EPILOGUE:
It's A Wonderful Life
"I see. . . I see. . . " InuYasha awoke to his own muttering on the hard wood floor beside his fireplace that Christmas morning. His hair was tangled and messy, and there was a crunchy grey leaf stuck to his cheek. He opened his eyes suddenly, and scrambled up off the floor, the leaf falling lazily to the ground. "I SEE!" he yelled out, running to his window.
He shoved it open, and stuck his head out the window. "MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!" he yelled hysterically. Many people stopped to look at him in confusion, and among them was the little orphan Shippou. After a moment, the boy shrugged and continued to walk.
"YOU! BOY!" InuYasha yelled out suddenly, pointing to the orphan.
Shippou stopped and looked up at InuYasha. "Sir?"
"Run to the market and buy your orphanage five large turkeys!"
"Sir?!"
"And fetch me a large ham, as well!!"
"Mister InuYasha, sir-" Shippou began, but stopped when the young banker disappeared from the window.
Soon enough, though, his front door flew open, and out came InuYasha, robe and all, to give money to the boy. "This should be enough," he spoke in a loud, ecstatic voice.
Shippou took one look at the amount of money he was handed and nearly fainted. "But, sir, this is-"
"Enough! Enough to feed you and the other children at your home! Go buy your food before it gets too late!"
"Yes, sir!"
"And do not forget my ham!"
InuYasha shooed the boy away, and then realized how beautiful his street looked in the morning. The wreaths on the street lamps, the snow on the ground, the rental horse carriages that clip-clopped by. The cars seemed to drive by lazily, and the clouds that blanketed the sky were the lightest of whites. InuYasha looked up to it and gave out the happiest of laughs.
He ran back inside, wanting to get to his brother's home as soon as possible.
He also couldn't wait to see Rin.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When Shippou brought his ham back to him, InuYasha paid the boy generously.
"Go buy yourself a gift other than socks!" he told him.
Shippou gave him the most incredulous of looks, and then left in a most confused state.
InuYasha dressed in his best winter clothes, with a bright red scarf around his neck to conclude his look. On the way to his brother's home, he realized that his family may not take his sudden change of mind so openly.
'Well, I'll just have to try to convince them,' he told himself.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Knock, knock, knock.
Knock, knock, knock!
BANG, BANG, BANG!"
InuYasha knocked impatiantly on his brother's door, and he had made it just in time, around noon. The door opened, and there appeared his brother's face. He looked slightly confused and expectant for a split second, but when he saw InuYasha's form at his doorstep, his eyes became cloudy, and his expression dumbfounded, and he stood in front of the entrance, guarding it. "I thought you weren't coming, InuYasha."
"I changed my mind!" InuYasha replied whole-heartedly. "I brought a ham!" he held the ham up to Sesshoumaru as Shippou had held up his jar of charity the night before.
"InuYasha, I. . . why are you. . . What is this?"
"What? Me? I. . . Sesshoumaru," InuYasha looked down, sorrowful and guilty,"I. . . had a dream last night. . . and I realized that, if I keep acting the way I am, I'm only going to end up alone. And I never stopped loving you guys. After Miroku died, I just put all my love away, somewhere. I let greed take over, and I regret it. I came here, not only bearing this ham, but to apologize, as well. I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru. I'm sorry for every cruel thing I've ever said or done to you, and I want you to know that I am willing to be a part of our family, again. I want to. I didn't realize it until now, but I've missed you, all. And I need you. Will you accept me back into the family? Will you forgive me?"
Sesshoumaru studied him placidly for a moment, trying to figure out if this split personality was for real. Then without warning, his face broke into a smile, and he grabbed his brother up and hugged him, in a sincere, tight hug, the ham squished awkwardly in-between them, but unnoticed. Sesshoumaru said into InuYasha's ear, "You are forgiven, brother. I've missed you, too."
And for the first time in years, InuYasha smiled kindly at his brother.
"Come in!" Sesshoumaru said happily. "Come meet you niece!"
Rin was nowhere to be seen in the living room, but Kagome appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Sesshoumaru who is. . . ?" she stopped when she saw InuYasha. "Inu. . . InuYasha. . . what are you. . . " She looked to her husband for an explanation.
"InuYasha has been kind enough to bring us a. . . well, *squished* ham," he said with a hearty laugh. "He wishes to be welcomed back into the family, Kagome."
She stood for a moment, her mouth slightly open. Perhaps she could not believe her ears. "You. . . He. . . A ham. . . " She looked at InuYasha, and he tried on his best smile. Kagome then rushed forward to him, her eyes quickly filling with tears. She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him tightly, the poor ham being squished once again. "Oh, InuYasha!" she cried, "We have missed you! We've wanted you back here for so long-"
"Kagome, dear," Sesshoumaru politely interrupted her, trying to pry her arms from around InuYasha's neck, "The ham. . . "
She moved back and looked at him with red, watery, but happy, eyes. "Huh?" she looked down and saw the now lopsided ham wrapped in plastic wrap in her brother-in-law's hand. "Oh!" she said, laughing and sniffling, "I'll go put this poor thing in the oven!" she exclaimed, taking the ham from InuYasha.
She ran out of the room, sniffling and laughing, and the happiest her husband had seen her in years.
"Let me take your coat," he said to InuYasha. InuYasha nodded and let his brother help him out of his wool coat, and he gave him his scarf, as well.
While Sesshoumaru was putting the coat and scarf on a coat hook by the door, there was another knock on the door, and he answered it.
"Dad!" he hugged his father in the doorway. "Look who's decided to join us!" He told him, already removing his father's hat. The handsome white- haired man of his early fifties stepped in, and looked up from wiping his feet to see his youngest son. "Well. . . miracles do happen on Christmas. . . InuYasha." came his deep baritone voice. "I thought I'd never see you again!"
InuYasha just waved nervously.
"How are you, son?!" his father exclaimed, holding out his hand for InuYasha to shake. His son did so, and his tall father then hugged him, as unexpectedly as Sesshoumaru had. "It's good to see you again, son."
