(A/N: Hey thanks for all the reviews ^_^)
Disclaimer: Inu and gang don't belong to me. Sorry.
" " - Speech ' ' - Thoughts **** - Scene changes
Inuyasha's Christmas Adventure
Chapter 6
****
The next day dawned with clear blue skies, and the sun sparkled off of the two inches of snow that they received the night before. Needless to say it was a perfect day for a festival.
Inuyasha was the first one awake as usual. Mrs. Higurashi had set up a mat in Sota's room the night before for him; personally he would have preferred to sleep outside or on the couch. He felt like he was intruding, having Mrs. Higurashi make such a fuss over where he was sleeping. He didn't understand why it mattered soo much; after all, he was just a hanyou. Back in his era no one cared where he slept or if he was warm enough or if he was comfortable.. well except for Kagome. Sure Sango and Miroku cared if he was alright or not, and they were the closet things to friends he had, but the way Kagome and her mother cared was different. It made him think of his own mother and the few memories he had of her, which always made him feel sad and lonely. 'Feh, stupid human emotions. They always get the best of me on the new moon.' He thought to himself and got up, going downstairs quietly. He looked around quickly, seeing no one else up he headed outside to sit in the Goshinboku tree and think.
About a half hour later he heard movement in the house and saw Mrs. Higurashi move around the kitchen, getting breakfast ready. 'Well, everyone will be up shortly.' He thought watching as Kagome's grandfather came out of the house for the paper.
Kagome woke to the smell of pancakes, which had caused her stomach to growl. She loved pancakes, and it was not a dish you could get in the feudal era. On her way down stairs she peeked in Sota's room. He was still asleep but the mat that they had put down for Inuyasha was empty. She knew that he had slept there because the blankets were a mess. 'He must have gotten up early.' She thought. They had told him the night before that he didn't have to get up early if he didn't want to.
** Flash Back **
"Here you go Inuyasha." Mrs. Higurashi said pointing to the mat that they had placed in Sota's room. "You can sleep in here with Sota. I put two blankets down on the mat for you, will that be warm enough for you dear?" She said smiling up at him.
Inuyasha didn't know what to say. He felt a little embarrassed to have her make such a fuss over him. "Feh, I'll be fine." He said and sat down on the mat as Kagome came in the room.
"Here Inuyasha, I have an extra pillow from my room that you can use." She said handing him the pillow.
"Don't worry about getting up early tomorrow. The festival isn't until after dark and we are just going to be making some cookies in the afternoon so you can sleep in if you want." Mrs. Higurashi said as she tucked Sota in. "Good night you two." She said as she and Kagome left the room, shutting the light of as they went.
Inuyasha fell right asleep after they left, thanks to the warm blankets and the pillow that smelled like Kagome.
** End Flash Back **
Kagome continued downstairs, she had a pretty good idea where he would be so she wasn't worried. She walked into the kitchen and saw her mom finishing up the pancake batter. "Breakfast will be done in a couple of minuets. Kagome, why don't you go get the boys?" Her mom said from the stove.
"Sure mom." Kagome said, slipping on some shoes and headed outside to find Inuyasha. She spotted him in the Goshinboku tree sitting on a branch near the top. She walked over to the tree quickly, rubbing her arms too keep warm. "Hey Inuyasha," She called up to the hanyou "mom says that breakfast is almost ready. Why don't you come inside?"
"Feh, whatever." He said grumpily, jumping down from the tree. He landed next to Kagome with a quiet thump. "What's for breakfast." He asked sniffing the air as he headed to the house.
"Mom made pancakes, bacon and eggs. I guess she wasn't sure what you would eat so she made a ton of everything." Kagome said, following Inuyasha into the house.
He looked at her over his shoulder for a second before asking, "What are pancakes?" Which caused Kagome to laugh softly before explaining what pancakes are.
