Ta Da! I'm back my faithful reviewers! Sorry for the long wait, but can you really blame me? I've been working and watching the first Inu-Yasha movie over and over again, and just to let you know I'm watching it right now as I type! It is so awesome; the English version is so cool! And the second movie is going to be dubbed soon! Yeah!

So anyways, I have started to make the outline of my sequel to this story, and once I figure out a title, I'll let you all know so you can look out for it once this one is done.

Now that I've said what I need to say, onward with the next chapter!

Winter Wonderland

Chapter Fifty-Five

The old grandfather clock standing by the window sounded through out the cabin as it struck five in the morning. Mostly everyone in the cabin was asleep, that is except for Shippo, Kohaku, Souta, and Kirara were sitting on the living room floor, staring up at the Christmas tree, which was shimmering and sparkling from the lights and tinsel. Through the darkened windows the snow fell heavily from the sky as the remaining adults slept peacefully in their beds. Souta got up for a moment to put more wood into the fire before settling back down on the floor.

"Can we wake the others up yet?" asked Kohaku, staring at his presents at the base of the tree.

Souta sighed, "I'm afraid not, I got them up this early last year and they were kind of mad at me,"

"Oh, did they punish you or something?" asked Shippo.

"Well, Inu-Yasha did give me a dunk in the snow," Souta said.

Shippo and Kohaku sighed, and Kirara mewed.

"But there are so many presents! How could they be sleeping at a time like this?" asked Shippo.

"Well you can go and wake them up if you like," offered Souta.

Shippo smirked and scampered out of Souta's lap, heading towards the staircase. The fox ran up the stairs and stopped at the first door on the right, which was Inu-Yasha and Kagome's room. Giggling softly Shippo raised his hand to knock on the door, but a hand suddenly grabbed him by the tale, and covered his mouth before the fox could scream. With wide eyes, Shippo managed to turn his head to look at his captor. Hanging from the rafters, Inu-Yasha hung upside down, glaring at the fox.

"Hey . . ." grumbled to half demon. Inu-Yasha released the fox's mouth as he pulled himself back up into the rafter. Shippo gave a small gasp as he saw Miroku and Sesshoumaru sitting up in the rafters with Inu-Yasha.

"Oh . . . uh . . . hey guys . . ." whispered Shippo, waving to them all.

"We had a feeling that you, Souta, and Kohaku would already up . . . we heard you all go running downstairs four hours ago . . ." growled Inu-Yasha.

Shippo gave off a laugh that was to hide his fear, "Oh . . .is . . . is that so . .. huh?"

Miroku gave off a small chuckle, "Yes that is so . . .and if you dare wake Kagome, Sango, and my children . . . you will surely regret it,"

Sesshoumaru gave off a nod of agreement since he still had the lump on his head that Sango had given him when Inu-Yasha fell down the stairs.

Inu-Yasha pressed his face close to Shippo's to make the fox know he was serious, "Now . . . go back down stairs, and at least wait two more hours before trying to wake the others up,"

Shippo nodded before the half demon dropped him back to the floor. Shippo started to head back downstairs and noticed that the guys returned to their rooms. Sighing, the fox returned to others downstairs.

"I told you you shouldn't have gone up," said Souta.

Shippo nodded, and plopped down in Souta's lap.

Inu-Yasha grumbled slightly as he climbed back into bed with Kagome, who was still peacefully sleeping. Ever since he had heard those kids get up, he hadn't been able to go back to sleep with fear they would want to open their presents early. So he had managed to pull himself out of bed, climb up onto the rafter, and wait to see if the kids would come wake them up. Miroku had joined him a few minutes later, and then Sesshoumaru. The three of them had a whispered conversation to pass the time, but when Shippo came running up the stairs, it had been time for action.

Wrapping his arms around Kagome, he closed his eyes and tried to at least get two hours sleep before he was awakened again . . .and yet he would not find anymore sleep that night. Opening his eyes he stared down at his mate, and his eyes drifted to her swelling womb. After the conversation with Hiroshi, he couldn't stop wondering if their daughter would be a half demon like him, or human like his mother. When it cam down to it, it didn't really matter whether the child was half demon or human, as along as it was healthy and lived. And yet, Inu-Yasha hoped that it would be a half demon . . .otherwise he and Kagome would have to watch their daughter age, and die before them. Shaking his head slightly, Inu-Yasha nestled his head into Kagome's soft hair and inhaled her scent, trying to not think about the situation.