And with a pat on the shoulder, his father withdrew, with a special look in his eye for InuYasha, and then made his way into the kitchen, Sesshoumaru in tow. "What smells good?!" InuYasha heard his father's voice ask happily.
Then there was a tug on his pant leg. InuYasha turned around and looked down at his waist to see his niece, looking up at him with wide eyes. "Are you Uncle InuYasha?" she asked with the innocent tone only a child could have.
InuYasha got down on a knee and smiled at her. "Yes I am." he told her. "You must be Rin."
Rin nodded her head vigorously, and gave him that nearly-toothless smile. InuYasha had to smile back, and he hugged her small form. When he withdrew, Rin asked, "Where have you been all of this time, Uncle InuYasha?"
"Aaah. . . I've been, uhh. . . trapped somewhere. For a long time. Why don't I tell you my story after dinner, huh? Would you like that?" InuYasha tickled her stomach.
"Yes!" Rin answered, giggling. She gathered her pink crutch tighter under her arm, and made her way over to the window. She then exclaimed, "Gramma and Souta are coming!"
And sure enough, Yoko and Souta were making their way up the cobblestone path, gifts and a pumpkin pie in hand. Rin opened the door before they could knock, and exclaimed, "Gramma!!"
By that time, Sesshoumaru, Father, and Kagome had all re-entered the living- room at Rin's squeal.
"Mamma!" Kagome's pleasant voice exclaimed as she hugged her mother. "Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas, Kagome!" Her mother replied, squeezing her daughter back as Sesshoumaru relieved her of the gifts and pie she'd been carrying.
Kagome released her mother, then turned to Souta. "Hey, kid!" she said, standing on the tips of her toes to hug him. He was a little too old to be called "kid," 23 in fact, but he really didn't seem to mind it. He hugged her back with his eyes closed, and InuYasha remembered hearing that Souta had gone to a five-year University. He must rarely see his sister.
Yoko turned to speak with Rin and Sesshoumaru, and as Souta looked up while he released Kagome, his eyes fell on InuYasha. Recognition flashed immediately in the young man's eyes, and he walked over to InuYasha, confidently. "So, you've decided to join us." He held out his right hand for InuYasha to shake. A slight smile showed that Souta was happy to have him back.
InuYasha gripped Souta's hand in his own, and shook it.
Souta laughed. "It's good to have you back, Uncle."
InuYasha said nothing, but nodded. By that time, Yoko had noticed his presence, as well. "InuYasha? Is that really you? My," she said, stepping up to examine him, "I haven't seen you in so long, I couldn't be sure!" Then, without missing a beat, she put her arms around him in a motherly fashion. "Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas, Yoko." InuYasha said, hugging her back.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"When will Kikyou be here?"
"We can't eat without her!"
"She called and said she had to stop by the orphanage to help with their Christmas dinner or something. They called her at the last minute."
"Well, I hope she gets here soon! The Christmas dinner here looks delicious!"
InuYasha's ears perked at the sound of Kikyou's name as he listened to all of the happy chatter. He'd forgotten. Kikyou.
What would he say to her? After five years of intentionally avoiding her?
His stomach suddenly shook nervously, and so did his hands. She would be here soon. Would she look different? 'Idiot. . . of course she'll look different. It's been five years.'
Everyone sat at the table, just waiting. The food smelled delicious, and thanks to InuYasha and Yoko's contributions, it would be no small meal.
Finally, the living room door opened, and everyone but InuYasha got up to greet Kikyou. Rin noticed him and tugged on is pant leg. "Come on, Uncle InuYasha! Kikyou's here! Come tell her hello!"
InuYasha nodded numbly and obliged. He walked into the living room, his eyes on the ground. He could hear her voice, and it sounded a little alien, but familiar all the same. He then hesitantly looked up.
And there she was.
She hadn't noticed him, yet. She still talked lively with everyone else, removing her scarf and coat, her long hair falling loose from its tie, until she took the tie out. She shook her hair down unconsciously, and InuYasha realized that she looked even more beautiful than when he'd last seen her. She looked older and more mature, her voice a little deeper with confidence, and her body. . . well. . . that looked even better, as well.
Kagome said something that made Kikyou laugh, and her eyes crinkled when she smiled, her teeth a beautiful white behind her red lipstick.
Then she spotted him. Her smile faded and her eyes held only resentment, as well as disbelief.
Of course she wouldn't welcome him as warmly as the others. InuYasha hadn't expected her to.
Everyone noticed how silent she had become, and they all watched as the former couple shared a long, intense stare.
Kikyou suddenly looked away toward Kagome, and breathed in a shaky breath. She whispered something to her, and Kagome nodded, with a look of understanding.
InuYasha looked at his brother, who was looking at him. Sesshoumaru walked over to him and told him in a low voice, "If this is too uncomfortable for you, we can have you over some other time. . . "
"No," InuYasha said. "I want to stay. I want to talk with her, anyway."
Sesshoumaru stepped back and looked his brother square in the eye, searching for any certain discomfort, but found only determination. "All right. Good luck."
"Thank you."
"InuYasha." It was Kikyou. InuYasha turned to see her standing confidently in front of him, her hand outstretched. She did not smile. "Merry Christmas. I hope you're well."
InuYasha stared stupidly for a moment, then took her hand weakly, and shook it. "Kikyou. . . Merry Christmas. I am well. And you?"
"I'm very well. I was told it was you who donated to the orphanage. It was very generous of you. Thank you. I - I help out there every Christmas," she explained. "The children have never seen so much food in their lives. Everyone wanted me to thank you."
InuYasha realized he was still holding her hand, and he let go, and nodded. "It was. . . my pleasure. . ."
There was an awkward silence, and Kagome plastered a smile on her face and cheerfully broke in. "Well, the food's getting cold! Let's go eat!"
Yoko agreed. "You're right! Come, on! Everyone to the table!"