** That Afternoon **
Kagome was in the kitchen, helping her mom bake cookies, and she was in a very bad mood. Inuyasha had been acting like a real jerk all day. The only times he had been even bearable to be around was when it was time to eat, after that he was off sulking again and snapping at anyone who tried to talk to him. He had even been rude to her mom! She had asked him to go and change into some of the clothes that they had bought for him so she could wash his harori and his pants so that they would be clean for the festival and he had replied with a 'Feh, I'm not changing my clothes for some stupid wench.' She had to 'sit' him a few times to get him to cooperate. He had grudgingly changed into a pair of sweat pants and a loose fitting T-shirt, gave everyone a dirty look and had spent the rest of the morning sitting in the Goshinboku tree.
They were all dressing up in their traditional clothing for two reasons; one, so Inuyasha would be comfortable, he found the more modern style clothing annoying and two, they always dressed up for the festivals. She sighed heavily as she removed the latest batch of cookies off of the baking sheet.
Mrs. Higurashi looked over at her daughter as she sighed. She could tell her daughter was not happy with the way Inuyasha had been acting all day, but after being told of his secret, she herself couldn't really blame him for being in a bad mood. "Kagome," She said softly to her daughter, effectively pulling her out of her thoughts "you know tonight is the new moon. I'm sure that is why he is acting the way he is." She said smiling at her daughter.
"I know mom, he is usually like this on the new moon but still. This isn't his era, it's not as dangerous here for him as it is there with youkie after the jewel shards that we carry." Kagome said glancing at her mother out of the corner of her eye.
Mrs. Higurashi shook her head slightly, still smiling. "Did you ever consider the fact that because this isn't his era that he might feel more vulnerable here? He is used to the dangers of his era, he knows what to expect. Here, he has no idea what to expect." She said, watching as her daughters face softened.
"I guess your right mom. I never really thought about that." She said.
"I didn't think so." Mrs. Higurashi said. She looked up at the clock and noticed the time. "Kagome, why don't you go and start getting ready, the festival starts in two hours. I'll clean-up this mess." She said as she grabbed the empty bowls and put them in the sink. "Inuyasha's clothes should be dry by now if you want to go and get him." She called after her daughter, who was already headed out the door.
An hour and a half later everyone was dressed and ready to go. They were all sitting in the living room with Inuyasha standing in front of the window, watching the sun set. "Mom, why are we waiting to leave until after sunset?" Sota asked looking over at his mother.
"Well Sota, I thought it would be best to wait. The festival doesn't start until after sundown anyway." Mrs. Higurashi said smiling at her son. She hadn't told anyone about Inuyasha turning human, she respected his privacy and it wasn't her secret to tell.
Sota sighed heavily, not understanding why they had to wait. He was too excided to wait. Sota got up and went over to the window to look outside. "I can't wait for the festival, can you Inuyasha?" He asked looking up at Inuyasha who was just staring out the window. He sighed when he didn't get an answer and just looked back out the window and watched the sunset.
When the sun had fully set he turned back to Inuyasha and was shocked at what he say. Instead of his silver-haired hero there was a dark-haired boy standing next to him with his head bowed. "Inuyasha o-onisan?" He asked tentatively, not sure what else to say.
"What?" Inuyasha said, looking over at Sota. He could tell the boy was nervous by the sound of his voice.
Sota just stared for a moment as Inuyasha looked at him with his now violet eyes before he asked, "What happened? Y-you look human."
Inuyasha just 'Feh-d' and looked out the window once more as Kagome came over. She knew Inuyasha didn't like to explain if he didn't have to, even if he was the one to tell her mother. "Sota," She said quietly to her brother "You know how Inuyasha is a hanyou, right?" When she got a nod out of her brother she continued. "Well, on the night of the new moon he looses his youkie powers and becomes human."
"Really?" Sota asked looking from his sister to Inuyasha and back again. "That's soo cool!" He said, smiling and giving Inuyasha a big hug. "I didn't know you could turn into a human, that's almost as cool as your sword!" He exclaimed in full idol worship mode.
Inuyasha looked at Sota shocked. He was total taken by surprise at the boy's reaction. After a couple of seconds he 'Feh-d' again and turned back to the window, a slight blush on his cheeks. He was embarrassed at being called 'cool' for just being human.
