(A/N: Hey thanks for all the reviews, I feel so loved lol. ^_^)
Disclaimer: Inu and gang don't belong to me. Sorry.
" " - Speech ' ' - Thoughts **** - Scene changes
Inuyasha's Christmas Adventure
Chapter 7
When they arrived home everyone went get changed out of their traditional clothes and into more comfortable clothing.well everyone except Inuyasha. He just flopped down on the couch and waited for Kagome to comeback downstairs. In a way he was relieved to be back at the shrine. He had been nervous to be surrounded by so many people in his weakened form, but he had to admit that he did have a lot of fun playing those games with Kagome.
Mrs. Higurashi was the first one to come back down stairs. When she did she noticed that the message light was blinking on the answering machine. She went over and pushed the play button to see who called. "Hello everyone." A woman's voice said. "Just wanted to call and wish you all a merry Christmas and we will be traveling threw town tomorrow on our way up to your cousin Ashiro's. Your uncle Fugoku and I thought that it would be nice if we got together for breakfast tomorrow. Give us a call back and let us know. Love you." The message ended with a loud beep that caused Inuyasha to jump and look around fearfully for a moment.
Kagome came downstairs a moment later. "Hey mom, who called?" She asked, having heard the beep from the answering machine.
"It was Great Aunt Gakuya and Great Uncle Fugoku. They want to meet us for breakfast tomorrow." Mrs. Higurashi said picking up the phone and dialing a number.
"Really!? That's great! I haven't seen Aunty Gakuya since I was twelve!" Kagome said excitedly, walking into the living room and plopping on the couch next to Inuyasha, which caused him to bounce a little.
Inuyasha looked over at Kagome, who was smiling excitedly. "Who was your mom talking about?" Inuyasha asked curiously.
"She was telling me that Aunt Gakuya called." Kagome said. "Well she is my mom's aunt, but she is really great and funny too. I guess they want to meet us for breakfast tomorrow." Kagome said giving Inuyasha a big, excited smile.
In the background you could hear Kagome's mother talking on the phone. ".ok..that would be fine..we do have a guest coming with us...are you sure?..ok, ok.I guess you could say that..alright, see you then..love you too.bye."
After hanging up the phone, Mrs. Higurashi walked into the living room. "I just called them back and we will be meeting them at Nezake Café at nine, and don't worry Inuyasha, I already told them that we would be bring an extra person with us." Mrs. Higurashi said smiling at him.
Inuyasha just stared at her with wide eyes. He was NOT expecting to be invited to go along, and personally he would have been perfectly happy not to be meeting more of Kagome's family. The one's he knew he liked well enough and they accepted him for what he was and that was enough for him.
Seeing Inuyasha's nervous expression Mrs. Higurashi laughed softly. "Don't worry Inuyasha, Aunt Gakuya and Uncle Fugoku don't bite." She teased as she went upstairs to let Sota and Grandpa know.
If it was possible Inuyasha's eyes got even wider. He then turned back to Kagome, "This Aunt of yours isn't a youkie is she?" He asked nervously.
Kagome burst out laughing, "No Inuyasha, she is completely human." She said putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Inuyasha turned away, embarrassed. 'Man, I hate being human.' He thought to himself angrily.
****
The next morning everyone was downstairs ready to go except for Inuyasha and Sota. Sota had dragged the stubborn hanyou upstairs a few minuets before to help him change into some of the modern clothes that Mrs. Higurashi had bought for him. He did not want to wear 'those fucking uncomfortable clothes' as he soo politely put it. It had taken a couple of 'sits' and a stern look from Mrs. Higurashi to get him to go upstairs to change.
Mrs. Higurashi had noticed how he didn't seem to think anything about getting Kagome mad, like it was a game for him or something, but he seemed to have a health fear of getting her mad. She found it quite amusing. 'It's a good thing though, it'll help keep him in line if he is as interested in my daughter as he seems to be.' She thought to herself, smiling slightly. She had not missed them walking hand in hand at the festival the night before and had also seen the way he would look at Kagome when he thought no one was looking. She shook her head and chuckled softly, 'kids'.
A moment later Sota came running downstairs, "All set." He said with a big smile. A second later a very annoyed Inuyasha appeared at the bottom of the stairs. He was wearing loose fitting blue jeans, a tight charcoal colored muscle shirt, which showed off his muscular arms and chest, a black baseball cap that was on backward and Sota even got him in a pair of sneakers.
Kagome had turned around when her brother appeared; she was curious to see how good a job her brother would do getting Inuyasha dressed. When she saw him she was stunned.. he looked gorgeous.
Inuyasha was not happy, especially with the 'sneakers'. He HATED having anything on his feet, it felt so unnatural. The rest of the clothing wasn't too bad he had to admit. It was fairly comfortable, though it still didn't compare to his normal clothing.