Everyone filed into the small kitchen and took their seats, resuming normal conversation. Kikyou sat in the furthest seat from InuYasha.
"CAN I SAY BLESSING?" Rin asked her mother loudly over everyone else.
Kagome looked down at her and smiled. "Yes, Rin! Go ahead. Shhh! Quiet down everyone! Rin wants to say blessing!"
The adults all smiled at one another regarding Rin's request as they placed their entwined fingers at their chin's and closed their eyes. InuYasha hesitantly did so, as well. It had been a long time since he'd last prayed.
When Rin found the silence in the room satisfactory, she began. "Umm. . . We want to thank God for our food today. It looks really yummy and we're all very hungry. So thank you. And um. . . happy birthday, Jesus! And god bless us, every one! Amen!"
The adults all laughed an "Amen," and Rin just beamed.
InuYasha quirked a smile, and looked up as some the ham he'd brought was passed to him. After all of the food had been passed around, InuYasha had the most wonderful family dinner of his life. Everyone talked and laughed, and everyone was happy. And for one instance, during one of his father's funnier stories, a laughing Kikyou looked at InuYasha with no malice or resentment. As if she was willing to forgive him. But her look was only a glance, and her eyes left him to look back at his father.
After dessert, everyone left the kitchen to open gifts. InuYasha had none, and after several apologies from Kagome, he finally convinced her that he was all right without any gifts. He just sat back and watched everyone else, and the looks on their faces when they saw what their loved one had given them. Rin squealed at a new car for her Barbie Doll, and there was a touching moment when Kagome opened a present from Souta. He had bought her a set of diamond stud earrings. Very large diamond stud earrings. The emotional Kagome very nearly cried, and Sesshoumaru just laughed and put the earrings on her. Kagome hugged her brother tightly a second time.
Kikyou received a lovely necklace and a set of red earmuffs that were worn up around your neck instead of on the top of your head. She looked at the new pair for the first time with a look of confusion. They were small, and did not really look like earmuffs at first glance. "They're earmuffs, dear!" Yoko exclaimed.
"Oh!" Kikyou said, sounding a little ditzy. She laughed, and it was a very pleasant sound in such a funny situation.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When everyone was done and hugged and thanked, InuYasha finally worked up the courage to talk to Kikyou.
She was putting her gifts by her purse so she wouldn't forget them, and InuYasha approached her quietly, and nervously.
"Kikyou. . . can we talk? Outside?"
Kikyou looked at him for a moment, then nodded. They grabbed their coats and left for the front porch.
When they got outside, the air was still and crisp, and Kikyou's cheeks immediately turned pink. "I was wondering if I would ever see you again, InuYasha."
Her voice sounded pleasant when it broke through the airy silence.
"I suppose. . . " InuYasha began, knowing he was about to sound very stupid. "I suppose I owe you an apology."
Kikyou was silent for a moment, then she smiled. "Yeah. . . I wanted to ask you," she said, taking a step toward him, "Why did you do it? Why did you leave me and then avoid me for so long? I told you I loved you. . . was that your way of telling me you didn't feel the same?"
InuYasha's eyes widened. "No! I was just. . . (sigh). I was still just a kid, for one thing. It scared me. And I was so set on making money. . . so determined to succeed, that I didn't care about anything else. At least I didn't think I did. I was stupid to leave you that way. I did love you. I was just too blinded by greed to see it. I know you may never forgive me, and I thank you for being civil. It must be taking all you have to even be in the same room with me."
"You know something. . . " Kikyou said, turning away from him to lean on the wooden railing lining the small porch, "it's not. I'm happy to see you. I'm just very hurt. We were together for so long. . . for you to be able to walk away like that - that easily. . . I thought I would die. I had such strong feelings for you. . . "
"Do you still harbor any of those feelings for me, Kikyou?"
Kikyou looked up at him with wide eyes. "Aren't you brave." It was more of a statement than a question. "How do you know I'm not with anyone?"
"I don't."
"Do you expect me to come running back to you?"
"No."
"Because I'm not."
"You don't have to."
Kikyou turned back to the railing and stared at the snow. "I mean, sure. . . I still feel the same way about you. . . but that doesn't mean. . . you know, I'm really surprised that I still love you after not seeing you for five years. . ."
InuYasha stared at Kikyou, concerned. She wasn't really making any sense, and seemed to be talking to herself more, than to him. "You still love me?"
"I. . . yes."
"*Are* you with anyone?"
"No. No, I'm not."
"Then. . ." InuYasha stepped up closer to her. "Why can't we start over? Can I have another chance with you, Kikyou? I still love you. . ." He knew he sounded stupid, and was begging, but he didn't really care. He had questions he needed answers to.
"We. . . can not!" Kikyou stated offensively. "I told you already! I won't come running back to you!"
"I'm not asking you to. It's me that's doing the running. I'm running back to you. Shamelessly!" he added lightly.
Kikyou snorted. "Shamelessly. . . What makes you think it would even work? We've both changed."
"Changed how? You haven't changed a bit - except. . . " InuYasha's voice became huskier,"you are more beautiful than when I last saw you."
Kikyou's eyes widened once again. "Wha-? What are you trying to do?" she tried to yell, but her voice came out in a barely audible whisper. Their noses were touching now, and neither one of them was trying to stop themselves.
'Should I be kissing her so soon. . . ?' InuYasha wondered. But soon enough, he didn't care. Her question forgotten, he moved forward and brought their lips together. The cold air disappeared, and InuYasha was suddenly filled with the most comfortable warmth he'd felt in a long time. He was surprised she didn't pull away; perhaps she was feeling the same thing.
He was surprised again when she kissed him back. He pulled back to end the kiss, but she moved forward, so their lips never parted.
A moment later, she finally let him go. Even though the cold air returned to his skin, the inside of him was still warm. And he was happy. For the first time since Miroku died, InuYasha was happy.
Kikyou had already given in to him by this time, and she put her arms around his middle. "I wasn't supposed to come running back to you." She closed her eyes. "I've missed you."