Mrs. Higurashi had watched the whole scene take place from across the room. She had been surprise herself when his ears had disappeared and his hair turned black, and she had known that he was going to turn human!
"Well, lets get going. The festival will be starting in a couple of minutes." She said smiling at the three kids by the window.
With that said they all went to the door to grab coats and what not. The only one not to notice Inuyasha's sudden transformation was grandpa. He was totally oblivious to what had just happened.
****
They finally arrived at the park where the festival was being held. Inuyasha noticed that it was indeed the same park where he and Kagome had taken a walk, but now it was full of people walking around. There were all different kinds of booths; the smell of food and the sounds of music filled the air. He found it amazing, looking at all the people walking around dressed in the traditional clothing that he was used to seeing, playing games and singing songs that he had never heard before.
Kagome looked at Inuyasha and giggled at the look on his face. "What's wrong Inuyasha, have you never been to a festival before?" She teased, which caused him to blush slightly and look at her out of the corner of his eye.
"Feh, of course I have. It's just that this is different." He said.
She laughed at the embarrassed look on his face. "Come on, let's go explore." She said touching his arm lightly. Turning to her mom she then asked, "Mom, were going to go and look around ok?"
"Ok honey, here is some money. Meet us at the big tree in the center of the park in two hours." Mrs. Higurashi said before the two teens left.
As they walked Inuyasha saw all kinds of different booths. There was face painting, different kinds of arts and crafts, games, an origami booth, food vendors, and some booths selling incense, candles and jewelry. It was amazing, there were even groups of people standing around and singing.
"Come on Inuyasha, let's go play some games." Kagome said taking Inuyasha by the hand and dragging him in the direction of the game booths.
They played a few different games; a ring toss game, a dart game and another game where you toss baseballs at a stack of bottles. They were having a lot of fun and Inuyasha had even laughed softly a couple of times at Kagome's attempts to nock the bottles over with the balls they had been given. He was on his second try at the baseball game when Kagome's friends came running up.
"Kagome!"
"Hey Kagome!"
"Kagome, you made it!"
"Hi Yuka, Eri, Ayumi." Kagome said turning to her friends.
"Guess what!?" Yuka said. "Hojo is here. We say him a few minuets ago and he's looking for you!"
Inuyasha, who was in the process of throwing a ball, heard this and missed the bottles by a good distance. He had almost hit the guy behind the counter in his haste to turn around to hear the rest of this conversation.
"Yeah, he probably wants to ask you out on another date." Eri said, giggling.
"Your not going to stand him up again are you?" Ayumi said.
"He he, well." Kagome said hesitantly. Why did they have to bring up Hojo with Inuyasha around?
"Kagome, what's going on?" Inuyasha asked, trying not to growl.
"Hey, aren't you the guy that got Kagome out of the fire?" Yuka asked, only noticing Inuyasha after he spoke.
"Did you die your hair? I could have sworn it was silver." Eri said looking at him closely.
"Yeah, he did. It wasn't the permanent kind though." Kagome said quickly.
"Hey Kagome," Yuka said pulling Kagome away from Inuyasha a few feet. "Is that they guy that you have a crush on?"
"Yeah, is he that jealous guy that you've been seeing?" Eri put in.
"Come on Kagome tell us!" Ayumi said.
"N-no, he is just a friend really." Kagome said nervously.
"Well if he is just a friend then why don't you go out with Hojo?" Yuka said smiling.
"B-because I don't like Hojo like that." Kagome looking at Yuka nervously.
Meanwhile Inuyasha, not being out of hearing range, had heard what the girls were saying. 'I wonder what a 'crush' is.' He thought to himself. Just then a brown haired boy appeared not to far away.
"Kagome!" He called and jogged up to Kagome and her friends. "I how are you feeling? I have been meaning to stop by the shrine to see if you were ok after the fire."
"It's ok, I'm fine Hojo." Kagome said. 'Can this get any worse?' She thought to herself.
"Well that's great. I was wondering if you would like to go to a movie with me after Christmas?" Hojo asked hopefully.