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Exactly two hours later, Shippo, Souta, and Kohaku came running up the stairs to wake everyone up. Of course, none of the adults were happy about being woken up so early in the morning, but it could have been worse with them being awakened two hours earlier like the kids had planned. Inu-Yasha and Kagome were the last to come down the stairs since Inu-Yasha didn't want anyone to bump his pregnant mate as she tried to make it downstairs. Soon, everyone was settled down somewhere before Souta and Kohaku started to hand out presents for everyone. The twins became quiet when it was time to open presents as Sango held Misa, and Miroku with Keiraro. Shippo, had gone downstairs to awaken Kagome's mother and grandpa who soon joined them.

When the presents were all handed out, they started to go around the room, opening by age with Shippo starting, then Souta, Kohaku, Rin, Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Mrs. Higurashi, Inu-Yasha, Grandpa, and then finally Sesshoumaru.

Shippo tore through his presents, finding many crayons, markers; coloring books, candy, chocolate, and toys. For Souta, he had gotten two video games from Kagome and Inu-Yasha, clothes from his mother and grandfather; Sango and Miroku had gotten him new controller for his game and a memory card, Shippo had given him cheat book on how to pass the levels on a particular game he was having trouble with, Kohaku gave him a new winter coat, which Souta had seen in the mall, and Sesshoumaru and Rin had gotten him a new sled.

Kohaku was next and had gotten a new sword from Sango and Miroku, Kagome gave him new kimono to wear on special occasions and Inu-Yasha added in the comic he had gotten at the mall. Shippo gave Kohaku manu different types of cross-word puzzles, and from Sesshoumaru and Rin, he had gotten some new armor for when slaying demons.

Rin came next and was given a golden necklace that had her name on it from Kagome and Inu-Yasha. Sango, Miroku, and Kohaku had gotten her a new sled, while Shippo had gotten her a nice smelling perfume, although Inu-Yasha complained it stunk, but was thwacked over the head by Sesshoumaru who hissed for him to hold his tongue. And Last from Sesshoumaru, she had gotten another kimono, but this time it was red, a fan, sandals, and a flower comb, and the lord received a big hug from the young demon, which made everyone laugh in the room.

Next was Kagome. From her mother she had gotten a few books on how to take care of children and another one for both her and Inu-Yasha on parenting skills. Her Grandfather had given her some more SHAM! clothing, and Souta had gotten her some lavender perfume, which Inu-Yasha complained again about the smell was sat this time. Sango, Miroku, and Kohaku, had given her a new chain for her locket from Inu-Yasha last year, and an exercise book on how to keep fit while pregnant. Shippo had gotten a baby blanket for Kagome's daughter, while Sesshoumaru and Rin a small red kimono for the baby. Inu-Yasha's present came last, which was the two bracelets with the words 'mine' and 'forever' on them. (Just a small note here, someone said I copied this bracelet thing from an already made fan fic. Unfortunately I've never heard of the name of it, I think it was called 'when he was mine', but where I got this idea from was my sisters boyfriend, which he gave to my sister for the 2nd anniversary of being together)

For Sango and Miroku, most of their gifts were together since the majority of them were books on babies, children clothing, and toys for the twins. Grandpa had gotten the twins prayer beads to protect them from evil. Miroku accepted them happily, and asked Inu-Yasha to remind him to put spiritual power into them since there wasn't any.

Mrs. Hirgurashi got many gardening supplies, cooking books, another bird feeder, and some new clothes. Inu-Yasha and Kagome had gotten her a cute shirt that had a small puppy on the front, and the words Grandma near the top.

Inu-Yasha was next and got many humerous gifts from his friends. Miroku had given a book called, 'How to Please Your Woman' and 'Tips For a Fantastic Night', which almost ended up giving the monk a searing head ache when Inu-Yasha was through with him. Sango however had made Inu-Yasha another fire-rat outfit to make up for the two books. Mrs. Higurashi and Grandpa had gotten him a scarf and toque to wear so his fuzzy puppy ears wouldn't get cold. Kagome had gotten her mate a whole garbage bag of Honey Nut Cheerios and Ramen, plus a humerous T-Shirt with the words 'He who laughs last . . .thinks slowest'. Shippo had gotten him a whole box of potato chips, and lastly, from Sesshoumaru and Rin, the lord of the western lands had to go up stairs to get the present. Inu-Yasha was rather shocked at how big it was.