InuYasha kissed the top of her head. "I'm so sorry, Kikyou. For everything I did to you. I leave you, then Miroku dies. . . and that night when you called me about him. . . I refused to talk to you. I was stupid and selfish. But I was mostly scared to love you."
"I forgive you, InuYasha. I forgive you. . . One question?"
"Hm?"
"Why did you push everyone away like you did?"
"I'll tell you someday. But right now, I'm freezing! Let's go back inside!"
Kikyou smiled and kept her arm around him. They went back inside the warm, small house, and everyone turned to look at them when they closed the door, as if they had been anxiously waiting to see the outcome of the couple's private discussion.
The family had just put in "It's A Wonderful Life," and everyone had settled down to watch. But now, they ignored the opening credits and instead watched InuYasha and Kikyou.
"What?" Kikyou asked teasingly. "Got a staring problem?"
Kagome smiled, "No."
"Then what are you all looking at?"
"Nothing. Come watch the movie." Kagome still smiled, and so did everyone else, now that they knew that all was well.
"Were you guys kissing?" Rin asked abruptly, crinkling her nose.
Everyone laughed, and InuYasha mussed Rin's hair playfully. "That's none of your business!" he laughed.
And then, something struck him. "Sesshoumaru? Can I talk to you for a moment?"
Sesshoumaru looked at him and nodded.
Leaving Kikyou on the couch with Kagome, InuYasha led Sesshoumaru into the kitchen. "I just remembered," he said to Sesshoumaru, "You're long over-due for a big, fat raise."
Sesshoumaru quirked a smile, and then laughed and shook InuYasha's hand happily. "Thank you!"
"Don't mention it."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
They were nearing the end of their movie, Kagome and Kikyou were actually sniffling. Jimmy Stewart had just been shown what his town would be like if he'd never been born, and it was obviously a little too emotional for the girls. Even Yoko had tears in her eyes. InuYasha didn't think it was that sad. . . though, he could certainly relate with George Bailey. He watched as Jimmy Stewart ran to the snow-covered bridge in shock, and shouted:
"'CLARENCE! CLARENCE! Help me, Clarence! Get me back! Get me back, I don't care what happens to me! Get me back to my wife and kids! Help me Clarence, please! Please. . . I wanna live again! I wanna live again. . . Please, God, let me live again. . . '
'Hey, George! George! You all right? Hey, what's the matter-'
'Now, get gutta here, Bert, or I'll hit you, again! Get outta here!'
'What the Sam hill you yelling' for, George?'
'You - George? Bert, do ya know me?'
'Know ya? You kiddin'? I been lookin' all over town tryin' to find ya. I saw your car plowed into that tree down there, and I thought maybe you - hey, your mouth's bleedin', are you sure you're all right?'
'What'd you. . . ha, ha, ha, ha! My mouth's bleedin', Bert! My mouth's bleed - Zuzu's petals! Zuz. . . There they are!! BERT! WHADDYA KNOW ABOUT THAT?! MERRY CHRISTMAS!'
'. . . well, Merry Christmas!'
'Mary! Yay!' (George runs into town) 'YAY! Hello, Bedford Falls!'"
InuYasha knew the feeling. The happy feeling you have when you get another chance. He had shouted, just as George Bailey had, and he had never felt better. George even came home to his bankers, who were after him for money he couldn't give them, and welcomed them with a handshake. "'Isn't it wonderful? I'm going to jail!'" he even exclaimed happily.
"How sweet," Kagome gasped when George's plethora friends from Bedford Falls began to donate money to his bank. Kikyou was in tears when George's little brother showed up from being away at war and toasted to him.
"'To my big brother, George. The richest man in town.'"
He and the others drank to George, and began to sing "Auld Lang Syne."
George looked down to find a book that he didn't see anyone lay in front of him. He opened to the front cover and found a note, the camera zooming in on it:
"'Dear George: -
Remember no man is a failure who has friends.
Thanks for the wings!
Love Clarence'"
'No man is a failure who has friends. . . geez, someone should've told *me* that a long time ago,' InuYasha thought to himself as the words affected him. He continued to watch as George's wife, Mary looked at the book and inquired:
"'What 's that?'
'That's a Christmas gift from a very dear friend of mine.'"
Kikyou gasped. "This is my favorite part!"
On the screen, George was holding his little girl, Zuzu up by the Christmas tree, and suddenly, a bell ornamented on the tree rang. Zuzu pointed to the bell.
"'Look, Daddy! Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.'
'That's right. . . that's right! Atta boy, Clarence!'
The End'"
Rin clapped at the end of the movie, and everyone else had to join in. Something caught InuYasha's eye in the corner of the room, and he nearly jumped off of the couch. Standing there was a very well-looking Miroku, who was now in technicolor instead of grey, stripped of his chains; Sango, now in a bright blue kimono; and Naraku, with is hood down, looking brighter than he had before. They were all smiling at InuYasha. They were all glowing. InuYasha smiled back.
Naraku nodded to him and vanished. Miroku and Sango waved, and then Miroku's waving hand lowered, and wandered somewhere on Sango's backside. With her eyes still on InuYasha, Sango smacked Miroku up the side of his head, then grabbed his arm as she had grabbed InuYasha's, and they disappeared in the beautiful white swirl.
"InuYasha, what are you staring at?" Kikyou was standing in front of him, tugging on his sleeve. "We're gonna go have a snowball fight! Come on!"
InuYasha smiled and stood. "Let's go."
He realized that he now knew the true meaning of Christmas. The One You Love. Your Friends. And more importantly, Family. And he was happy and thankful to be with both. And he made a vow to himself, that he would never disappoint his three ghosts again. . .
. . . actually, they had called themselves "ghosts," but to InuYasha, they were more like angels. Christmas Angels.
Everyone had left for the front yard, now, and InuYasha stopped on his way to the door, and looked at the tree. He saw an ornament that was a little brass bell. He tapped it three times, and its sound rang out through the silence of the small house.
The End. And Merry Christmas.
