Sighs, ah so many reviews, it makes me feel all good inside.  Anyway sorry for the long wait, I had a little writer's block for the next chapter on what to do, but as you can see I'm back on track so onward with the story . . .

Winter Wonderland

Chapter Thirty-Four

Kagome sighed and stared at her ceiling, wondering if Sango, Miroku, Sesshoumaru, and Rin were enjoying the spare rooms next door to them and in the basement.  She giggled slightly when she felt something cold brush against her stomach.  Glancing down she could Inu-Yasha's head resting on her stomach, ear pressed right against her skin.  His nose brushed against her skin, causing her to giggle again.

  "I can hear it . . ." whispered the half demon, kissing her stomach lightly.

  "You can?  But I'm only one month pregnant . . ."

  "I have sensitive ears remember . . ." smirked Inu-Yasha kissing her stomach again, "I can hear it moving just a little . . ."

  Kagome smiled and reached her hand down caressing her mates cheek, "Do you think Miroku and Sango like their rooms?"

  "Oh I'm sure they do," whispered Inu-Yasha, crawling back up to Kagome and wrapping his arms around her waist.

  "We get to go shopping tomorrow . . ."

  "I take it me, Shippo, Kohaku, Sesshoumaru and Miroku are staying here?"

  "Well Sota will be with you so you guys don't cause too much trouble.  Sango and I will be getting our western style dresses with my mother, Rin, and Kaede.  Grandpa will probably be here with you,"

  "Great, getting chased around the house with him throwing those damn scrolls at me,"

  Kagome giggled and turned her head to kiss Inu-Yasha's cheek; "Sota can show Miroku and you around the city,"

  Inu-Yasha nodded, "Then the old man can stay home and take a nap,"

  Sighing, Kagome snuggled closer to Inu-Yasha pulling the covers over their bodies, "We finally get to be married in a week . . . I can't *yawn* wait,"

  Inu-Yasha kissed his mates forehead and buried his face into her hair, drifting off into a peaceful sleep. 

  Miroku and Sango slept peacefully in the other room, arms wrapped around each other.  Kohaku was sleeping on Sota's floor, with Shippo sleeping in a spare dresser drawer filled with blankets, which was his bed.  Kaede had taken the couch down stairs.  Kagome had offered her bed, but the old woman had refused, saying the two needed their privacy.  Rin and Sesshoumaru had taken the spare bedroom downstairs in the basement. Sesshoumaru had been reluctant to come to Kaogme's time, but agreed to since it was his brothers wedding after all. The night drifted on, and in the back of everyone's minds as they slept, they knew it was going to be a busy day.

********************

  Inu-Yasha stared out the kitchen window, watching the grey clouds pass by as he ate his honey nut cheerios.  Miroku and Kohaku sat across from him trying their French toast, while Shippo was munching on his pancake as he sat on the table, while Sesshoumaru was trying just an ordinary toast and was sitting beside his brother.  Kagome, Sango, Rin, Kaede and Mrs. Higurashi had left a while ago to go dress shopping for the girls.  They had discussed the wedding plans last night before everyone had hit the hay.  It was going to be a small wedding with Just Kagome's family, Ayume, and Hojo.  They were Kagome's closest friends and she wanted them at her wedding.  Inu-Yasha had no complaints, which had surprised Kagome at first, but she had gotten over it. After the wedding, they would be heading back to the feudal era for their honeymoon.  Kaede had told them of a place by the sea where they could stay for as long as they like with complete privacy.  Of course they wouldn't be heading there until the middle of April when it was warmer.

  Sighing, Inu-Yasha grabbed his orange juice and swallowed it in one gulp.

  "So are we just going to stay here all day?" asked Miroku.

  "Sota was going to give us a tour of the city, but he went to a friends house.  So Kagome phoned Hojo so he's going to take us,"

  Miroku nodded and continued to eat his cereal.

  "Inu-Yasha, will Kohaku and I be able to come along too?" asked Shippo.