He looked over at Kagome and saw her shocked look. He walked over and looked down at her narrowing his eyes slightly. "What?" He asked which caused her to blush and turn away.
"N-nothing." She stammered.
He smiled slightly. He could smell the embarrassment on her but he could also hear how her heart had sped up when he walked over and knew that she liked how he looked and found him attractive. 'Hum, maybe these clothes aren't so bad.' He thought, he liked the fact that Kagome was attracted to him. His mood brightened considerably, though he pretended that it didn't.
"Ok guys, let's get going." Mrs. Higurashi said grabbing her coat and going outside, closely followed by everyone else.
Fifteen minutes later they arrived at the Nezake Café. As they walked up Inuyasha notice an elderly couple standing by the entrance. He gulped slightly; they had to be Kagome's great-aunt and uncle. His thoughts were proven correct when Mrs. Higurashi spotted them and speed up her pace slightly. "Hello Aunt Gakuya, Uncle Fugoku." She said hugging each in turn.
"Hello sweetheart, how is my favorite niece?" Aunt Gakuya asked smiling.
"Hello dear." Uncle Fugoku said laughing softly.
"I'm fine." Mrs. Higurashi said as everyone else caught up with her.
Aunt Gakuya turned toward them, "Kagome dear, is that you? My have you grown since I last saw you. You've turned into such a beautiful young woman." She said smiling at Kagome.
"Thank you Auntie Gakuya." Kagome said giving her great aunt a hug.
"Sota, dear boy, how have you been?" Uncle Fugoku said going up to him and ruffling his hair as Aunt Gakuya greeted Grandpa.
"I'm good Uncle." Sota said giving him a big smile.
After another minute or so of talking amongst themselves Aunt Gakuya notice the tall silver-haired boy that was standing a few feet away. She smiled slightly, her eyes taking on a mischievous glint. "Fugoku dear, I do believe that we have forgotten our manners." She said looking over at her husband.
Uncle Fugoku has also noticed the boy; he looked at his wife and smiled. The looked at each other for a moment, seeming to talk volumes with just that one look. "I do believe that you are correct Gakuya." He replied. They both had come to the same conclusion; this young man must be interested in their great-niece. His smile widened and his eyes began to dance, they took their job as aunt and uncle seriously. It was time for some fun with this young man; they had to make sure that he was worthy of their great-niece.
Inuyasha hadn't missed the way Kagome's Great-Aunt and Uncle had looked at each other. He gulped nervously as they walked over to him. He knew this wasn't going to be good, he just knew it. The only thing that he found comforting was the fact that they smelled human and that Kagome was coming over too.
"Auntie Gakuya, Uncle Fugoku please forgive me for not introducing you sooner." Kagome said as she stopped next to Inuyasha. "Auntie Gakuya, Uncle Fugoku this is Inuyasha. Inuyasha, this is my Great-Aunt Gakuya and Great-Uncle Fugoku." Kagome said making the introductions.
"Hello." Inuyasha said nervously, trying to remember his manners.
"Inuyasha is a very good friend of mine." Kagome said.
"Is he really dear, that wonderful." Aunt Gakuya said looking Inuyasha over. She liked what she saw in the young man standing before her. He was a good looking boy, and judging by how nervous he was she figured that he was trying to make a good impression. 'Apparently Kagome means a lot to him.' She though, nodding slightly. He was good enough for her little Kagome.
After another moment she took a couple of steps forward and looked him directly in the eyes, which caused him to take a half step back and his eyes go wide. If it wasn't for the hat on his head everyone would have seen his ears go flat on his head. Inuyasha could tell that she was the dominant female in Kagome's family, his instincts screamed it at him. His youkie instincts were surging throughout his body. He knew that no matter how close Kagome and him were, that no matter if the rest of her family liked him or not, that the woman before him had a very large say if not final say as to whether or not he would be accepted. Friend or otherwise, she was the head female in the pack and his instincts directed him to be submissive to this woman. Not to mention that she was more intimidating than Mrs. Higurashi. 'What is it with the women in Kagome's family?' He thought. He felt like nothing but a small pup when around them, even if he was as old or older that Kagome's Great-Aunt.
Aunt Gakuya saw the look on Inuyasha's face and laughed softly. 'Good. He knows who's in charge.' She thought to herself, being the oldest member of the family defiantly had its perks. "It's ok Inuyasha dear." She said patting his shoulder and giving him a big, friendly smile. "You don't need to be so nervous, I don't bite." She said laughing as he visibly paled at the comment and glancing at Kagome, who was standing next to him smiling nervously.