It's A Wonderful Life
"I see. . . I see. . . " InuYasha awoke to his own muttering on the hard wood floor beside his fireplace that Christmas morning. His hair was tangled and messy, and there was a crunchy grey leaf stuck to his cheek. He opened his eyes suddenly, and scrambled up off the floor, the leaf falling lazily to the ground. "I SEE!" he yelled out, running to his window.
He shoved it open, and stuck his head out the window. "MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!" he yelled hysterically. Many people stopped to look at him in confusion, and among them was the little orphan Shippou. After a moment, the boy shrugged and continued to walk.
"YOU! BOY!" InuYasha yelled out suddenly, pointing to the orphan.
Shippou stopped and looked up at InuYasha. "Sir?"
"Run to the market and buy your orphanage five large turkeys!"
"Sir?!"
"And fetch me a large ham, as well!!"
"Mister InuYasha, sir-" Shippou began, but stopped when the young banker disappeared from the window.
Soon enough, though, his front door flew open, and out came InuYasha, robe and all, to give money to the boy. "This should be enough," he spoke in a loud, ecstatic voice.
Shippou took one look at the amount of money he was handed and nearly fainted. "But, sir, this is-"
"Enough! Enough to feed you and the other children at your home! Go buy your food before it gets too late!"
"Yes, sir!"
"And do not forget my ham!"
InuYasha shooed the boy away, and then realized how beautiful his street looked in the morning. The wreaths on the street lamps, the snow on the ground, the rental horse carriages that clip-clopped by. The cars seemed to drive by lazily, and the clouds that blanketed the sky were the lightest of whites. InuYasha looked up to it and gave out the happiest of laughs.
He ran back inside, wanting to get to his brother's home as soon as possible.
He also couldn't wait to see Rin.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When Shippou brought his ham back to him, InuYasha paid the boy generously.
"Go buy yourself a gift other than socks!" he told him.
Shippou gave him the most incredulous of looks, and then left in a most confused state.
InuYasha dressed in his best winter clothes, with a bright red scarf around his neck to conclude his look. On the way to his brother's home, he realized that his family may not take his sudden change of mind so openly.
'Well, I'll just have to try to convince them,' he told himself.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Knock, knock, knock.
Knock, knock, knock!
BANG, BANG, BANG!"
InuYasha knocked impatiantly on his brother's door, and he had made it just in time, around noon. The door opened, and there appeared his brother's face. He looked slightly confused and expectant for a split second, but when he saw InuYasha's form at his doorstep, his eyes became cloudy, and his expression dumbfounded, and he stood in front of the entrance, guarding it. "I thought you weren't coming, InuYasha."
"I changed my mind!" InuYasha replied whole-heartedly. "I brought a ham!" he held the ham up to Sesshoumaru as Shippou had held up his jar of charity the night before.
"InuYasha, I. . . why are you. . . What is this?"
"What? Me? I. . . Sesshoumaru," InuYasha looked down, sorrowful and guilty,"I. . . had a dream last night. . . and I realized that, if I keep acting the way I am, I'm only going to end up alone. And I never stopped loving you guys. After Miroku died, I just put all my love away, somewhere. I let greed take over, and I regret it. I came here, not only bearing this ham, but to apologize, as well. I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru. I'm sorry for every cruel thing I've ever said or done to you, and I want you to know that I am willing to be a part of our family, again. I want to. I didn't realize it until now, but I've missed you, all. And I need you. Will you accept me back into the family? Will you forgive me?"
Sesshoumaru studied him placidly for a moment, trying to figure out if this split personality was for real. Then without warning, his face broke into a smile, and he grabbed his brother up and hugged him, in a sincere, tight hug, the ham squished awkwardly in-between them, but unnoticed. Sesshoumaru said into InuYasha's ear, "You are forgiven, brother. I've missed you, too."
And for the first time in years, InuYasha smiled kindly at his brother.
"Come in!" Sesshoumaru said happily. "Come meet you niece!"
Rin was nowhere to be seen in the living room, but Kagome appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Sesshoumaru who is. . . ?" she stopped when she saw InuYasha. "Inu. . . InuYasha. . . what are you. . . " She looked to her husband for an explanation.
"InuYasha has been kind enough to bring us a. . . well, *squished* ham," he said with a hearty laugh. "He wishes to be welcomed back into the family, Kagome."
She stood for a moment, her mouth slightly open. Perhaps she could not believe her ears. "You. . . He. . . A ham. . . " She looked at InuYasha, and he tried on his best smile. Kagome then rushed forward to him, her eyes quickly filling with tears. She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him tightly, the poor ham being squished once again. "Oh, InuYasha!" she cried, "We have missed you! We've wanted you back here for so long-"
"Kagome, dear," Sesshoumaru politely interrupted her, trying to pry her arms from around InuYasha's neck, "The ham. . . "
She moved back and looked at him with red, watery, but happy, eyes. "Huh?" she looked down and saw the now lopsided ham wrapped in plastic wrap in her brother-in-law's hand. "Oh!" she said, laughing and sniffling, "I'll go put this poor thing in the oven!" she exclaimed, taking the ham from InuYasha.
She ran out of the room, sniffling and laughing, and the happiest her husband had seen her in years.
"Let me take your coat," he said to InuYasha. InuYasha nodded and let his brother help him out of his wool coat, and he gave him his scarf, as well.
While Sesshoumaru was putting the coat and scarf on a coat hook by the door, there was another knock on the door, and he answered it.
"Dad!" he hugged his father in the doorway. "Look who's decided to join us!" He told him, already removing his father's hat. The handsome white- haired man of his early fifties stepped in, and looked up from wiping his feet to see his youngest son. "Well. . . miracles do happen on Christmas. . . InuYasha." came his deep baritone voice. "I thought I'd never see you again!"
InuYasha just waved nervously.
"How are you, son?!" his father exclaimed, holding out his hand for InuYasha to shake. His son did so, and his tall father then hugged him, as unexpectedly as Sesshoumaru had. "It's good to see you again, son."
