Chapter 27: Presents

The staff and Kagome and Inuyasha enter the main hall to the sight of Shippo hopping over the presents, obviously looking to see which of them were his. Once everyone had congregated in the main hall, the frenzy ensues. Some sought out their presents, ripping them open with surprising tenacity. Others found the presents they'd gotten/made for others and then sought the recipients out.

Kagome had taken special care in her gifts, being the only one that could go out into town and buy hers in open daylight (some of the others had bought things, but at night, and then they'd snuck into shops, taken what they wanted and left the money on the counter).

For Miroku she got a new invention she had found in the market. The merchant had called it a 'lighter'. It had a beaded metal chain threaded through a hole on one side that was the perfect size to fit around what served as his neck. Kagome happily showed him how to work the contraption, pleased with his awed expression before placing it around his neck.

For Sango, she had gotten something with more sentimental than practical value. During the first nights in the castle, Kagome had felt very uncomfortable with her new surroundings. To help her sleep, Sango had told her stories of how she'd grown up in a village full of demon slayers. Kagome had listened with rapt attention, and could tell that the girl was very proud of her history and heritage, even if at the time she thought it bit skewed. So, in remembrance of one of her stories, Kagome had found her a small boomerang. Sango was very touched and thanked her profusely for the gift.

For the little bouncing ball of energy known by all as Shippo, Kagome had bought two gifts, The first was a bit frivolous and possibly badly planned. It was a large bag of glass candy (A.N. For those who don't know, glass candy is ((duh)) candy that looks like glass. It's colored most of the time, and almost pure sugar.) to which Shippo jumped for joy while most of the staff groaned. The second gift was more meaningful. It was a snow globe of a garden in the winter that looked much like the castle garden, where that infamous snowball fight had happened. Shippo loved it, and immediately started to mercilessly remind Inuyasha about it.

Kagome had also gotten something special for Kaede. She'd found a teapot cover in market, and had modified it with eyeholes and a mouth hole, so that she wouldn't get cold when she 'supervised' Shippo when he played outside. She smiled gently and thanked her congenially for the gift and the thought.

The other servants received other gifts, each given with as much thought and compassion as the last, until everyone had at least one. She stands back from them, smiling at their joy and delight. She seeks out Inuyasha, smiling softly at the awed expression on his face. He looks like a child who'd just been brought in a toy store for the first time. She taps him on the shoulder, breaking him from his reverie and chuckles at his shocked look to find her beside him before asking softly, "What are you looking so surprised about Inuyasha?"

He blinks before replying, "They…they're smiling, at me. Like…real smiles…most of them have never done that before.

Kagome smiles, "That's what happens when you do things for people. They appreciate it, and then strive to show their appreciation the best way they know how. And…umm…speaking of appreciation…" her voice grows soft, "Could…could we go into the garden?"

Inuyasha cocks his head to side a bit, reminding her momentarily of a curious dog, before shrugging and taking her hand, leading her towards said garden, blushing this time only slightly at the skin contact.

Once they reach it, the two stand for a moment, enjoying each other's silent company. After the moment passes, Kagome clears her throat and steps away from him, letting go of his hand in the process. He looks to her, obviously curious as to what she was doing, his mask of apathy completely. She walks slowly over to the largest tree in the garden, and takes something from inside a fairly large knot. When she turns around, he can see that it's a square box, delicately wrapped with ribbon tied around it.

He was amazed. She had gotten him a present? But…why? He couldn't immediately think of anything that made him worthy of one. And she brought him out here to give it to him. Did that mean something special? All of his thoughts stop as she comes to a stand still a few feet in front of him, eyes trained on the ground.

"Before I give this gift to you," she says quietly, voice full of emotion, "I want you to know that this is very special to me, so at least pretend to like it, 'kay?"

Inuyasha nods, "I will." he promises softly.

She nods determinedly in reply, as if giving herself the courage needed to give it to him, before thrusting her arms out towards him, eyes on the ground. He carefully takes the present from her and starts to unwrap it. After the ribbon and wrapping paper were taken care of, he runs his clawed fingers over the simple black box. What treasure lay inside? He glances up at the girl in front of him before taking a deep breath and tearing the lid off. What he found took his breath away, not because of its extravagance, but indeed, because of it's elegant simplicity. Staring back at him was a string of large wooden beads, every four beads is separated by a fang of some animal or other. The beads shone a dark brown, almost a purplish color. He reaches out and runs a finger over the beads. "Kagome…I don't know what to say…"

She reaches out a hand and runs her own fingers over it her voice full of emotion, "It…it was my father's. Grandpa said that Mother gave it to him on their wedding day. Just…just take this as a thank you for always being there and, well, always rescuing me. C…can I?" she asks quietly, motioning to the necklace.

Inuyasha just dumbly nods, numb from amazement. 'She…she's giving me something of her father's. It's got to be so important to her. Why would she give it to me? …I…I've got to give her something big. Not just for this, but…for everything. I can't believe that I haven't thought of anything like that.'

As he thinks this, she carefully, lovingly, puts it around his neck. When he feels the weight of the beads settle around his neck, he looks up to Kagome, and sees that her eyes are shining with unshed tears. He can't help himself at that point, he encircles her with his arms, and holds her close. No words are needed as they just stand there, the snow falling slowly around them, encircled with each others arms. Faces flushed from the cold, though only Kagome's shows. It's in this moment, this one, special, unique, quiet moment, that a stunning revelation bursts through the darkness of his thick skull and his depressing reality. 'I'm in love with Kagome. I…I love her.'

A.N. Yay!! I'm back! This chappie was a bit on the fluffy side, but it's great to just be back. The next chapter should begin to get more into the action, promise. Well, it's kinda late, so now it's time for Reviewer Replies!

RebelWriter- Eh heh, yeah, I kinda forgot about it at first. Anyway, I'll be sure to check to see if you've updated asap. Also, don't worry, that won't be the last time he'll be cut down to size. With a thick skull like his, one time won't ever be enough to get through lol.

Neko-Yuff16- I'd be honored if you would use an example of my story in yours. Thank you for asking beforehand though, it makes me feel good to know that you think so highly of my abilities.

RoseMaiden- Well, they haven't told each other, but at least Inuyasha realized it lol. That count's for something. I'm very glad to hear that you enjoyed the new chapter.

Starflower-Gem- Thank you very much. I will do my best to continue updating as quickly as possible.

Kira- Lol, well, was that enough fluff? There'll be a bit more next chapter, if everything goes as planned at least. I promise to update as soon as possible.

MeMe- Thank you so much for the compliment. I hope to keep writing so that you can maintain that high opinion of me. I'll try to update asap, promise!

ThatOneNerd- Hey girl! Good to get a review from you, I'm glad you like it! Lol, I hope that you don't not read for that long again, your man may not be so patient next time.

Dananumber1- Thank you very much for the compliment and I promise to update as quickly as possible.

Kiara-Star- Well, now you know, thank you and I promise to update soon!

Aquariuspower6822- Thank you very much for the high praise, and I promise to review each of your fanfic so that I can give suggestions for all of them. I'm honored that you hold my opinion in such high regard.

Darkness spreads- Thank you very much and trust me, I'm not done by a long shot lol.

Well, that's all for now! R&R please!