  "Unless you want Kagome's grandpa to be chasing you around the house all day, then yes you can come,"

  There was a soft knock at the door causing everyone to look up from their breakfast.

  "I'll get it," sighed Inu-Yasha, heading to the door.  The half demon opened it to see Hojo standing there wearing average day clothes instead of his uniform.

  "You guys ready to go?" asked Hojo, eyeing that Inu-Yasha was just wearing his red pants.

  "Give us a few minutes to get ready," said Inu-Yasha, motioning for Hojo to come in, "Kohaku, Shippo, Sesshoumaru, and Miroku!  We have to get ready!" called Inu-Yasha who was already heading upstairs to change.

**********************

  Hojo waited patiently in the Higurashi living room waiting for Inu-Yasha and the others to get ready.  A pair of feet coming down the stairs caught his attention as his head turned to the left.  A man with black hair, which was in a small pigtail, came in.  He was wearing black jeans and a dark purple shirt.

  "I don't believe we've met, I'm Hojo," said the boy, getting up from the couch to shake the mans hand.

  "So you're Hojo? I'm Miroku," said the monk, shaking Hojo's hand.

  "Miroku?  So you're the one marrying . . . um . . . Sango I believe her name was?"

  "Yes,"

  "I haven't met her yet.  Kagome said over the phone that she was a nice woman,"

  Miroku just nodded, and noted in the back of his mind to ask Kagome what on earth a phone was.  Another pair of feet came down the stairs, which turned out to be Inu-Yasha with Shippo on his shoulder.  Inu-Yasha was wearing blue jeans and a light red sweater, plus a black cap to hide his ears, while Shippo had kept his original clothes on since there weren't any in the house that could fit him.

  Hojo stared curiously at Shippo, "A fox demon I take it?"

  "Yeah, this is Shippo, Shippo this is Hojo,"

  Hojo tried to shake hands with the little fox, but it was rather difficult due to Shippo's small hands. Sesshoumaru came down the stairs next wearing black jeans like Miroku and a long white-sleeved shirt.  It had taken Inu-Yasha almost three hours to explain to his brother how to put the clothes on.

  "Hojo, this is my older half brother, Sesshoumaru,"

  Hojo stuck his hand out to shake, but Sesshoumaru just stared at him with his emotional stare.  Bringing his hand back, Miroku whispered into his ear, "He's lord of the western lands, he doesn't shake peoples hands,"

  Hojo nodded and bowed quickly.

  Sesshoumaru just chuckled and went to stand beside his brother.

  "So is this all of us?" asked Hojo.

  "We still have to wait for Kohaku," said Inu-Yasha.

  "So Kohaku is Sango's brother?" asked Hojo.

  "Yup, he should be coming down soon," sighed Miroku.

  A few minutes later Kohaku came down and was introduced to Hojo.  Then they were off.  Hojo lead them to his car, which they all managed to cram into somehow.

  "Everyone comfortable?" asked Hojo from the drivers seat.  Inu-Yasha was in the front while Miroku and the others were in the back.  Nodding their heads Hojo started the car, almost making everyone jump, that is except for Inu-Yasha.  Pulling out into the busy streets, Kohaku, Miroku, and Shippo began looking out the windows in pure aw.  Shippo hadn't been allowed to leave the house when he had visited Kagome last time, and when he did it was only around the shrine grounds he was allowed to go.  Sesshoumaru however just stared out the window, glancing at the fox demon that was standing on his lap to see out the window.

  "So how long are Kagome and Sango going to go shopping?" asked Miroku, staring at the huge buildings they were passing.

  "Kagome said they wouldn't be back till night time.  They have to get Kaogme's dress, Sango's dress, one for Kaede and Rin, and then she said something about rings,"

  "Yes the wedding rings, we'll be going there first," said Hojo.

  "Huh?  What are you talking about?"