Inuyasha didn't like the way this boy was acting around Kagome. He reminded him too much of Koga for his own good.
"W-well, you see." Kagome started to say but stopped when a pair of arms clad in red wrapped around her waist her. She looked up startled to see Inuyasha staring intently at Hojo.
"Kagome, who is this?" Hojo asked confused. He had never seen this boy before and he didn't like the way he was holding Kagome.
"This is Inuyasha. Inuyasha this is Hojo." Kagome said, quickly introducing the two boys.
"Well it's nice to meet you Inuyasha." Hojo said politely, getting only a curt nod from Inuyasha in response. "So are you a friend of Kagome's?" He asked.
"You could say that." Inuyasha said gruffly, eyeing the other boy expectantly.
"Well.ok then." Hojo muttered. "So Kagome, how about that movie?" He asked again, trying to ignore the looks that Inuyasha was giving him.
"Sorry, she can't." Inuyasha said before Kagome could reply. "She will be with me after Christmas."
"Kagome?" Hojo quietly questioned, starring intently at Inuyasha.
"Sorry Hojo. Maybe some other time." Kagome replied, smiling at Hojo in hopes to ease some of the tension in her friend.
Hojo, sensing that he wouldn't get anywhere with Kagome while this other guy was around smiled back and said, "Well, I'll see you at school then Kagome. Later." And left.
Inuyasha growled slightly at Hojo's retreating form. He did NOT like this Hojo kid. He would have been perfectly happy to stare daggers at his back all night if it wasn't for the giggling that erupted from Kagome's other friends that he had completely forgotten even existed.
"So Kagome, you and Inuyasha are just friends?" Yuka said, giving Kagome and Inuyasha an evil smile.
"Of course we are." Kagome said jumping out of Inuyasha's embrace, much to his displeasure. Yuka, Eri and Ayumi looked at each other smiling for a moment before Eri said, "If you say so Kagome."
"Yeah, personally I think he's your boyfriend, or wants to be." Ayumi said laughing at how red Kagome and Inuyasha turned when she said that.
"Feh" Inuyasha breathed turning his head away. Oh how he hated being human. He blushed WAY too easily, and the fact that her friends could tell that he liked her was not helping any.
"Oh, look at the time we got to go." Kagome said, pulling Inuyasha away from her friends. "See you in school." She called over her shoulder.
"Sure Kagome and you can tell us all about what's going on." Yuka called after her laughing.
After she lost sight of her friends she stopped and breathed a sigh of relief. Inuyasha looked at her for a moment. "Do we have to find your mother now?" He asked.
"No, we have a little while longer. I just wanted to get away from them." Kagome said smiling up at him. "I have some money left, are you hungry?" She asked.
"I guess." Inuyasha replied.
"Ok then, lets go." Kagome said grabbing Inuyasha's had and leading him to where there were a few food vendors.
After they ate they walked around for a few more minuets, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival. There were some people performing 'A Christmas Carol' on a mobile stage at the far end of the park. And they also saw a church choir singing Christmas carols in a gazebo. They even stopped to look at some of the crafts, which were mostly Christmas related items.
"Well, we need to head back now." Kagome said regretfully. The night went by too fast for her. It was soo much fun just walking around with Inuyasha without having to worry about being attacked.
Inuyasha didn't miss the sadness in her voice. "Oi Kagome, what's wrong?" He asked.
"Nothing Inuyasha. Why do you ask?" She asked looking up at him and smiling.
"No reason." He said. There were time's that he just didn't understand her, he was sure that she had a hint of sadness in her voice. He didn't need good hearing to hear it.
"Come on. Let's head back." She said and started walking down the path toward the center of the park.
After walking side by side for a moment Inuyasha reached out and tentatively took her hand and squeezed it gently. "I had fun tonight Kagome." He said quietly.
"You did?" Kagome said looking up at him.
"Hai." He said, his eyes locked with hers.
Blushing they both turn away from the other and continue walking hand in hand to the center of the park where Kagome's family was waiting for them.