"It's alright." Kagome said softly enough for on Inuyasha to hear. She knew that he wasn't good at social gatherings where he would be meeting people, even though she had to admit that she had never seen him THIS nervous. Usually he would ignore everyone, or only speak when necessary. This was very unlike him. She gently put a hand on his arm in hoping that he would relax a little.
Aunt Gakuya just watched to silent transaction between the two young people before her. 'Yep, they will be good for each other.' She thought to herself. "Alright lets get some breakfast." She said turning away from the two young people. "Oh by the way Inuyasha, you can call me Aunt Gakuya as well." She said looking over her shoulder and was satisfied by the quick look of relief that flashed through his eyes before he nodded slightly and answered with a quiet "Alright."
Breakfast went uneventfully. Everyone chatted about family news and school and other interesting issues. Inuyasha kept to himself as much as possible, trying to be as polite as possible. He was put on the spot a few times but Kagome came to his rescue. All together he found it to be quite interesting to watch Kagome and her family interact, though it also made him realize just how alone he was in the world. How he wished he had a family like Kagome's at that moment, instead of a brother that would rather see him dead than even have a civil conversation. Though he did have to admit that he did have a strange little family, bonded not by blood but by friendship.
All too soon breakfast was over and it was time to go. As they were leaving, having said their goodbyes, Aunt Gakuya pulled Inuyasha aside. "Inuyasha, I think you're a good young man. I trust that you will take good care of my little Kagome." She said giving him a stern look.
He blinked for a moment as what she said sunk in. He looked at her with serious eyes, "I will Aunt Gakuya, or I'll die trying." He said, which surprised her. She nodded her head slightly and turned and left with her husband. 'That boy is good for Kagome. I have a feeling that he would give his life to protect her.' She thought, if only she knew.
****
The day wore on with not much going on. Kagome and her mom baked some more cookies, Kagome had decided that they would be going back the next afternoon and she wanted to have something special for her friends. Inuyasha spent most of the day inside, Sota was teaching him some simple card games and had challenged him to a few rounds Mortal Combat on his video game system. He still wore the clothes from that morning, well except for the sneakers. They were off the moment he got in the house.
It was mid-afternoon and Kagome was starting to get bored. She had been watching Inuyasha and Sota play Mortal Combat for the last half hour so she decided to go outside for some fresh air. She stretched as she got up, which caught Inuyasha's attention.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"I'm just going to go outside for a couple of minutes to get some fresh air." She replied as she walked toward the door to get her coat and boots.
"Don't go far, it's dangerous." Inuyasha barked causing Kagome to smile and shake her head.
'He always says's that.' She thought to herself. "I won't." She replied.
She walked around the Shrine grounds for a few minutes. Taking in the familiar sights that she used to take for granted. She eventually ended up in front of the Goshinboku tree. She stared up at it for a few minutes contemplating everything that has happened to her. She was startled out of her thoughts when she heard someone coming up the Shrine steps and looked up in time to see Hojo take the last step. He was carrying a small package with him, 'Here we go' she thought sighing heavily to herself before pasting a smile on her face.
"Hojo, what a pleasant surprise." Kagome said as Hojo walked over to her.
"Kagome, how are you today?" He asked smiling brightly at her.
"I'm fine Hojo. What brings you here?" She asked a bit curious as to why he wasn't with his family; it was Christmas Eve after all.
He blushed slightly, "Well, I stopped by to give you this." He said handing the small package to her. "And I was also hoping that I might be able to convince you to go to the movies with me." He added with a hopeful expression.
Kagome looked at the package in her hands and frowned slightly. 'He just doesn't get it.' She sighed be for looking back up at him. "Hojo." She paused when she saw the hopeful look on his face before continuing, "I can't accept this." She said handing the gift back to him.
"Why not?" He asked puzzled.
"I just can't Hojo." Kagome said turning away from him slightly. "Like I told you before, that seventh grade girl really likes you and."
"It's about that boy, Inuyasha isn't it." Hojo said. "Don't you like me Kagome?" He asked, he was starting to get upset.
"Yes, I do like you Hojo. But.." Kagome said her back towards him.
"But what Kagome, tell me." Hojo demanded. He did not like the way this was going. "Will you look at me." He said angrily grabbing her arm and turning her to face him.
** About a minute or so earlier **
'Kagome's been gone for a while, I better go check on her.' Inuyasha thought to himself making sure to grab his hat just incase. He didn't really care if this was her time or not, he still didn't feel that it was safe to wander around by yourself for long periods of time unarmed. When he got outside, what he saw made him stop in his tracks. There, under the Goshinboku tree was Kagome talking to Hojo. He was about to go over there and scare him away for good but what he heard the boy say made him stop.
"It's about that boy, Inuyasha isn't it." Hojo said. "Don't you like me Kagome?" He asked, he was starting to get upset.