  "Well you're having a western wedding right?  Well the bride and groom exchange rings during the ceremony,"

  Inu-Yasha just nodded, "Mrs. Higurashi did give me this weird card thing.  She said to get Miroku and Sesshoumaru some tuxedo's,"

  "Ah, she gave you her visa.  Well don't lose that Inu-Yasha, it's very valuable here,"

  "So after the rings we get the tuxedo's, then what?"

  "I'll show you around the city.  I take it your friends and brother have never seen the modern technology here?" asked Hojo, taking a right at the lights.

  "Um yeah," sighed Inu-Yasha, staring out into the street.

  Their first stop was Jewelry For You.  Hojo was helping Miroku and Inu-Yasha pick out rings for their brides, while Sesshoumaru kept his eyes on Kohaku and Shippo who were looking at the different types of jewelry.  Shippo had almost knocked down a display of golden and silver watches, but Sesshoumaru's fast reflexes have saved the day.  When Kagome had phoned Hojo last night, he wasn't sure why she had given him hers and Sango's ring size, but when he realized Inu-Yasha and Miroku had no clue, it all made sense.  When they had bought the rings, Inu-Yasha and Miroku kept the rings in their jacket pockets as they headed for the mall.  Since it was in walking distance, they left the car behind.  Sesshoumaru stood almost a foot taller than everyone else on the street, which gave him an advantage of seeing over people.  Snow was still on the ground, but in a few weeks it would disappear, and spring would be arriving.  Hojo led them into the mall, which was quite busy since it was a Saturday.  Shippo sat perched on Inu-Yasha's shoulder while Kohaku stood close to Miroku.  Hojo showed them into men's clothing store.  Just like Inu-Yasha, Sesshoumaru refused for the man to take his measurements, and since Rin wasn't with them, Inu-Yasha had to take the measuring the tape.  As Miroku and Sesshoumaru were trying their tuxedo's on, Hojo stood on the other side of the curtain, explaining how the strange clothing worked.  Inu-Yasha, Kohaku, and Shippo wandered around the store getting Miroku and Sesshoumaru shoes, and had managed to find a small bow for Shippo to wear. 

  After paying for the tuxedo's it was already lunch.  They stopped at the food court for a bite to eat at WacDonald's (You see Kagome and her friends eat at this place all the time).

  "This food is disgusting," commented Sesshoumaru, tossing his burger into the garbage can.

  "I know, but it's the only place that wasn't busy.  I'll make you guys something better when we get back to Kagome's house," said Hojo.

  "You know how to cook?" asked Miroku.

  "Quite well actually,"

  Shippo really liked his burger, and had offered to eat Kohaku's if he wasn't going to finish it.

  When they finished eating, they headed back to the car to do some more sight seeing.  Hojo took them to a park, an arcade that Sesshoumaru hadn't liked at all, and now they were heading to a small fair that had been set up as a celebration for the coming of spring.  They decided to hit the Ferris Wheel first, then the bumper cars.  Sesshoumaru had really enjoyed that, especially when he hit Inu-Yasha.  They then headed to the roller coaster.  Since Shippo was so small he wasn't allowed to go on the ride, but Inu-Yasha hid the fox demon in his coat so he could enjoy the ride anyway.  Everyone screamed out as they twisted and turned, even Sesshoumaru allowed one scream as they went upside down.  They went on the ride five more times before Hojo and Miroku couldn't take it anymore.  Taking a seat on the bench, Hojo left momentarily to get them some cotton candy and something to drink.

  "That was quite fun," smirked Sesshoumaru, nudging his brother.

  Inu-Yasha just smiled and nudged him back, "Say Miroku, you doing alright,"

  The monk nodded, although he was still as white as a ghost.  Kohaku and Shippo were talking excitedly about the ride to one another, and wondering if they could convince the others do go on it again.

  "Hey!  Inu-Yasha!"

  The half demon looked up to see Ayumi and Ryo heading towards them.

  "Hey Ayumi," called back Inu-Yasha.

  The couple approached the group, "So you guys enjoying the fair?"