****
Disclaimer: Inu and gang don't belong to me. Sorry.
" " - Speech ' ' - Thoughts **** - Scene changes
Inuyasha's Christmas Adventure
Chapter 6
****
The next day dawned with clear blue skies, and the sun sparkled off of the two inches of snow that they received the night before. Needless to say it was a perfect day for a festival.
Inuyasha was the first one awake as usual. Mrs. Higurashi had set up a mat in Sota's room the night before for him; personally he would have preferred to sleep outside or on the couch. He felt like he was intruding, having Mrs. Higurashi make such a fuss over where he was sleeping. He didn't understand why it mattered soo much; after all, he was just a hanyou. Back in his era no one cared where he slept or if he was warm enough or if he was comfortable.. well except for Kagome. Sure Sango and Miroku cared if he was alright or not, and they were the closet things to friends he had, but the way Kagome and her mother cared was different. It made him think of his own mother and the few memories he had of her, which always made him feel sad and lonely. 'Feh, stupid human emotions. They always get the best of me on the new moon.' He thought to himself and got up, going downstairs quietly. He looked around quickly, seeing no one else up he headed outside to sit in the Goshinboku tree and think.
About a half hour later he heard movement in the house and saw Mrs. Higurashi move around the kitchen, getting breakfast ready. 'Well, everyone will be up shortly.' He thought watching as Kagome's grandfather came out of the house for the paper.
Kagome woke to the smell of pancakes, which had caused her stomach to growl. She loved pancakes, and it was not a dish you could get in the feudal era. On her way down stairs she peeked in Sota's room. He was still asleep but the mat that they had put down for Inuyasha was empty. She knew that he had slept there because the blankets were a mess. 'He must have gotten up early.' She thought. They had told him the night before that he didn't have to get up early if he didn't want to.
** Flash Back **
"Here you go Inuyasha." Mrs. Higurashi said pointing to the mat that they had placed in Sota's room. "You can sleep in here with Sota. I put two blankets down on the mat for you, will that be warm enough for you dear?" She said smiling up at him.
Inuyasha didn't know what to say. He felt a little embarrassed to have her make such a fuss over him. "Feh, I'll be fine." He said and sat down on the mat as Kagome came in the room.
"Here Inuyasha, I have an extra pillow from my room that you can use." She said handing him the pillow.
"Don't worry about getting up early tomorrow. The festival isn't until after dark and we are just going to be making some cookies in the afternoon so you can sleep in if you want." Mrs. Higurashi said as she tucked Sota in. "Good night you two." She said as she and Kagome left the room, shutting the light of as they went.
Inuyasha fell right asleep after they left, thanks to the warm blankets and the pillow that smelled like Kagome.
** End Flash Back **
Kagome continued downstairs, she had a pretty good idea where he would be so she wasn't worried. She walked into the kitchen and saw her mom finishing up the pancake batter. "Breakfast will be done in a couple of minuets. Kagome, why don't you go get the boys?" Her mom said from the stove.
"Sure mom." Kagome said, slipping on some shoes and headed outside to find Inuyasha. She spotted him in the Goshinboku tree sitting on a branch near the top. She walked over to the tree quickly, rubbing her arms too keep warm. "Hey Inuyasha," She called up to the hanyou "mom says that breakfast is almost ready. Why don't you come inside?"
"Feh, whatever." He said grumpily, jumping down from the tree. He landed next to Kagome with a quiet thump. "What's for breakfast." He asked sniffing the air as he headed to the house.
"Mom made pancakes, bacon and eggs. I guess she wasn't sure what you would eat so she made a ton of everything." Kagome said, following Inuyasha into the house.
He looked at her over his shoulder for a second before asking, "What are pancakes?" Which caused Kagome to laugh softly before explaining what pancakes are.
