Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Tokyo Ghoul or its characters; that right belongs to Sui Ishida.


Kuzen watched with great amusement at the antics in the receiving room of Anteiku. It was decorated colorfully for the season. It marked the four years Kagome had been there. And he was still amazed at the things she did and said.

But at the moment, seeing her and the two Renji brought in before summer, Antieku had become very lively between the three children. Touka and Kagome had formed a fast friendship, while Ayato was like a hedgehog with its spines always out. Very much so after the incident a few months back when Kagome had done something terrible.

Kuzen did not like having to be hard on her. But in that case (after explaining it to her aunt) grounded her and spanked her backside till she couldn't sit(literally). Even now, he recalled the shocked, reproving glare he'd gotten. He knew it had hurt because she kept rubbing her bottom, yet no tear leaked from her eyes.

"Why is this so damn big!?"

The loud outburst from Ayato had Kuzen shaking his head. His gaze was on Ayato, holding up an extra oversized dark blue down jacket. He'd seen Kagome and Irimi come in with it, amongst other things she'd bought to make Christmas presents.

"So you can grow into it, Ayato," Touka explained, rolling her eyes at her little brother.

"Right. I bet it was the last one, and she was too lazy to go to another store," Ayato snapped back.

"Ayato!"

"Touka, it's alright. Ayato is only half wrong. It was the last one Irimi, and I could find it in the color he chose at multiple stores," Kagome said.

Kuzen saw she kept her hands curled in her lap. He was well aware of what her fingers looked like. Kagome had sewed faux white fur around the hood, cuffs, and jacket hem by herself. She had refused any help though she continuously pricked her fingers. And that was after cutting, sewing, and stuffing tiny simple rabbit plushies for everyone else.

"It's true, Ayato; Kagome and I went to several shops outside ward 20. She was determined to find the color jacket you requested," Irimi said.

Kuzen did not miss the undertone of command in Irimi's voice that warned Ayato to stop being petulant and picking a fight. Seeing Ayato stiffen was proof he got Irimi's unspoken message.

"Thanks, I guess," Ayato mumbled.

It was apparent he was embarrassed and put on an act. But anyone could see him hug the jacket tightly.

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Ayato stopped at the door leading to Anteiku's roof. He was still a bit put off about his gift from Kagome. His mind refused to accept humans (even if they were a child) could be so considerate with no ulterior motives. But Touka had insisted(with a punch to the back of his head) he should thank Kagome properly.

Kagome confused and scared him with how bold she was. He'd seen her interact with other humans and how uncomfortable she'd been. Well, her aunt did count. That woman was as quirky(if not more) than Kagome. It was strange she felt more at ease among Ghouls.

Sighing, Ayato pushed the door open and stepped out into the cold air, his feet crunching in the few inches of snow on the top of the roof. Silently he was grateful for the oversized jacket. He did not feel the freezing wind except on his exposed face. However, it was diminished by the fur around the hood.

Reaching up, Ayato pushed the hood back and scanned the roof. His nose twitched at the sweet scent of fresh blood in the air. Knowing only Kagome should be up here, he wondered how she got hurt(this time).

Unless she was stupid enough to shoot herself with the bow and arrows her aunt gifted her for Christmas. Which was the reason Kagome was on the roof in freezing weather to begin with.

"Dammit! Fucking pain in the ass!"

He was smirking at the cursing coming from Kagome (since this wasn't the first time he'd heard her do it). He knew she could get very colorful and descriptive. So, following the sound of her voice, Ayato made his way around a large duct vent to see Kagome blowing on bandaged fingers that were stained a light red.

The smell had him swallowing as Kagome cursed again, lifting the bow and notching the arrow. Her movements were fluid, as if she had done it hundreds of times. But when he saw her pull the string back, the smell of blood became stronger. Then the bow and arrow fell from her hands to the roof.

Unable to help himself, he stepped forward and grabbed Kagome's wrist before she could go for the bow and arrow again.

"Idiot! Your hurt and making it worse," He snapped at her as she stared at him with blue eyes.

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Kagome stared numbly at Ayato, who had removed the blood-stained bandages on her after dragging her inside and to her room. She found it sweet and way out of character for him, at least from what she'd gotten to know of Ayato.

"What were you thinking, idiot?"

Blinking, Kagome frowned as he gently rubbed medicated ointment on her fingers. It stung, but she refused to cry, just like when Kuzen popped her butt hard over her, licking Uta's kagune. However, she had learned why Kuzen(and everyone else) had been particular about Kagunes. Kagome would not make that mistake again. It was akin to sexual assault.

"Are you going to answer me or act like you're a mute?"

Rolling her eyes, Kagome sighed. It'd be easier to answer him. Ayato knew she could fight with a sword and do basic hand-to-hand fighting for self-defense.

"To get stronger so I can protect those I care about."

Her words were to the point as Kagome stared Ayato in the eyes. His disbelief and confusion are easy to see.

"Why?"

"I'm tired of losing people I love and care about."

Silence fell as neither said anything. Once Ayato finished, Kagome whispered her heartfelt thanks as he left. She knew he heard, though he did not react.

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Yomo smiled at the little scene he saw. It gave him a slight sense of hope. He knew his nephew was strong-willed and stubborn, just like his deceased sister. Kagome was no better, either. But he knew that Kagome had a maturity beyond her years(that often proved scary).

Though Yomo was aware, she'd be able to get through and open up to his niece and nephew. Both of them were still unaware that it was CC's number one Dove, Kishou Arima, who killed both their parents.

Shaking his head, Yomo chilled the cup of coffee, so it was palatable by Kagome. This Christmas has been by far the most memorable. What was left of his biological family, the one he'd been adopted into at Anteiku, and his two close friends, Uta and Iori.

Letting his hand drop to his waist, Yomo clutched at the little black rabbit with black wings that Kagome had sewn. It was why her fingers were a mess. This girl was a klutz and seemed to have a knack for sewing things to herself.

A matching present for everyone(each with their unique trait to match the owner) in Anteiku she cared about. A unique bond to bind them. It made Yomo feel as if he belonged to something rare and special. More so with his niece and nephew. So, seeing Ayato helping Kagome made the day that much better.

TBC!