gatogirl1:Yeah, Kikyo's the stepmother and I thought that it'd be a good role for her to play. Some of my friends like Kikyo and I'm not really against her except when she's trying to drag Inuyasha to hell, but I kinda feel sorry for her. I thought that little kids were supposed to be really open and I got some help by reading Of Mice and Men in English. I like to have stories with little kids because they don't get enough attention. Thanks for saying that my grammar's good 'cause I was at a big disadvantage when I was little since both my parents are from China. I guess I've gotten over that weakness and it proves that I have the best grammar in my family. I'll reading the fic you suggested if I can finish some of the ones that I'm reading right now. The list isn't as long as it used to be, so at least I can remember what each story is about. I don't know why Kagome forgets Inuyasha. It was never really explained in the original fairy tale, but it's important to the story, so I kept it in. I think it's probably some sort of spell.
gala:I know! Aren't fairy tales great! The only thing that annoys be is that it's usually the guy who saves the girl. That's why I like this story so much. The guy doesn't save the girl, he just helps her in the end and there's another fairy tale that I want to do, but I'll have to finish at least one of my many stories first.
Miko-Snow Goddess-Me:Don't give me the credit for making the plot. The fairy tale that I'm basing this fic on just isn't very well known. When I find out what it's called, I'll tell everybody in my author's notes.
Chapter 2
Blanket of White
Kagome changed into her nightdress and made her way towards her father's and Kikyo's bedroom. Her father was ill and couldn't get out of bed and Kikyo was working hard to support the small family day and night. Kagome kissed her father and Kikyo and whispered to her stepmother, "Don't work too hard. Why don't you sleep for the night and catch up on the past few days of lost sleep."
"I can't, Kagome, dear," Kikyo sighed to her now 12-year old step daughter, "It's already winter and we need food, shelter, and clothing to last us for the next few months."
"But Kikyo," Kagome protested, "It's Christmas eve and we can last for a little while without having your wonderful meals. Just sleep for one night, that's all I'm asking."
Kikyo smiled and nodded her head. For the past three days she had not slept and the fatigue was catching up with her.
Kagome smiled and kissed her again before leaving for her own room. As she opened the door, however, she had a sudden urge to go into the forest. She thought it was silly and crawled into bed and waited for sleep to claim her, but it didn't come. Even after an hour of tossing and turning, there still seemed to be an invisible string pulling her to the dark trees. Not able to resist it anymore, she slipped on her shoes and coat, telling Kikyo that she needed to fetch some water that she could warm and use as a mini heater for her feet.
She dashed outside and past the well and was soon running along the path before she saw a red figure ahead of her. "Inuyasha?" she called.
The said hanyou turned around and grinned at her. "Get on my back," he said softly.
"I can walk!" Kagome retorted.
Inuyasha raised and eyebrow and pointed out, "If you prefer to have cold feet, go ahead."
Kagome glared at him for a while before deciding to shed her pride and still have feet. She climbed onto his back and he jumped through the trees before reaching a den no too unlike a wolf's. They crawled in and Kagome marveled at how big the dirt home was with natural furniture made from stone and underground roots and the warmth of the place. She sat down on one of the stone chairs and took off her shoes, trying to warm her frostbitten feet. Inuyasha sat down on the wooden chair across the room and started to rub some sticks together to make a fire.
After there was a strong, orange flame with stones surrounding it, Inuyasha saw that Kagome's feet were still cold and bent down to rub some warmth into them. Kagome looked down and blushed at the hanyou taking care of her and soon the two were scrunching towards the fire.
"So, what's changed?" Kagome asked, "Does your brother still tease you?"
Inuyasha's expression darkened. "No," he growled, "He just wants to kill me. Says that I'm a disgrace to our family and to all youkai. He thinks he's so great that he's the lord of the western lands."
"Oh, come on, Inuyasha," Kagome put her hand on her best guy friend's shoulder, "He's your brother. He doesn't want to kill you."
"You'd be surprised," Inuyasha said through clenched teeth.
Not knowing how else to comfort him, Kagome wrapped her arms around Inuyasha and laid her head on his shoulder (Like when she hugged him after he killed all the bandits after going full youkai). She felt him stiffen at first, and then relax. Gently, one clawed hand came up and rested itself on her raven black hair. They stayed in that position for hours before dawn started to creep upon them.
Inuyasha hoisted Kagome into another piggyback and took off. They stopped at the edge of the forest again where she got off of him and trudged back to her house. Halfway through the yard, she looked back at the clump of trees and thought, 'What just happened? I know it was something wonderful, but...what was it?'
(I could end the chapter here, but I decided to be nice.)
She found Kikyo asleep in a chair and smiled. She hugged her stepmother and whispered, "Merry Christmas," before dragging herself to bed.
(Once again, I can end it here.)
"Sango! Sango!" Kagome waved to a 13-year old girl with long black hair in a low ponytail, "Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas, Kagome!" Sango laughed before she noted her friend's appearance. Kagome had shadows under her eyes and her movements were slightly more sluggish than usual. What was even more odd was that she was busily working on gathering wood. "What happened? Not get much sleep? Why are you working on Christmas?"
Kagome sighed and answered tiredly, "I spent the night awake in the forest, but I don't remember what I was doing, so Kikyo's punishing me for staying out too late at night."
"Oh," Sango pitied her best friend, "Tough, huh?"
"I only got two hours of sleep."
Sango winced again before saying, "Well, I'd love to help, but I have to give Miroku his present. Here," she held out a box wrapped carefully, "You don't have to give me anything yet. As long as I get it before next Sunday!" she joked.
"Ok," Kagome replied, "And I know that you're visiting Miroku for more than just to give him his present."
Sango glowed crimson before she screamed in embarrassment, "Kagome! That's not funny!"
Kagome chuckled as she sprinted into the house to finish her chores.
So, how'd you all like it? I added in the fluff between Kagome and Inuyasha and the entire scene with Sango.