And with a pat on the shoulder, his father withdrew, with a special look in his eye for InuYasha, and then made his way into the kitchen, Sesshoumaru in tow. "What smells good?!" InuYasha heard his father's voice ask happily.
Then there was a tug on his pant leg. InuYasha turned around and looked down at his waist to see his niece, looking up at him with wide eyes. "Are you Uncle InuYasha?" she asked with the innocent tone only a child could have.
InuYasha got down on a knee and smiled at her. "Yes I am." he told her. "You must be Rin."
Rin nodded her head vigorously, and gave him that nearly-toothless smile. InuYasha had to smile back, and he hugged her small form. When he withdrew, Rin asked, "Where have you been all of this time, Uncle InuYasha?"
"Aaah. . . I've been, uhh. . . trapped somewhere. For a long time. Why don't I tell you my story after dinner, huh? Would you like that?" InuYasha tickled her stomach.
"Yes!" Rin answered, giggling. She gathered her pink crutch tighter under her arm, and made her way over to the window. She then exclaimed, "Gramma and Souta are coming!"
And sure enough, Yoko and Souta were making their way up the cobblestone path, gifts and a pumpkin pie in hand. Rin opened the door before they could knock, and exclaimed, "Gramma!!"
By that time, Sesshoumaru, Father, and Kagome had all re-entered the living- room at Rin's squeal.
"Mamma!" Kagome's pleasant voice exclaimed as she hugged her mother. "Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas, Kagome!" Her mother replied, squeezing her daughter back as Sesshoumaru relieved her of the gifts and pie she'd been carrying.
Kagome released her mother, then turned to Souta. "Hey, kid!" she said, standing on the tips of her toes to hug him. He was a little too old to be called "kid," 23 in fact, but he really didn't seem to mind it. He hugged her back with his eyes closed, and InuYasha remembered hearing that Souta had gone to a five-year University. He must rarely see his sister.
Yoko turned to speak with Rin and Sesshoumaru, and as Souta looked up while he released Kagome, his eyes fell on InuYasha. Recognition flashed immediately in the young man's eyes, and he walked over to InuYasha, confidently. "So, you've decided to join us." He held out his right hand for InuYasha to shake. A slight smile showed that Souta was happy to have him back.
InuYasha gripped Souta's hand in his own, and shook it.
Souta laughed. "It's good to have you back, Uncle."
InuYasha said nothing, but nodded. By that time, Yoko had noticed his presence, as well. "InuYasha? Is that really you? My," she said, stepping up to examine him, "I haven't seen you in so long, I couldn't be sure!" Then, without missing a beat, she put her arms around him in a motherly fashion. "Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas, Yoko." InuYasha said, hugging her back.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"When will Kikyou be here?"
"We can't eat without her!"
"She called and said she had to stop by the orphanage to help with their Christmas dinner or something. They called her at the last minute."
"Well, I hope she gets here soon! The Christmas dinner here looks delicious!"
InuYasha's ears perked at the sound of Kikyou's name as he listened to all of the happy chatter. He'd forgotten. Kikyou.
What would he say to her? After five years of intentionally avoiding her?
His stomach suddenly shook nervously, and so did his hands. She would be here soon. Would she look different? 'Idiot. . . of course she'll look different. It's been five years.'
Everyone sat at the table, just waiting. The food smelled delicious, and thanks to InuYasha and Yoko's contributions, it would be no small meal.
Finally, the living room door opened, and everyone but InuYasha got up to greet Kikyou. Rin noticed him and tugged on is pant leg. "Come on, Uncle InuYasha! Kikyou's here! Come tell her hello!"
InuYasha nodded numbly and obliged. He walked into the living room, his eyes on the ground. He could hear her voice, and it sounded a little alien, but familiar all the same. He then hesitantly looked up.
And there she was.
She hadn't noticed him, yet. She still talked lively with everyone else, removing her scarf and coat, her long hair falling loose from its tie, until she took the tie out. She shook her hair down unconsciously, and InuYasha realized that she looked even more beautiful than when he'd last seen her. She looked older and more mature, her voice a little deeper with confidence, and her body. . . well. . . that looked even better, as well.
Kagome said something that made Kikyou laugh, and her eyes crinkled when she smiled, her teeth a beautiful white behind her red lipstick.
Then she spotted him. Her smile faded and her eyes held only resentment, as well as disbelief.
Of course she wouldn't welcome him as warmly as the others. InuYasha hadn't expected her to.
Everyone noticed how silent she had become, and they all watched as the former couple shared a long, intense stare.
Kikyou suddenly looked away toward Kagome, and breathed in a shaky breath. She whispered something to her, and Kagome nodded, with a look of understanding.
InuYasha looked at his brother, who was looking at him. Sesshoumaru walked over to him and told him in a low voice, "If this is too uncomfortable for you, we can have you over some other time. . . "
"No," InuYasha said. "I want to stay. I want to talk with her, anyway."
Sesshoumaru stepped back and looked his brother square in the eye, searching for any certain discomfort, but found only determination. "All right. Good luck."
"Thank you."
"InuYasha." It was Kikyou. InuYasha turned to see her standing confidently in front of him, her hand outstretched. She did not smile. "Merry Christmas. I hope you're well."
InuYasha stared stupidly for a moment, then took her hand weakly, and shook it. "Kikyou. . . Merry Christmas. I am well. And you?"
"I'm very well. I was told it was you who donated to the orphanage. It was very generous of you. Thank you. I - I help out there every Christmas," she explained. "The children have never seen so much food in their lives. Everyone wanted me to thank you."
InuYasha realized he was still holding her hand, and he let go, and nodded. "It was. . . my pleasure. . ."
There was an awkward silence, and Kagome plastered a smile on her face and cheerfully broke in. "Well, the food's getting cold! Let's go eat!"
Yoko agreed. "You're right! Come, on! Everyone to the table!"
