determination-- though even as she spoke she saw the proud set of Inuyasha's shoulders slouch, and knew that there was nothing to worry about.

"Just… mind your own damn business, old woman." replied Inuyasha, sounding horribly defeated even as he sprinted off, soon becoming nothing more than a blur of red and white on the horizon.

Minutes later the hanyou was approaching the bone eaters well, his pace slowing to an almost lethargic walk as the structure came into view. It would be so easy to jump through it right then, to find her and bring her back where he felt she belonged. Yet to do so would most likely make her more angry with him than she'd ever been, which would be even worse than the inevitable 'sitting' of a lifetime he'd receive when they arrived back in the Sengoku Jidai. To ruin her Holiday or to patiently await her return? That was the question.

Hands gripping the lip of the well, Inuyasha peered into the gaping darkness within. Amber eyes shimmering with confusion and indecision, a heavy sigh escaped his lips.

"Kagome…"

~*~

It was now December the 23rd, just a little past six, and Kagome was finally beginning to feel a little relaxed. Her shopping was done, the smell of baking goodies lingered through the air, and—much to Grandpa's dismay—the house was decorated in typical holiday fashion. Aside from not believing in the festivities going on around him, Kagome's grandfather couldn't stop complaining about the safety hazards of decorating a live tree in millions of tiny light bulbs. Something about the idea of heat strung upon vegetation just didn't sit well with him.

It was a good thing the family had long ago learned to tune out his ramblings.

Kagome presently sat on the couch, legs curled beneath her, sipping hot cocoa out of a mug while she watched the lights blinking on the tree. For a few seconds the myriad of colors would remain solid, though they soon began to blink and then chase one another; the effect they were having on her was almost hypnotizing.

The voice of Souta snapped Kagome out of her blissful reverie, and she looked at him dumbly for a moment. Her brother stood before her with half a cookie sticking out of his mouth, his game-boy firmly held in his hands.

"Mama says the cookies are done, if you want to help decorate them," he mumbled, speech slurred due to the obstruction between his lips. Kagome smiled and nodded in thanks, standing and making her way into the kitchen.

The moment she entered, her senses were immediately assaulted by the smell of fresh gingerbread men. Her mother stood over the stove, a packet of colored icing in hand, preparing to add faces and clothing to the edible men. Coming to stop at the stove, Kagome reached out in order to claim the extra icing packet.

"It's so nice that you could make it home to be with us, Kagome," began her mother, casting her daughter a sideways glance. "But won't your friends be missing you?"

Kagome blinked, brows knitting together in confusion.

"I don't think so. Yuka is with her grandparents for the holiday, and Eri and Ayumi are stopping by tomorrow—"

"I meant your other friends, dear." interrupted Kagome's mother, causing Kagome to frown just slightly.

She supposed she would be missed in the feudal era, but she had explained the situation thoroughly. All except for Inuyasha, everyone had seemed to understand. So… why did she feel so guilty all of a sudden?

"…Kagome, dear?"

Coming back to reality, Kagome shot her mother a smile of reassurance. Setting her packet of icing down, she rested a hand on her mother's shoulder, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

"Sorry, mama. I have a few more presents that need wrapping, and then I want to take a nice, long bath and get to bed early. See you in the morning," she chirped, turning and taking her exit. Kagome's mother smiled faintly to herself, never missing a beat in her cookie decoration.

When morning came, Ms. Higurashi would not be the least bit surprised when she found her daughter's bed empty.

Up in her room, Kagome collapsed onto her bed, staring across the floor to her desk. Upon it rested the last of her shopping bags, one she knew contained five gifts in particular. The boxes within housed a gigantic box of chocolates for Shippou, a glittering rhinestone hair clip for Sango, a pair of golden-stud earrings for Miroku, a complete listing of every medicinal herb known to man for Kaede, and finally, a large rawhide bone for Inuyasha.