** That Afternoon **
Kagome was in the kitchen, helping her mom bake cookies, and she was in a very bad mood. Inuyasha had been acting like a real jerk all day. The only times he had been even bearable to be around was when it was time to eat, after that he was off sulking again and snapping at anyone who tried to talk to him. He had even been rude to her mom! She had asked him to go and change into some of the clothes that they had bought for him so she could wash his harori and his pants so that they would be clean for the festival and he had replied with a 'Feh, I'm not changing my clothes for some stupid wench.' She had to 'sit' him a few times to get him to cooperate. He had grudgingly changed into a pair of sweat pants and a loose fitting T-shirt, gave everyone a dirty look and had spent the rest of the morning sitting in the Goshinboku tree.
They were all dressing up in their traditional clothing for two reasons; one, so Inuyasha would be comfortable, he found the more modern style clothing annoying and two, they always dressed up for the festivals. She sighed heavily as she removed the latest batch of cookies off of the baking sheet.
Mrs. Higurashi looked over at her daughter as she sighed. She could tell her daughter was not happy with the way Inuyasha had been acting all day, but after being told of his secret, she herself couldn't really blame him for being in a bad mood. "Kagome," She said softly to her daughter, effectively pulling her out of her thoughts "you know tonight is the new moon. I'm sure that is why he is acting the way he is." She said smiling at her daughter.
"I know mom, he is usually like this on the new moon but still. This isn't his era, it's not as dangerous here for him as it is there with youkie after the jewel shards that we carry." Kagome said glancing at her mother out of the corner of her eye.
Mrs. Higurashi shook her head slightly, still smiling. "Did you ever consider the fact that because this isn't his era that he might feel more vulnerable here? He is used to the dangers of his era, he knows what to expect. Here, he has no idea what to expect." She said, watching as her daughters face softened.
"I guess your right mom. I never really thought about that." She said.
"I didn't think so." Mrs. Higurashi said. She looked up at the clock and noticed the time. "Kagome, why don't you go and start getting ready, the festival starts in two hours. I'll clean-up this mess." She said as she grabbed the empty bowls and put them in the sink. "Inuyasha's clothes should be dry by now if you want to go and get him." She called after her daughter, who was already headed out the door.
An hour and a half later everyone was dressed and ready to go. They were all sitting in the living room with Inuyasha standing in front of the window, watching the sun set. "Mom, why are we waiting to leave until after sunset?" Sota asked looking over at his mother.
"Well Sota, I thought it would be best to wait. The festival doesn't start until after sundown anyway." Mrs. Higurashi said smiling at her son. She hadn't told anyone about Inuyasha turning human, she respected his privacy and it wasn't her secret to tell.
Sota sighed heavily, not understanding why they had to wait. He was too excided to wait. Sota got up and went over to the window to look outside. "I can't wait for the festival, can you Inuyasha?" He asked looking up at Inuyasha who was just staring out the window. He sighed when he didn't get an answer and just looked back out the window and watched the sunset.
When the sun had fully set he turned back to Inuyasha and was shocked at what he say. Instead of his silver-haired hero there was a dark-haired boy standing next to him with his head bowed. "Inuyasha o-onisan?" He asked tentatively, not sure what else to say.
"What?" Inuyasha said, looking over at Sota. He could tell the boy was nervous by the sound of his voice.
Sota just stared for a moment as Inuyasha looked at him with his now violet eyes before he asked, "What happened? Y-you look human."
Inuyasha just 'Feh-d' and looked out the window once more as Kagome came over. She knew Inuyasha didn't like to explain if he didn't have to, even if he was the one to tell her mother. "Sota," She said quietly to her brother "You know how Inuyasha is a hanyou, right?" When she got a nod out of her brother she continued. "Well, on the night of the new moon he looses his youkie powers and becomes human."
"Really?" Sota asked looking from his sister to Inuyasha and back again. "That's soo cool!" He said, smiling and giving Inuyasha a big hug. "I didn't know you could turn into a human, that's almost as cool as your sword!" He exclaimed in full idol worship mode.
Inuyasha looked at Sota shocked. He was total taken by surprise at the boy's reaction. After a couple of seconds he 'Feh-d' again and turned back to the window, a slight blush on his cheeks. He was embarrassed at being called 'cool' for just being human.