Everyone filed into the small kitchen and took their seats, resuming normal conversation. Kikyou sat in the furthest seat from InuYasha.
"CAN I SAY BLESSING?" Rin asked her mother loudly over everyone else.
Kagome looked down at her and smiled. "Yes, Rin! Go ahead. Shhh! Quiet down everyone! Rin wants to say blessing!"
The adults all smiled at one another regarding Rin's request as they placed their entwined fingers at their chin's and closed their eyes. InuYasha hesitantly did so, as well. It had been a long time since he'd last prayed.
When Rin found the silence in the room satisfactory, she began. "Umm. . . We want to thank God for our food today. It looks really yummy and we're all very hungry. So thank you. And um. . . happy birthday, Jesus! And god bless us, every one! Amen!"
The adults all laughed an "Amen," and Rin just beamed.
InuYasha quirked a smile, and looked up as some the ham he'd brought was passed to him. After all of the food had been passed around, InuYasha had the most wonderful family dinner of his life. Everyone talked and laughed, and everyone was happy. And for one instance, during one of his father's funnier stories, a laughing Kikyou looked at InuYasha with no malice or resentment. As if she was willing to forgive him. But her look was only a glance, and her eyes left him to look back at his father.
After dessert, everyone left the kitchen to open gifts. InuYasha had none, and after several apologies from Kagome, he finally convinced her that he was all right without any gifts. He just sat back and watched everyone else, and the looks on their faces when they saw what their loved one had given them. Rin squealed at a new car for her Barbie Doll, and there was a touching moment when Kagome opened a present from Souta. He had bought her a set of diamond stud earrings. Very large diamond stud earrings. The emotional Kagome very nearly cried, and Sesshoumaru just laughed and put the earrings on her. Kagome hugged her brother tightly a second time.
Kikyou received a lovely necklace and a set of red earmuffs that were worn up around your neck instead of on the top of your head. She looked at the new pair for the first time with a look of confusion. They were small, and did not really look like earmuffs at first glance. "They're earmuffs, dear!" Yoko exclaimed.
"Oh!" Kikyou said, sounding a little ditzy. She laughed, and it was a very pleasant sound in such a funny situation.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When everyone was done and hugged and thanked, InuYasha finally worked up the courage to talk to Kikyou.
She was putting her gifts by her purse so she wouldn't forget them, and InuYasha approached her quietly, and nervously.
"Kikyou. . . can we talk? Outside?"
Kikyou looked at him for a moment, then nodded. They grabbed their coats and left for the front porch.
When they got outside, the air was still and crisp, and Kikyou's cheeks immediately turned pink. "I was wondering if I would ever see you again, InuYasha."
Her voice sounded pleasant when it broke through the airy silence.
"I suppose. . . " InuYasha began, knowing he was about to sound very stupid. "I suppose I owe you an apology."
Kikyou was silent for a moment, then she smiled. "Yeah. . . I wanted to ask you," she said, taking a step toward him, "Why did you do it? Why did you leave me and then avoid me for so long? I told you I loved you. . . was that your way of telling me you didn't feel the same?"
InuYasha's eyes widened. "No! I was just. . . (sigh). I was still just a kid, for one thing. It scared me. And I was so set on making money. . . so determined to succeed, that I didn't care about anything else. At least I didn't think I did. I was stupid to leave you that way. I did love you. I was just too blinded by greed to see it. I know you may never forgive me, and I thank you for being civil. It must be taking all you have to even be in the same room with me."
"You know something. . . " Kikyou said, turning away from him to lean on the wooden railing lining the small porch, "it's not. I'm happy to see you. I'm just very hurt. We were together for so long. . . for you to be able to walk away like that - that easily. . . I thought I would die. I had such strong feelings for you. . . "
"Do you still harbor any of those feelings for me, Kikyou?"
Kikyou looked up at him with wide eyes. "Aren't you brave." It was more of a statement than a question. "How do you know I'm not with anyone?"
"I don't."
"Do you expect me to come running back to you?"
"No."
"Because I'm not."
"You don't have to."
Kikyou turned back to the railing and stared at the snow. "I mean, sure. . . I still feel the same way about you. . . but that doesn't mean. . . you know, I'm really surprised that I still love you after not seeing you for five years. . ."
InuYasha stared at Kikyou, concerned. She wasn't really making any sense, and seemed to be talking to herself more, than to him. "You still love me?"
"I. . . yes."
"*Are* you with anyone?"
"No. No, I'm not."
"Then. . ." InuYasha stepped up closer to her. "Why can't we start over? Can I have another chance with you, Kikyou? I still love you. . ." He knew he sounded stupid, and was begging, but he didn't really care. He had questions he needed answers to.
"We. . . can not!" Kikyou stated offensively. "I told you already! I won't come running back to you!"
"I'm not asking you to. It's me that's doing the running. I'm running back to you. Shamelessly!" he added lightly.
Kikyou snorted. "Shamelessly. . . What makes you think it would even work? We've both changed."
"Changed how? You haven't changed a bit - except. . . " InuYasha's voice became huskier,"you are more beautiful than when I last saw you."
Kikyou's eyes widened once again. "Wha-? What are you trying to do?" she tried to yell, but her voice came out in a barely audible whisper. Their noses were touching now, and neither one of them was trying to stop themselves.
'Should I be kissing her so soon. . . ?' InuYasha wondered. But soon enough, he didn't care. Her question forgotten, he moved forward and brought their lips together. The cold air disappeared, and InuYasha was suddenly filled with the most comfortable warmth he'd felt in a long time. He was surprised she didn't pull away; perhaps she was feeling the same thing.
He was surprised again when she kissed him back. He pulled back to end the kiss, but she moved forward, so their lips never parted.
A moment later, she finally let him go. Even though the cold air returned to his skin, the inside of him was still warm. And he was happy. For the first time since Miroku died, InuYasha was happy.
Kikyou had already given in to him by this time, and she put her arms around his middle. "I wasn't supposed to come running back to you." She closed her eyes. "I've missed you."