"Yes, I do like you Hojo. But.." Kagome said her back towards him.
"But what Kagome, tell me." Hojo demanded. "Will you look at me." He said in an annoyed voice, grabbing her arm and turning her to face him.
Inuyasha growled low in his throat and took a step forward but stopped again at Kagome's reaction.
"Let go of me Hojo." She said angrily. "I don't like you the way you like me. So let go."
"Y-your not saying that y-you have feelings for that other Inuyasha boy are you?" He stammered, a hurt look on his face.
"What if I am? Would it matter to you Hojo?" She asked angrily. She was sick and tired of him always bugging her for dates, he was a friend that was it and it was time for him to learn that.
"Yes it would Kagome, I don't like the looks of him. I don't think that you should spend time with a guy like him. You're always sick, you don't need someone like him bothering you." He replied, his temper starting to rise.
"SICK! DO I LOOK SICK TO YOU!!" She yelled.
"Then why do you miss so much school then? Don't tell me that your grandfather is lying and that you spend all your time with Inuyasha." Hojo said angrily.
"What if I am, what does it matter to you?" She replied.
"It matters to me Kagome because I love you." Hojo said grabbing her arm again.
Kagome looked at him for a moment before pulling her arm out of his grasp. "I'm sorry Hojo. I only like you as a friend." She said trying to turn away again but he wouldn't let her.
"So, are you saying that you love him?" Hojo demanded angrily. A moment passed before he asked again in a quieter voice, "Well do you?"
Kagome bowed her head slightly. She didn't want to hurt her friend but she knew that lying to him would be worse. "Yes Hojo. I love him, with all my heart. I'm sorry." She said softly, but not softly enough for a stunned hanyou to miss.
Inuyasha just stood there a moment. 'S-she just said that she loves me.' He thought shocked.
"P-please tell me that you're joking." Hojo said quietly.
Kagome turned away, not saying a word.
"LOOK AT ME!" Hojo demanded again. He grabbed her arm to turn her towards him but he grabbed her harder than he meant to causing her to flinch and let out a small yelp of surprise.
Inuyasha snapped back to reality when he heard Kagome, his blood boiled in anger that this boy would hurt Kagome. He ran over and pulled her out of his grasp. "Leave her alone." He said angrily placing her behind him where she would be safe.
"So you're here too huh?" Hojo said giving Inuyasha a cool look.
"So, what of it? At least I was invited." Inuyasha growled. "Are you alright Kagome, he didn't hurt you did he?" He asked in a gentler voice, not taking his eyes off of Hojo for a moment.
"I'm fine Inuyasha. Why are you out here, I thought you were playing with my brother." She asked trying to calm him down and change the subject, hoping that he hadn't heard what she had said to Hojo a moment before.
"I was, but I was worried about you. It's cold out and you were gone for a while. I wanted to make sure that nothing had happened to you." Inuyasha said glaring daggers at Hojo. Normally he would not have said that in front of anyone but since he had heard how she felt and that Hojo was not getting the point HE was going to make it clear. Kagome was HIS damn it!
Kagome was surprised at the way Inuyasha was acting. He didn't usually so concern like this for her unless they had just been in a battle, especially around strangers and people that he didn't like. It worried her a bit; exactly how much of their conversation did he hear?
Meanwhile both Inuyasha and Hojo were staring at each other. Inuyasha hoping that Hojo would get the hint because he knew that if he tried to attack him he would be 'sat' for a week. On the other hand Hojo was sizing Inuyasha up. He wasn't one for fighting but there was a time for everything and he was upset enough at the moment to not care one bit what Kagome would think about him attacking Inuyasha.
Inuyasha noticed Hojo clenching his fists, 'Feh, if he wants a fight then I'm up for it.' Inuyasha thought smirking slightly. Their saving grace was Sota, who came out of the house looking for Inuyasha. He wanted to play some more games with him.
"Hey Inuyasha onisan!" Sota called when he spotted his hero standing by the shrine steps with his sister. He ran over, "Can we play some more video games?" He asked before he noticed the presents of Hojo. "Oh, hello Hojo. How are you?" Sota said, being polite to his sister's friend. What he didn't notice was how pale Hojo was and the smirk on Inuyasha's face.
Inuyasha was glad for Kagome's little brother at that moment. When Sota called him 'older brother' Hojo had gone almost as white as the snow. He gave him a nice big smirk, making sure to show off one of his fangs. He could tell that Hojo at that moment lost any thoughts he had of fighting him. 'He knows his place, which is NOT with Kagome.' Inuyasha thought to himself.
After a moment, realizing that there was nothing he could do but leave Hojo said goodbye to Kagome and left. Leaving behind him a very confused Kagome and Sota and a self-satisfied hanyou.