Quite unsurprisingly, Kagome had found the hanyou most difficult to shop for. Gifts ranged from too personal to not personal enough, and she had finally decided to get him a gag-gift. His real present was to be something much less tangible; something she knew he had wanted for a long time, and would be most appreciative of once she had given it to him. Well, as appreciative as he got, anyway. She just hoped she wouldn't regret giving it to him later…

Grabbing for one of her pillows, Kagome hugged it to her chest. She'd said that she'd be gone for a full six days, and despite the overwhelming urge to deliver the presents she'd bought for her friend's back in the Sengoku Jidai, if she returned now she wasn't sure she would be able to come back. Inuyasha hadn't wanted her to leave the last time, she knew there'd be slim chances of getting away again.

And yet, even with the prospect of a very angry Inuyasha to deal with, Kagome found herself standing and grabbing for her gigantic yellow knapsack. Crossing the floor she reached into the last shopping bag, retrieving the remaining wrapped gifts and carefully placing them within her sack. It felt strange to hoist such a light bag over her shoulder—the battle-worn knapsack was usually so heavy! Tonight, however, it contained only the Christmas gifts. She hadn't bothered packing any of her usual supplies, hoping against hope that she'd be able to escape back to her own time in the morning. With enough 'osuwari's' anything was possible, she supposed.

As Kagome crept out of her room and down the stairs, it seemed the guilt just wouldn't come to an end. At first she had felt bad for leaving the feudal era and now, with the sounds of Souta and her mother singing English carols in the kitchen, she felt bad for sneaking out on the night before Christmas Eve. But her mother had practically suggested it, right? And she'd be back first thing in the morning…

Nodding in determination, her mind made up, Kagome slipped through the living room and out the front door. The chilly night air sent shivers down her spine, and she was thankful that she wasn't wearing the short skirt of her school uniform. Her light pink sweat suit was much more suited for protecting her against the winter's harshness. The door to the well house creaked as it was opened, sounding abnormally loud to Kagome's ears. She paused for a moment, as if waiting for one of her family members to spring up out of the darkness and inquire as to where she was going. When nothing stirred she sighed in relief, entering the well house and approaching the age-weathered structure.

Climbing up onto the lip, she paused for just a moment before lowering herself inside. Despite the increased odds of a pissed off hanyou preventing her from returning home, Kagome couldn't help but feel the familiar giddiness she felt whenever she gave gifts. It had just hit her that she was extremely lucky; after all, not only did she have a family here, but in the warring states as well. Giggling softly, she shoved herself over the edge and into the magical void between time periods, her heart warmed by the thought of giving her feudal family their very first Christmas presents…

~*~

Meanwhile, in the Sengoku Jidai, a very depressed Inuyasha paced in front of the bone eaters well. It had now been nearly a full two days since Kagome had left-- two long, miserable days. Inuyasha had practically made camp around the well, as if staying there day in and day out would coax the missing miko to return any sooner. Somehow, the hanyou doubted it.

With a forlorn sigh, Inuyasha plopped down onto the ground, both arms and legs folded neatly over one another. If her absence was driving him crazy this soon, he shuddered to think how he'd be in four more days. Damn it, why the hell did she have to go and leave him for some stupid holiday?

The leaves of a nearby bush rustled, causing Inuyasha to spring to his feet. One hand already on the hilt of tetsuaiga, his keen eyes scanned the surrounding woods. Truth be told, he would have welcomed a good fight right then. Anything to get his mind off Kagome, if only for a short while, would be greatly appreciated. What came out from the bushes, however, was not a youkai. Instead, it was a very disgruntled looking houshi. Inuyasha nearly pouted, his defensive stance falling. He'd really been hoping for a good battle, too…

Catching sight of Inuyasha, Miroku inclined his head in acknowledgment. Inuyasha once again fell to the ground, sitting Indian style, soon to be joined by the red-cheeked monk. It was quiet obvious what had transpired in the village to coerce the monk into a moonlit stroll alone.