InuYasha kissed the top of her head. "I'm so sorry, Kikyou. For everything I did to you. I leave you, then Miroku dies. . . and that night when you called me about him. . . I refused to talk to you. I was stupid and selfish. But I was mostly scared to love you."
"I forgive you, InuYasha. I forgive you. . . One question?"
"Hm?"
"Why did you push everyone away like you did?"
"I'll tell you someday. But right now, I'm freezing! Let's go back inside!"
Kikyou smiled and kept her arm around him. They went back inside the warm, small house, and everyone turned to look at them when they closed the door, as if they had been anxiously waiting to see the outcome of the couple's private discussion.
The family had just put in "It's A Wonderful Life," and everyone had settled down to watch. But now, they ignored the opening credits and instead watched InuYasha and Kikyou.
"What?" Kikyou asked teasingly. "Got a staring problem?"
Kagome smiled, "No."
"Then what are you all looking at?"
"Nothing. Come watch the movie." Kagome still smiled, and so did everyone else, now that they knew that all was well.
"Were you guys kissing?" Rin asked abruptly, crinkling her nose.
Everyone laughed, and InuYasha mussed Rin's hair playfully. "That's none of your business!" he laughed.
And then, something struck him. "Sesshoumaru? Can I talk to you for a moment?"
Sesshoumaru looked at him and nodded.
Leaving Kikyou on the couch with Kagome, InuYasha led Sesshoumaru into the kitchen. "I just remembered," he said to Sesshoumaru, "You're long over-due for a big, fat raise."
Sesshoumaru quirked a smile, and then laughed and shook InuYasha's hand happily. "Thank you!"
"Don't mention it."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
They were nearing the end of their movie, Kagome and Kikyou were actually sniffling. Jimmy Stewart had just been shown what his town would be like if he'd never been born, and it was obviously a little too emotional for the girls. Even Yoko had tears in her eyes. InuYasha didn't think it was that sad. . . though, he could certainly relate with George Bailey. He watched as Jimmy Stewart ran to the snow-covered bridge in shock, and shouted:
"'CLARENCE! CLARENCE! Help me, Clarence! Get me back! Get me back, I don't care what happens to me! Get me back to my wife and kids! Help me Clarence, please! Please. . . I wanna live again! I wanna live again. . . Please, God, let me live again. . . '
'Hey, George! George! You all right? Hey, what's the matter-'
'Now, get gutta here, Bert, or I'll hit you, again! Get outta here!'
'What the Sam hill you yelling' for, George?'
'You - George? Bert, do ya know me?'
'Know ya? You kiddin'? I been lookin' all over town tryin' to find ya. I saw your car plowed into that tree down there, and I thought maybe you - hey, your mouth's bleedin', are you sure you're all right?'
'What'd you. . . ha, ha, ha, ha! My mouth's bleedin', Bert! My mouth's bleed - Zuzu's petals! Zuz. . . There they are!! BERT! WHADDYA KNOW ABOUT THAT?! MERRY CHRISTMAS!'
'. . . well, Merry Christmas!'
'Mary! Yay!' (George runs into town) 'YAY! Hello, Bedford Falls!'"
InuYasha knew the feeling. The happy feeling you have when you get another chance. He had shouted, just as George Bailey had, and he had never felt better. George even came home to his bankers, who were after him for money he couldn't give them, and welcomed them with a handshake. "'Isn't it wonderful? I'm going to jail!'" he even exclaimed happily.
"How sweet," Kagome gasped when George's plethora friends from Bedford Falls began to donate money to his bank. Kikyou was in tears when George's little brother showed up from being away at war and toasted to him.
"'To my big brother, George. The richest man in town.'"
He and the others drank to George, and began to sing "Auld Lang Syne."
George looked down to find a book that he didn't see anyone lay in front of him. He opened to the front cover and found a note, the camera zooming in on it:
"'Dear George: -
Remember no man is a failure who has friends.
Thanks for the wings!
Love Clarence'"
'No man is a failure who has friends. . . geez, someone should've told *me* that a long time ago,' InuYasha thought to himself as the words affected him. He continued to watch as George's wife, Mary looked at the book and inquired:
"'What 's that?'
'That's a Christmas gift from a very dear friend of mine.'"
Kikyou gasped. "This is my favorite part!"
On the screen, George was holding his little girl, Zuzu up by the Christmas tree, and suddenly, a bell ornamented on the tree rang. Zuzu pointed to the bell.
"'Look, Daddy! Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.'
'That's right. . . that's right! Atta boy, Clarence!'
The End'"
Rin clapped at the end of the movie, and everyone else had to join in. Something caught InuYasha's eye in the corner of the room, and he nearly jumped off of the couch. Standing there was a very well-looking Miroku, who was now in technicolor instead of grey, stripped of his chains; Sango, now in a bright blue kimono; and Naraku, with is hood down, looking brighter than he had before. They were all smiling at InuYasha. They were all glowing. InuYasha smiled back.
Naraku nodded to him and vanished. Miroku and Sango waved, and then Miroku's waving hand lowered, and wandered somewhere on Sango's backside. With her eyes still on InuYasha, Sango smacked Miroku up the side of his head, then grabbed his arm as she had grabbed InuYasha's, and they disappeared in the beautiful white swirl.
"InuYasha, what are you staring at?" Kikyou was standing in front of him, tugging on his sleeve. "We're gonna go have a snowball fight! Come on!"
InuYasha smiled and stood. "Let's go."
He realized that he now knew the true meaning of Christmas. The One You Love. Your Friends. And more importantly, Family. And he was happy and thankful to be with both. And he made a vow to himself, that he would never disappoint his three ghosts again. . .
. . . actually, they had called themselves "ghosts," but to InuYasha, they were more like angels. Christmas Angels.
Everyone had left for the front yard, now, and InuYasha stopped on his way to the door, and looked at the tree. He saw an ornament that was a little brass bell. He tapped it three times, and its sound rang out through the silence of the small house.
The End. And Merry Christmas.