Disclaimer: Inu and gang don't belong to me. Sorry.
" " - Speech ' ' - Thoughts **** - Scene changes
Inuyasha's Christmas Adventure
Chapter 7
When they arrived home everyone went get changed out of their traditional clothes and into more comfortable clothing.well everyone except Inuyasha. He just flopped down on the couch and waited for Kagome to comeback downstairs. In a way he was relieved to be back at the shrine. He had been nervous to be surrounded by so many people in his weakened form, but he had to admit that he did have a lot of fun playing those games with Kagome.
Mrs. Higurashi was the first one to come back down stairs. When she did she noticed that the message light was blinking on the answering machine. She went over and pushed the play button to see who called. "Hello everyone." A woman's voice said. "Just wanted to call and wish you all a merry Christmas and we will be traveling threw town tomorrow on our way up to your cousin Ashiro's. Your uncle Fugoku and I thought that it would be nice if we got together for breakfast tomorrow. Give us a call back and let us know. Love you." The message ended with a loud beep that caused Inuyasha to jump and look around fearfully for a moment.
Kagome came downstairs a moment later. "Hey mom, who called?" She asked, having heard the beep from the answering machine.
"It was Great Aunt Gakuya and Great Uncle Fugoku. They want to meet us for breakfast tomorrow." Mrs. Higurashi said picking up the phone and dialing a number.
"Really!? That's great! I haven't seen Aunty Gakuya since I was twelve!" Kagome said excitedly, walking into the living room and plopping on the couch next to Inuyasha, which caused him to bounce a little.
Inuyasha looked over at Kagome, who was smiling excitedly. "Who was your mom talking about?" Inuyasha asked curiously.
"She was telling me that Aunt Gakuya called." Kagome said. "Well she is my mom's aunt, but she is really great and funny too. I guess they want to meet us for breakfast tomorrow." Kagome said giving Inuyasha a big, excited smile.
In the background you could hear Kagome's mother talking on the phone. ".ok..that would be fine..we do have a guest coming with us...are you sure?..ok, ok.I guess you could say that..alright, see you then..love you too.bye."
After hanging up the phone, Mrs. Higurashi walked into the living room. "I just called them back and we will be meeting them at Nezake Café at nine, and don't worry Inuyasha, I already told them that we would be bring an extra person with us." Mrs. Higurashi said smiling at him.
Inuyasha just stared at her with wide eyes. He was NOT expecting to be invited to go along, and personally he would have been perfectly happy not to be meeting more of Kagome's family. The one's he knew he liked well enough and they accepted him for what he was and that was enough for him.
Seeing Inuyasha's nervous expression Mrs. Higurashi laughed softly. "Don't worry Inuyasha, Aunt Gakuya and Uncle Fugoku don't bite." She teased as she went upstairs to let Sota and Grandpa know.
If it was possible Inuyasha's eyes got even wider. He then turned back to Kagome, "This Aunt of yours isn't a youkie is she?" He asked nervously.
Kagome burst out laughing, "No Inuyasha, she is completely human." She said putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Inuyasha turned away, embarrassed. 'Man, I hate being human.' He thought to himself angrily.
****
The next morning everyone was downstairs ready to go except for Inuyasha and Sota. Sota had dragged the stubborn hanyou upstairs a few minuets before to help him change into some of the modern clothes that Mrs. Higurashi had bought for him. He did not want to wear 'those fucking uncomfortable clothes' as he soo politely put it. It had taken a couple of 'sits' and a stern look from Mrs. Higurashi to get him to go upstairs to change.
Mrs. Higurashi had noticed how he didn't seem to think anything about getting Kagome mad, like it was a game for him or something, but he seemed to have a health fear of getting her mad. She found it quite amusing. 'It's a good thing though, it'll help keep him in line if he is as interested in my daughter as he seems to be.' She thought to herself, smiling slightly. She had not missed them walking hand in hand at the festival the night before and had also seen the way he would look at Kagome when he thought no one was looking. She shook her head and chuckled softly, 'kids'.
A moment later Sota came running downstairs, "All set." He said with a big smile. A second later a very annoyed Inuyasha appeared at the bottom of the stairs. He was wearing loose fitting blue jeans, a tight charcoal colored muscle shirt, which showed off his muscular arms and chest, a black baseball cap that was on backward and Sota even got him in a pair of sneakers.
Kagome had turned around when her brother appeared; she was curious to see how good a job her brother would do getting Inuyasha dressed. When she saw him she was stunned.. he looked gorgeous.
Inuyasha was not happy, especially with the 'sneakers'. He HATED having anything on his feet, it felt so unnatural. The rest of the clothing wasn't too bad he had to admit. It was fairly comfortable, though it still didn't compare to his normal clothing.