"Take a pass at Sango again?" asked Inuyasha, though he was hardly interested in his companion's affairs. Miroku chuckled.

"My cheek is an obvious indication, I see." he replied, lifting a hand in order to rub it wistfully. "However, I believe that I am finally succeeding in winning her over. She doesn't hit nearly as hard as she used to."

Inuyasha snorted at that, rolling his eyes. Pathetic! The monk was simply pathetic. (Though a small part of his mind protested that he wasn't one to talk, as he presently sat there waiting like a loyal lapdog for his master's return. This thought was quickly dismissed as preposterous. After all, Kagome was his. Not the other way around.)

Miroku's voice snapped Inuyasha out of his thoughts, and he looked over to the houshi in slight irritation. Who'd invited him to stay for a chat, anyway? Stupid humans. Always butting in where they weren't wanted.

"You know, Inuyasha, it surprises me a great deal that you're still here." stated Miroku, almost thoughtfully. Inuyasha's brows furrowed together.

"Why? If I were to go and get her, It'd ruin her oh-so-precious holiday," replied Inuyasha, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Besides, everyone would wind up giving me an ass-chewing, and I don't feel like putting up with any shit right now."

Miroku smiled in that annoyingly knowing way of his, one hand stroking his chin. Inuyasha got a horrible feeling of déjà vu; after all, the monk had done the same thing two days prior.

"Yes, but to go to her time doesn't mean you have to ruin her holiday. I previously suggested joining in on her festivities, not bringing them to a end."

Once again, Miroku was met with a dumb stare from the hanyou. It took quite a lot of restraint to keep from slapping himself on the forehead out of frustration. Why was it Miroku was always forced to paint pictures for the boy?

"Go spend some time with her! I'm sure Kagome-sama wouldn't mind, as long as you don't attempt to bring her back here before she'd ready." added Miroku, speaking very slowly as if it would help the hanyou to better comprehend what he was saying.

Inuyasha shot him a sour, though thoughtful, glare. If he were to go to Kagome, only to visit instead of to drag her back, would she welcome him? Or would he be intruding on something private? Furthermore, how would he explain his sudden appearance, if not to try and bring her back early? Surely she would think it odd of him to show up for no apparent reason?

Eager to steer his reeling mind in another direction, Inuyasha took to staring suspiciously at Miroku.

"Why are you trying to be so helpful all of a sudden, anyway?" questioned Inuyasha, voice full of doubt. Miroku smirked, waving one hand dissmissingly through the air.

"All these moments alone together are doing wonders for Sango and myself. Just a little more time like this and I may finally be presented with a son!" he exclaimed, dark eyes shimmering with a mixture of mischief and perverted hope. Inuyasha sneered at the monk's expression.

"Keh. I knew there was some ulterior motive…" he grumbled, getting to a stand.

Miroku followed suit, absently brushing the wrinkles out of his robes as he watched Inuyasha. The hanyou had suddenly fallen silent, hands gripping the lip of the well. While Miroku could only see his profile, Inuyasha's face appeared lost in deep contemplation. Sighing and shaking his head, Miroku took a step forward.

"Moments like these are best simply taken, without too much thought involved." proclaimed Miroku, a frown tugging at his lips. "You want to go, this much is obvious. So quit stalling."

Lifting one hand, Miroku firmly slapped Inuyasha on the back, in what was meant to be a friendly gesture. Inuyasha, however, was caught off-guard by the slight jar, and in a rare moment of ungracefullness was sent sprawling forward. Miroku blinked as Inuyasha's frame flipped over the ledge of the well, flashes of blue light effulging him. When they subsided, the well was returned to its usual dark, empty state.

The houshi allowed himself a satisfied smirk. Well, that was one was of getting rid of a grumpy hanyou. Patting himself on the back, Miroku turned and began his trek back to the village. Now he would have more uninterrupted time with Sango (sans the instances where Shippou was greedily vying for her attention in Kagome's absence.) and Inuyasha would have some quality time with Kagome. Everyone would be happy, most especially himself. And Inuyasha would later thank him for this, really!