  "Yeah, oh I forgot.  Ayumi this is my older brother Sesshoumaru, my friend Miroku, Shippo, Kohaku, and Hojo is around here somewhere,"

  "Nice to meet you.  Kagome phoned me last night saying you did have a lot of company,"

  "Yeah, a full house,"

  "I bet her grandpa's not happy about that,"

  "He doesn't mind,"

  Ayumi nodded, "Well I'll see you guys later, we have to get going,"

  Inu-Yasha nodded, but noticed Ayumi motioning him to lean forward so she could whisper, "Kagome told me that you really killed Eri's ancestor.  I'm sorry to hear what happened to you, but watch out, Yuka and Eri are both here at the carnival right now,"

  The half demon just nodded and watched as Ayumi and Ryo disappeared into the crowd.  Hojo soon appeared with their cotton candy, and Sesshoumaru didn't complain once about the food this time.

  "Hey . . . Hojo . . ." whispered Inu-Yasha.

  The boy leaned in to listen to the half demon, "Yeah?"

  "Ayumi was here a few minutes ago, she said that Yuka and Eri were here,"

  "Do they know that you killed 'you know who'?"

  "Probably not,"

  "Well then it won't be a problem then.  I suggest we head to the games now and get the girls some stuffed animals,"

  Inu-Yasha nodded, munching down all his cotton candy in a few gulps.

**********

  Kagome looked at herself in the mirror, wondering if the dress suited her or not, "Well what do you guys think?"

  Mrs. Higurashi stepped around her daughter a few times, "I don't think so, it's too long, I don't really like the flower designs on the side, but I like that fact that it's strapless,"

  Kagome nodded and stepped off the stool, "Sango, how are you doing?"

  Sango came stepping out of the dressing room with Rin behind her.  The dress had thin white straps, was quite tight on the upper body, but fanned out at the hips.  The material was a white silk and looked stunning on the girl.

  "Oh Sango that looks beautiful!  What do you think?" asked Mrs. Higurashi.

  Sango walked out onto the stool, which was surrounded by mirrors, "I think it looks good,"

  "Well after going through almost a hundred dresses it's about time we at least found one.  Alright, Rin you can help Sango get out of her dress and then start looking one for you while I help Kagome out of this one,"

  Kagome was about to respond, but her mother pushed her into the dressing room.

  "Mom how is it that you can afford all this?  You told me you gave Inu-Yasha your other credit card to get the rings and tuxedo's for the others," 

  Mrs. Higurashi just smiled, "Oh your mother has her secrets,"

  "Mom I'm serious, how on earth are you going to pay for all this?"

  Sighing, Mrs. Higurashi started unzipping Kagome's dress, "Well while you were gone in the feudal era about in November, I got a ticket for the lottery,"

  Kagome gasped, "You won?"

  "Yes, and I was saving it for on your wedding, and Sota's too.  I was also going to send you guys somewhere for your honeymoon, but the place by the beach that Kaede had mentioned sounds good.

  Kagome nodded.  Speaking of Kaede, Kagome looked out her curtain to still see the old woman sleeping in her chair.

  "How do you think Inu-Yasha and the others are doing?"

  "I'm sure they are alright," said Mrs. Higurashi, leaving so Kagome could get undressed. 

  They had finally managed to find Kagome a wedding dress, which had similar material to Sango's.  Rin had found a dark red dress that fitted her nicely, and Kaede found a medium blue dress.  Then they headed to the jewelry store that was down town to get the rings for Inu-Yasha and Miroku.

***************

  Inu-Yasha watched humorously as Miroku tried to knock over the stack of bottles with a ball.  Sesshoumaru had already won Rin a stuffed dog, and Inu-Yasha had won the same for Kagome.  Kohaku had gotten his sister a stuffed rabbit, and Shippo had managed to win a small stuffed fox.

  "How many times has he tried?" asked Hojo.

  "This would be his sixth," chuckled Inu-Yasha, "He's trying to get that big cat one,"

  Miroku finally cried out with joy as he knocked over the bottles. 