He looked over at Kagome and saw her shocked look. He walked over and looked down at her narrowing his eyes slightly. "What?" He asked which caused her to blush and turn away.
"N-nothing." She stammered.
He smiled slightly. He could smell the embarrassment on her but he could also hear how her heart had sped up when he walked over and knew that she liked how he looked and found him attractive. 'Hum, maybe these clothes aren't so bad.' He thought, he liked the fact that Kagome was attracted to him. His mood brightened considerably, though he pretended that it didn't.
"Ok guys, let's get going." Mrs. Higurashi said grabbing her coat and going outside, closely followed by everyone else.
Fifteen minutes later they arrived at the Nezake Café. As they walked up Inuyasha notice an elderly couple standing by the entrance. He gulped slightly; they had to be Kagome's great-aunt and uncle. His thoughts were proven correct when Mrs. Higurashi spotted them and speed up her pace slightly. "Hello Aunt Gakuya, Uncle Fugoku." She said hugging each in turn.
"Hello sweetheart, how is my favorite niece?" Aunt Gakuya asked smiling.
"Hello dear." Uncle Fugoku said laughing softly.
"I'm fine." Mrs. Higurashi said as everyone else caught up with her.
Aunt Gakuya turned toward them, "Kagome dear, is that you? My have you grown since I last saw you. You've turned into such a beautiful young woman." She said smiling at Kagome.
"Thank you Auntie Gakuya." Kagome said giving her great aunt a hug.
"Sota, dear boy, how have you been?" Uncle Fugoku said going up to him and ruffling his hair as Aunt Gakuya greeted Grandpa.
"I'm good Uncle." Sota said giving him a big smile.
After another minute or so of talking amongst themselves Aunt Gakuya notice the tall silver-haired boy that was standing a few feet away. She smiled slightly, her eyes taking on a mischievous glint. "Fugoku dear, I do believe that we have forgotten our manners." She said looking over at her husband.
Uncle Fugoku has also noticed the boy; he looked at his wife and smiled. The looked at each other for a moment, seeming to talk volumes with just that one look. "I do believe that you are correct Gakuya." He replied. They both had come to the same conclusion; this young man must be interested in their great-niece. His smile widened and his eyes began to dance, they took their job as aunt and uncle seriously. It was time for some fun with this young man; they had to make sure that he was worthy of their great-niece.
Inuyasha hadn't missed the way Kagome's Great-Aunt and Uncle had looked at each other. He gulped nervously as they walked over to him. He knew this wasn't going to be good, he just knew it. The only thing that he found comforting was the fact that they smelled human and that Kagome was coming over too.
"Auntie Gakuya, Uncle Fugoku please forgive me for not introducing you sooner." Kagome said as she stopped next to Inuyasha. "Auntie Gakuya, Uncle Fugoku this is Inuyasha. Inuyasha, this is my Great-Aunt Gakuya and Great-Uncle Fugoku." Kagome said making the introductions.
"Hello." Inuyasha said nervously, trying to remember his manners.
"Inuyasha is a very good friend of mine." Kagome said.
"Is he really dear, that wonderful." Aunt Gakuya said looking Inuyasha over. She liked what she saw in the young man standing before her. He was a good looking boy, and judging by how nervous he was she figured that he was trying to make a good impression. 'Apparently Kagome means a lot to him.' She though, nodding slightly. He was good enough for her little Kagome.
After another moment she took a couple of steps forward and looked him directly in the eyes, which caused him to take a half step back and his eyes go wide. If it wasn't for the hat on his head everyone would have seen his ears go flat on his head. Inuyasha could tell that she was the dominant female in Kagome's family, his instincts screamed it at him. His youkie instincts were surging throughout his body. He knew that no matter how close Kagome and him were, that no matter if the rest of her family liked him or not, that the woman before him had a very large say if not final say as to whether or not he would be accepted. Friend or otherwise, she was the head female in the pack and his instincts directed him to be submissive to this woman. Not to mention that she was more intimidating than Mrs. Higurashi. 'What is it with the women in Kagome's family?' He thought. He felt like nothing but a small pup when around them, even if he was as old or older that Kagome's Great-Aunt.
Aunt Gakuya saw the look on Inuyasha's face and laughed softly. 'Good. He knows who's in charge.' She thought to herself, being the oldest member of the family defiantly had its perks. "It's ok Inuyasha dear." She said patting his shoulder and giving him a big, friendly smile. "You don't need to be so nervous, I don't bite." She said laughing as he visibly paled at the comment and glancing at Kagome, who was standing next to him smiling nervously.