…Right after he inevitably attempted to strangle the meddling monk.

~*~

As the two traveled simultaneously through the void in time, Kagome couldn't help but notice the strange surge of energy that whizzed past her all of a sudden. Never the less, within seconds the familiar sinking feeling that came with time traveling subsided, spitting her out five hundred years in the past. Perplexed, Kagome kicked at the dirt beneath her feet, face scrunched in confusion.

Oh well, she thought. Seeing as there were no youkai popping out to get her, she supposed everything was normal. Knapsack still hoisted over one shoulder she grabbed for a nearby vine, using it to help her as she climbed up one side of the well. Having long since grown accustomed to this little ascent, Kagome was up and out in a matter of minutes.

Setting her feet on the ground, Kagome paused for just a moment, ears straining to make out all the sounds of the forest. Usually, with Inuyasha's sensitive nose, he knew the instant that she returned, and would already be sprinting towards her at this point. The young miko was quite surprised when she was greeted only by the sound of crickets chirping. No irate hanyou, no insults, no nothing!

How strange…

Shrugging it off, Kagome crossed the grassy clearing, entering the forest surrounding the well and following the familiar dirt path back to the village. With a sigh she lamented over how much faster the short trip went when she was traveling by bike or on Inuyasha's back, and she was sorely beginning to miss the both of them. In her haste to leave her home she'd neglected to put on a pair of sneakers, and the fuzzy-pink bunny slippers she was presently wearing were not suited for a walk through the wilderness.

Finally the sight of Kaede's village peeked through the trees and, deciding to jog the rest of the way, Kagome reached the old miko's hut in no time. Pushing aside the dangling mat which served as a door she entered, having just barely shed her slippers before being clobbered by a surprised and very ecstatic kitsune.

"KAGOME!" exclaimed Shippou, his cheek nuzzling against her collarbone. "What are you doing back so early? And what did you bring me?"

Kagome giggled, affectionately embracing the fox kit.

"I only came back for the night, so that I could deliver your gifts. Which I'll give to you, if you let go for just a second."

Eager to receive whatever it was Kagome had for him, Shippou quickly hopped back to the ground, where he then proceeded to bounce up and down with excitement. Sango, who had been sitting quietly in the corner of the room, rose and approached the two.

"Gifts, Kagome-chan? For us?" she queried, donning a curious expression. Kagome giggled and nodded.

"Yes, of course! Christmas is a time when you give gifts to those who mean the most to you. I bought presents for all my friends and family, which most definitely included you guys." explained Kagome, kneeling down as she began to rummage through her sack.

Though Kagome couldn't see it, Sango's eyes misted over the slightest bit. She had lost so much—Hell, everyone within their little group had—and to have such a considerate friend truly meant the world to the exterminator; more than any tangible gift Kagome could give to her. Moments later she was snapped out of her emotional reverie as Shippou's elated squeal echoed throughout the tiny hut, a noise so loud that it roused Kaede from her meditations by the fire.

Blinking, the old miko cast Kagome a confused look.

"My word, what is going on here, child?" she asked, her singular eye watching in faint amusement as Shippou tore into the large box before him.

"I came back to deliver presents. There's one for you too, Kaede," replied Kagome, holding out a large book. Kaede gratefully took it, though she was confused as to what would warrant the random giving of gifts.

"Why thank ye, Kagome…"

Kagome smiled in reply, continuing to produce goodies from her war-torn bag. Next was Sango's gift, which the girl cradled in her hands as if it were the most delicate of all beings.

"It's beautiful, Kagome. I love it!" breathed the exterminator, reaching back to free her hair from its usual ponytail. For only a minute did it rest in long, thick tresses around her shoulders, as it was quickly recaptured and clipped back by the rhinestone hairpiece. Kagome grinned.