  "About damn time too," added Sesshoumaru.

  Inu-Yasha laughed, "You have bad aim Miroku,"

  Miroku just laughed with them all, trying to not look too much like a fool.

  "Well, now where are we going to head to?" asked Inu-Yasha.

  Hojo thought for a moment, "Well we could go back to Kagome's, I can teach you guys some card games,"

  "How does that sound to you guys?" asked Inu-Yasha.

  The others nodded.

  "Well, if it isn't Inu-Yasha," said a voice.

  The half demon turned around to see Eri and Yuka heading towards them.

  "Oh, hello you two," said Inu-Yasha bitterly.

  "What do you guys want?" asked Hojo.

  "We just saw Inu-Yasha here and we noticed he has a couple more friends with him,"

  Inu-Yasha sighed, "This is my brother Sesshoumaru, my friends Miroku, Shippo, and Kohaku,"

  Eri and Yuka eyed Miroku, "You are quite handsome,"

  Miroku gave them a stern look, "I'm afraid I'm already engaged,"

  "Oh that's too bad, well what about you there handsome," asked Yuka, approaching Sesshoumaru.

  The lord just gave the two a cold stare, "I'm already promised to someone,"

  "If you'll excuse us, we are going back to Kagome's house," said Hojo.

  They started to walk away.

  "You gotten her pregnant yet Inu-Yasha?"

  Inu-Yasha stopped dead in his tracks, "What business is it to you?"

  "Well we saw her in the mall earlier today in the bathroom, and she wasn't doing to well," said Eri, crossing her arms.

  "So were going to have pup, it's none of your business," whispered Inu-Yasha.  He turned around and motioned for the others that they should leave.

  Eri was about to say something more, but Sesshoumaru stepped passed his brother, standing in front of the two girls, hovering above them, "I would suggest that you leave my brother alone or . . ." he reached forward and grabbed a stuffed cat in Eri's arms, melting it in his hand, "You will end up like this,"

  Both girls nodded their heads shakily before retreating into the crowd.  Smiling Sesshoumaru followed after the others.

  They headed back to the car and drove back to Kagome's place.  Sesshoumaru and Miroku hid their rings in the rooms they were in, and their tuxedo's in the closet.  Hojo sat at the dinning room table shuffling a deck of cards.

  "So what are we going to play?" asked Miroku.

  "You've played before?"

  "I believe Kagome called it old maid or something," (Yes they actually do play a game of old maid in the series, somewhere in the sixties)

  "I guess we can play that then, and maybe a game of go fish," suggested Hojo.

 Miroku nodded and took a seat at the table.

************

  Kagome yawned as she headed towards the house, "I'm so tired,"

  Sango nodded in agreement, "Yeah, and I'm not feeling so good,"

  "We have some medicine in the bathroom,"

  "I just have a stomach cramp, and a feeling to throw up,"

  Kagome nodded and wrapped an arm around her friends shoulder. Rin yawned and leaned on Kagome for a pill while Kaede and Mrs. Higurashi were not far behind them.  As they walked into the house, Kagome giggled as she saw the guys sitting at the table.  Sesshoumaru and Inu-Yasha glared across the table from each other.  Inu-Yasha had one card in his hand, while Sesshoumaru had two.  Inu-Yasha's hand moved back and forth between the two cards, trying to decide which one to choose.

  "What are they playing?" asked Rin, taking off her shoes.

  "Old maid, it's down between Inu-Yasha and Sesshoumaru,"

  The half demon grabbed the card on the right, and then jumped up, "YES!"

  Kagome laughed and walked into the house, "Hi guys,"

  Inu-Yasha approached Kagome and kissed her on the cheek, "How was shopping?"

  "It was alright,"

  The other ladies walked into the house and took a seat at the table by grabbing some extra chairs.

  "How about a big game of old maid?" asked Miroku, "I won last time,"

  Everyone laughed, and Hojo started to deal out the cards again.

TBC . . .