"It's alright." Kagome said softly enough for on Inuyasha to hear. She knew that he wasn't good at social gatherings where he would be meeting people, even though she had to admit that she had never seen him THIS nervous. Usually he would ignore everyone, or only speak when necessary. This was very unlike him. She gently put a hand on his arm in hoping that he would relax a little.
Aunt Gakuya just watched to silent transaction between the two young people before her. 'Yep, they will be good for each other.' She thought to herself. "Alright lets get some breakfast." She said turning away from the two young people. "Oh by the way Inuyasha, you can call me Aunt Gakuya as well." She said looking over her shoulder and was satisfied by the quick look of relief that flashed through his eyes before he nodded slightly and answered with a quiet "Alright."
Breakfast went uneventfully. Everyone chatted about family news and school and other interesting issues. Inuyasha kept to himself as much as possible, trying to be as polite as possible. He was put on the spot a few times but Kagome came to his rescue. All together he found it to be quite interesting to watch Kagome and her family interact, though it also made him realize just how alone he was in the world. How he wished he had a family like Kagome's at that moment, instead of a brother that would rather see him dead than even have a civil conversation. Though he did have to admit that he did have a strange little family, bonded not by blood but by friendship.
All too soon breakfast was over and it was time to go. As they were leaving, having said their goodbyes, Aunt Gakuya pulled Inuyasha aside. "Inuyasha, I think you're a good young man. I trust that you will take good care of my little Kagome." She said giving him a stern look.
He blinked for a moment as what she said sunk in. He looked at her with serious eyes, "I will Aunt Gakuya, or I'll die trying." He said, which surprised her. She nodded her head slightly and turned and left with her husband. 'That boy is good for Kagome. I have a feeling that he would give his life to protect her.' She thought, if only she knew.
****
The day wore on with not much going on. Kagome and her mom baked some more cookies, Kagome had decided that they would be going back the next afternoon and she wanted to have something special for her friends. Inuyasha spent most of the day inside, Sota was teaching him some simple card games and had challenged him to a few rounds Mortal Combat on his video game system. He still wore the clothes from that morning, well except for the sneakers. They were off the moment he got in the house.
It was mid-afternoon and Kagome was starting to get bored. She had been watching Inuyasha and Sota play Mortal Combat for the last half hour so she decided to go outside for some fresh air. She stretched as she got up, which caught Inuyasha's attention.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"I'm just going to go outside for a couple of minutes to get some fresh air." She replied as she walked toward the door to get her coat and boots.
"Don't go far, it's dangerous." Inuyasha barked causing Kagome to smile and shake her head.
'He always says's that.' She thought to herself. "I won't." She replied.
She walked around the Shrine grounds for a few minutes. Taking in the familiar sights that she used to take for granted. She eventually ended up in front of the Goshinboku tree. She stared up at it for a few minutes contemplating everything that has happened to her. She was startled out of her thoughts when she heard someone coming up the Shrine steps and looked up in time to see Hojo take the last step. He was carrying a small package with him, 'Here we go' she thought sighing heavily to herself before pasting a smile on her face.
"Hojo, what a pleasant surprise." Kagome said as Hojo walked over to her.
"Kagome, how are you today?" He asked smiling brightly at her.
"I'm fine Hojo. What brings you here?" She asked a bit curious as to why he wasn't with his family; it was Christmas Eve after all.
He blushed slightly, "Well, I stopped by to give you this." He said handing the small package to her. "And I was also hoping that I might be able to convince you to go to the movies with me." He added with a hopeful expression.
Kagome looked at the package in her hands and frowned slightly. 'He just doesn't get it.' She sighed be for looking back up at him. "Hojo." She paused when she saw the hopeful look on his face before continuing, "I can't accept this." She said handing the gift back to him.
"Why not?" He asked puzzled.
"I just can't Hojo." Kagome said turning away from him slightly. "Like I told you before, that seventh grade girl really likes you and."
"It's about that boy, Inuyasha isn't it." Hojo said. "Don't you like me Kagome?" He asked, he was starting to get upset.
"Yes, I do like you Hojo. But.." Kagome said her back towards him.
"But what Kagome, tell me." Hojo demanded. He did not like the way this was going. "Will you look at me." He said angrily grabbing her arm and turning her to face him.
** About a minute or so earlier **
'Kagome's been gone for a while, I better go check on her.' Inuyasha thought to himself making sure to grab his hat just incase. He didn't really care if this was her time or not, he still didn't feel that it was safe to wander around by yourself for long periods of time unarmed. When he got outside, what he saw made him stop in his tracks. There, under the Goshinboku tree was Kagome talking to Hojo. He was about to go over there and scare him away for good but what he heard the boy say made him stop.
"It's about that boy, Inuyasha isn't it." Hojo said. "Don't you like me Kagome?" He asked, he was starting to get upset.