"It looks great on you. I thought it would," said Kagome, though she suddenly came to realize that two members of their usual group were missing. "Hmm. Where did Inuyasha and Miroku disappear to?"

"Did ye not meet with Inuyasha, child? He has stayed by the well since ye left." stated Kaede, to which Shippou nodded in confirmation.

"Yeh," he slurred through his mouth full of chocolate. "And Miroku's been out for a while. He left just after Sango slapped him for the millionth time!"

"Oh, I see." said Kagome, tapping a finger against her chin. "That's strange, because I didn't meet either of them on my way here…"

Just then the sound of someone entering the hut could be heard, and Kagome felt an unmistakable presence behind her—one that was immediately followed by a smooth, silky voice.

"You needn't miss me any longer, Kagome-sama. I have returned, as have you, I see." Miroku purred into her ear, sending an unbidden shiver down Kagome's spine. A little unnerved, she scooted away just slightly.

"Miroku-kun! It's good that you're back. I have a gift for you!" exclaimed Kagome, once again reaching into her bag. Sango, meanwhile, suspiciously eyed the houshi.

"And where did you disappear to?"

Miroku chuckled, seating himself by the fire. His hand twitched, moving dangerously close to Sango's rear, where it was quickly batted away.

"After our little … misunderstanding… I took a walk. Then, on my way back, I ran into a delightful young girl and offered to escourt her home. All for the benefit of her safety, of course."

"Of course," Sango repeated, sarcastically. "Which explains why there's a fresh red mark on your cheek."

The most miniscule of pouts crossed Miroku's usually schooled features, and he was just about to retaliate in his defense when a very small box was thrust in front of his face.

"Merry Christmas!" Kagome chirped, a beaming smile set in place. Blinking, Miroku plucked the box from her outstretched fingers, curiously prying it open to reveal the golden studs within.

"Earrings," he stated, carefully pulling them out of the box and allowing them to roll across one palm. A smile of gratitude touched his lips. "A most kind and thoughtful gift, Kagome-sama. In fact, I'm so moved by this, I simply must repay you with a—"

Whatever it was that Miroku was about to offer, Kagome was most certain she wanted no part of it, and quickly interrupted.

"That's quite alright, Miroku-kun. Your, ah, valued friendship is quite enough." she said through a nervous giggle, scratching the back of her neck. "Say, did you see Inuyasha while you were out?"

"Mmm," replied Miroku, distractedly. He was busy inspecting the shiny gold posts within his hand. "He had been awaiting your return for two days straight. He finally gave in and went to see you. I suspect he'll be quick to come back once he realizes that you aren't home."

Kagome huffed at that, folding her arms over her chest. Two days was all he had given her before he'd gone to drag her back. Only two days! Somehow, she wasn't surprised. Her anger was just beginning to escalate when she felt a small tugging at her pant-leg, causing her to look downward. Shippou, wide-eyed and chocolate covered, was giving her the most adorable look.

"Kagome? Can you tell us more about your holiday?"

"Yes," agreed Sango, smiling brightly. "A time to give those you care about gifts of appreciation seems wonderful. I'd be interested in knowing more about it."

Putting aside her petty anger, Kagome nodded in compliance, taking a seat by the fire. Shippou was quick to climb into her lap, still munching on chocolates, while the others sat around the young miko. Each of them curious and full of questions, they were eager to sit and listen as Kagome revealed everything she knew about the western holiday…

~*~

End of chapter two!

Sooo… Inuyasha in Kagome's time while she isn't? There are so many interesting things for me to do with that situation! Plus, what's this 'intangible' gift that Kagome want's to give Inu for Christmas? Heh heh, there are many things I could think of—none of which belong in a PG-13 story. -___-;;

Anyway, if you want to know what happens next, be sure to stick around for chapter three! I have planned much hilarity for the next installment, which I'm sure you'll all enjoy.

See you then!

-MsImp