Mrs. Higurashi had watched the whole scene take place from across the room. She had been surprise herself when his ears had disappeared and his hair turned black, and she had known that he was going to turn human!
"Well, lets get going. The festival will be starting in a couple of minutes." She said smiling at the three kids by the window.
With that said they all went to the door to grab coats and what not. The only one not to notice Inuyasha's sudden transformation was grandpa. He was totally oblivious to what had just happened.
****
They finally arrived at the park where the festival was being held. Inuyasha noticed that it was indeed the same park where he and Kagome had taken a walk, but now it was full of people walking around. There were all different kinds of booths; the smell of food and the sounds of music filled the air. He found it amazing, looking at all the people walking around dressed in the traditional clothing that he was used to seeing, playing games and singing songs that he had never heard before.
Kagome looked at Inuyasha and giggled at the look on his face. "What's wrong Inuyasha, have you never been to a festival before?" She teased, which caused him to blush slightly and look at her out of the corner of his eye.
"Feh, of course I have. It's just that this is different." He said.
She laughed at the embarrassed look on his face. "Come on, let's go explore." She said touching his arm lightly. Turning to her mom she then asked, "Mom, were going to go and look around ok?"
"Ok honey, here is some money. Meet us at the big tree in the center of the park in two hours." Mrs. Higurashi said before the two teens left.
As they walked Inuyasha saw all kinds of different booths. There was face painting, different kinds of arts and crafts, games, an origami booth, food vendors, and some booths selling incense, candles and jewelry. It was amazing, there were even groups of people standing around and singing.
"Come on Inuyasha, let's go play some games." Kagome said taking Inuyasha by the hand and dragging him in the direction of the game booths.
They played a few different games; a ring toss game, a dart game and another game where you toss baseballs at a stack of bottles. They were having a lot of fun and Inuyasha had even laughed softly a couple of times at Kagome's attempts to nock the bottles over with the balls they had been given. He was on his second try at the baseball game when Kagome's friends came running up.
"Kagome!"
"Hey Kagome!"
"Kagome, you made it!"
"Hi Yuka, Eri, Ayumi." Kagome said turning to her friends.
"Guess what!?" Yuka said. "Hojo is here. We say him a few minuets ago and he's looking for you!"
Inuyasha, who was in the process of throwing a ball, heard this and missed the bottles by a good distance. He had almost hit the guy behind the counter in his haste to turn around to hear the rest of this conversation.
"Yeah, he probably wants to ask you out on another date." Eri said, giggling.
"Your not going to stand him up again are you?" Ayumi said.
"He he, well." Kagome said hesitantly. Why did they have to bring up Hojo with Inuyasha around?
"Kagome, what's going on?" Inuyasha asked, trying not to growl.
"Hey, aren't you the guy that got Kagome out of the fire?" Yuka asked, only noticing Inuyasha after he spoke.
"Did you die your hair? I could have sworn it was silver." Eri said looking at him closely.
"Yeah, he did. It wasn't the permanent kind though." Kagome said quickly.
"Hey Kagome," Yuka said pulling Kagome away from Inuyasha a few feet. "Is that they guy that you have a crush on?"
"Yeah, is he that jealous guy that you've been seeing?" Eri put in.
"Come on Kagome tell us!" Ayumi said.
"N-no, he is just a friend really." Kagome said nervously.
"Well if he is just a friend then why don't you go out with Hojo?" Yuka said smiling.
"B-because I don't like Hojo like that." Kagome looking at Yuka nervously.
Meanwhile Inuyasha, not being out of hearing range, had heard what the girls were saying. 'I wonder what a 'crush' is.' He thought to himself. Just then a brown haired boy appeared not to far away.
"Kagome!" He called and jogged up to Kagome and her friends. "I how are you feeling? I have been meaning to stop by the shrine to see if you were ok after the fire."
"It's ok, I'm fine Hojo." Kagome said. 'Can this get any worse?' She thought to herself.
"Well that's great. I was wondering if you would like to go to a movie with me after Christmas?" Hojo asked hopefully.