"Yes, I do like you Hojo. But.." Kagome said her back towards him.
"But what Kagome, tell me." Hojo demanded. "Will you look at me." He said in an annoyed voice, grabbing her arm and turning her to face him.
Inuyasha growled low in his throat and took a step forward but stopped again at Kagome's reaction.
"Let go of me Hojo." She said angrily. "I don't like you the way you like me. So let go."
"Y-your not saying that y-you have feelings for that other Inuyasha boy are you?" He stammered, a hurt look on his face.
"What if I am? Would it matter to you Hojo?" She asked angrily. She was sick and tired of him always bugging her for dates, he was a friend that was it and it was time for him to learn that.
"Yes it would Kagome, I don't like the looks of him. I don't think that you should spend time with a guy like him. You're always sick, you don't need someone like him bothering you." He replied, his temper starting to rise.
"SICK! DO I LOOK SICK TO YOU!!" She yelled.
"Then why do you miss so much school then? Don't tell me that your grandfather is lying and that you spend all your time with Inuyasha." Hojo said angrily.
"What if I am, what does it matter to you?" She replied.
"It matters to me Kagome because I love you." Hojo said grabbing her arm again.
Kagome looked at him for a moment before pulling her arm out of his grasp. "I'm sorry Hojo. I only like you as a friend." She said trying to turn away again but he wouldn't let her.
"So, are you saying that you love him?" Hojo demanded angrily. A moment passed before he asked again in a quieter voice, "Well do you?"
Kagome bowed her head slightly. She didn't want to hurt her friend but she knew that lying to him would be worse. "Yes Hojo. I love him, with all my heart. I'm sorry." She said softly, but not softly enough for a stunned hanyou to miss.
Inuyasha just stood there a moment. 'S-she just said that she loves me.' He thought shocked.
"P-please tell me that you're joking." Hojo said quietly.
Kagome turned away, not saying a word.
"LOOK AT ME!" Hojo demanded again. He grabbed her arm to turn her towards him but he grabbed her harder than he meant to causing her to flinch and let out a small yelp of surprise.
Inuyasha snapped back to reality when he heard Kagome, his blood boiled in anger that this boy would hurt Kagome. He ran over and pulled her out of his grasp. "Leave her alone." He said angrily placing her behind him where she would be safe.
"So you're here too huh?" Hojo said giving Inuyasha a cool look.
"So, what of it? At least I was invited." Inuyasha growled. "Are you alright Kagome, he didn't hurt you did he?" He asked in a gentler voice, not taking his eyes off of Hojo for a moment.
"I'm fine Inuyasha. Why are you out here, I thought you were playing with my brother." She asked trying to calm him down and change the subject, hoping that he hadn't heard what she had said to Hojo a moment before.
"I was, but I was worried about you. It's cold out and you were gone for a while. I wanted to make sure that nothing had happened to you." Inuyasha said glaring daggers at Hojo. Normally he would not have said that in front of anyone but since he had heard how she felt and that Hojo was not getting the point HE was going to make it clear. Kagome was HIS damn it!
Kagome was surprised at the way Inuyasha was acting. He didn't usually so concern like this for her unless they had just been in a battle, especially around strangers and people that he didn't like. It worried her a bit; exactly how much of their conversation did he hear?
Meanwhile both Inuyasha and Hojo were staring at each other. Inuyasha hoping that Hojo would get the hint because he knew that if he tried to attack him he would be 'sat' for a week. On the other hand Hojo was sizing Inuyasha up. He wasn't one for fighting but there was a time for everything and he was upset enough at the moment to not care one bit what Kagome would think about him attacking Inuyasha.
Inuyasha noticed Hojo clenching his fists, 'Feh, if he wants a fight then I'm up for it.' Inuyasha thought smirking slightly. Their saving grace was Sota, who came out of the house looking for Inuyasha. He wanted to play some more games with him.
"Hey Inuyasha onisan!" Sota called when he spotted his hero standing by the shrine steps with his sister. He ran over, "Can we play some more video games?" He asked before he noticed the presents of Hojo. "Oh, hello Hojo. How are you?" Sota said, being polite to his sister's friend. What he didn't notice was how pale Hojo was and the smirk on Inuyasha's face.
Inuyasha was glad for Kagome's little brother at that moment. When Sota called him 'older brother' Hojo had gone almost as white as the snow. He gave him a nice big smirk, making sure to show off one of his fangs. He could tell that Hojo at that moment lost any thoughts he had of fighting him. 'He knows his place, which is NOT with Kagome.' Inuyasha thought to himself.
After a moment, realizing that there was nothing he could do but leave Hojo said goodbye to Kagome and left. Leaving behind him a very confused Kagome and Sota and a self-satisfied hanyou.