Inuyasha didn't like the way this boy was acting around Kagome. He reminded him too much of Koga for his own good.
"W-well, you see." Kagome started to say but stopped when a pair of arms clad in red wrapped around her waist her. She looked up startled to see Inuyasha staring intently at Hojo.
"Kagome, who is this?" Hojo asked confused. He had never seen this boy before and he didn't like the way he was holding Kagome.
"This is Inuyasha. Inuyasha this is Hojo." Kagome said, quickly introducing the two boys.
"Well it's nice to meet you Inuyasha." Hojo said politely, getting only a curt nod from Inuyasha in response. "So are you a friend of Kagome's?" He asked.
"You could say that." Inuyasha said gruffly, eyeing the other boy expectantly.
"Well.ok then." Hojo muttered. "So Kagome, how about that movie?" He asked again, trying to ignore the looks that Inuyasha was giving him.
"Sorry, she can't." Inuyasha said before Kagome could reply. "She will be with me after Christmas."
"Kagome?" Hojo quietly questioned, starring intently at Inuyasha.
"Sorry Hojo. Maybe some other time." Kagome replied, smiling at Hojo in hopes to ease some of the tension in her friend.
Hojo, sensing that he wouldn't get anywhere with Kagome while this other guy was around smiled back and said, "Well, I'll see you at school then Kagome. Later." And left.
Inuyasha growled slightly at Hojo's retreating form. He did NOT like this Hojo kid. He would have been perfectly happy to stare daggers at his back all night if it wasn't for the giggling that erupted from Kagome's other friends that he had completely forgotten even existed.
"So Kagome, you and Inuyasha are just friends?" Yuka said, giving Kagome and Inuyasha an evil smile.
"Of course we are." Kagome said jumping out of Inuyasha's embrace, much to his displeasure. Yuka, Eri and Ayumi looked at each other smiling for a moment before Eri said, "If you say so Kagome."
"Yeah, personally I think he's your boyfriend, or wants to be." Ayumi said laughing at how red Kagome and Inuyasha turned when she said that.
"Feh" Inuyasha breathed turning his head away. Oh how he hated being human. He blushed WAY too easily, and the fact that her friends could tell that he liked her was not helping any.
"Oh, look at the time we got to go." Kagome said, pulling Inuyasha away from her friends. "See you in school." She called over her shoulder.
"Sure Kagome and you can tell us all about what's going on." Yuka called after her laughing.
After she lost sight of her friends she stopped and breathed a sigh of relief. Inuyasha looked at her for a moment. "Do we have to find your mother now?" He asked.
"No, we have a little while longer. I just wanted to get away from them." Kagome said smiling up at him. "I have some money left, are you hungry?" She asked.
"I guess." Inuyasha replied.
"Ok then, lets go." Kagome said grabbing Inuyasha's had and leading him to where there were a few food vendors.
After they ate they walked around for a few more minuets, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival. There were some people performing 'A Christmas Carol' on a mobile stage at the far end of the park. And they also saw a church choir singing Christmas carols in a gazebo. They even stopped to look at some of the crafts, which were mostly Christmas related items.
"Well, we need to head back now." Kagome said regretfully. The night went by too fast for her. It was soo much fun just walking around with Inuyasha without having to worry about being attacked.
Inuyasha didn't miss the sadness in her voice. "Oi Kagome, what's wrong?" He asked.
"Nothing Inuyasha. Why do you ask?" She asked looking up at him and smiling.
"No reason." He said. There were time's that he just didn't understand her, he was sure that she had a hint of sadness in her voice. He didn't need good hearing to hear it.
"Come on. Let's head back." She said and started walking down the path toward the center of the park.
After walking side by side for a moment Inuyasha reached out and tentatively took her hand and squeezed it gently. "I had fun tonight Kagome." He said quietly.
"You did?" Kagome said looking up at him.
"Hai." He said, his eyes locked with hers.
Blushing they both turn away from the other and continue walking hand in hand to the center of the park where Kagome's family was waiting for them.
****