"I found this in the library while we were sorting through it . . . I though you might want to have it," said Sesshoumaru as he passed the gift to Inu-Yasha. The half demon could only take a guess that it was a portrait of something. Carefully ripping open the wrapping paper Inu-Yasha froze as he stared at the picture, and Kagome gave a small gasp. His mother and father standing side by side, with smiles on their faces. His mother holding him and he was only a small child, sleeping in Natasha's arms, while Sesshoumaru was knelt down on one knee in front of the two. Inu-Yasha looked up at his brother and nodded his thanks, and Sesshoumaru returned the nod before sitting back down beside Rin.

Grandpa was next and got very many spirtual items, scrolls, and prayer beads from everyone. He had proclaimed that he didn't need them, but accepted them anyway.

Sesshoumaru's turn finally came as he was the last one to open presents. He of course gotten the coffee machine from Inu-Yasha, and a book on 'How to Control Your Temper,'. Kagome had gotten the demon lord a big can of coffee grounds and his own coffee mug with a dog on it. Sango and Miroku weren't sure what to give the demon lord, so they had given him a couple of ear-plugs so he wouldn't have to listen to Inu-Yasha or Jaken when he wished. Rin had gotten her future-mate a blue kimono, which she had made herself.

All in all, the ending of the exchanging of presents came to soon, and while Mrs. Higurashi, Kagome, and Sango prepared dinner, Miroku and Inu-Yasha looked after the twins, while Souta and Kohaku cleaned up all the wrapping paper.

Mashed potatoes, roast beef, turkey, three different types of salads, and everything else you would expect to have at a Christmas feast. Everyone grabbed a seat at the table and began to eat. Kagome of course, ate more than the rest of them due to the fact of her pregnancy, but since Inu-Yasha was dishing her plate for her, he kept the portions small so it didn't seem she was being a pig, and didn't complain once if she wanted more.

After Christmas dinner was complete, the ladies headed back in the kitchen to wash and dry the dishes, while the rest of them headed back to the living room, chatting lightly with one another. When the dishes were complete, Souta suggested that they could all go out to the sledding hill, which everyone agreed to. Inu-Yasha fussed over Kagome as he helped her get dressed since she wanted to watch, and Miroku and Sango made sure the twins were extra warm in the small snow suits that Mrs. Higurashi had brought, which at one time had belonged to Kagome and Souta. Even grandpa wanted to come out and enjoy the fun, and some how Rin managed to convince Sesshoumaru to tag along with them.

Piling onto the skidoos, Inu-Yasha led the way to the hill and made sure they missed the frozen lake. Kagome and Sango remained sitting on one of the skidoos holding the twins, while the others went up and down the hills. At one point, Inu-Yasha came over to let Sango have a go at it while he watched Keitaro.

"Are you sure Inu-Yasha?" asked Sango, staring down at her son.

"Don't worry about it Sango. Besides were only going to be here for a few more days, you should enjoy this weather. We don't get it nice like this in our era,"

Sango smiled and passed the sleeping Keitaro to the half demon, "Thank you Inu-Yasha,"

The exterminator headed to the top of the hill where her husband was waiting for her. Rin was sharing her new sled with Sesshoumaru, and Souta was sharing his with Kohaku. Mrs. Higurashi had a sled all to herself with Shippo tagging along with her, and Grandpa would go down the odd time, it depended really when he made it to the top of the hill.

Inu-Yasha would rush back to the cabin the odd time to bring mugs of hot chocolate out for everyone when ever they got cold.

Kagome watched longingly at the hill, wishing she could go down a couple of times before they had to leave. Inu-Yasha seemed to have read her mind as he called Sango and Miroku to come take their children. Sango did with out complaints since she was tired enough as it was. Taking the twins from them, Inu-Yasha grabbed the big wooden sled from Miroku and held his hand out to Kagome.

"What?" she asked.

"Come on, let's go down a few times,"

Kagome stared wide-eyed at her mate, "Are you serious?"

Inu-Yasha smiled, "Of course I am, now come before I go all protective and change my mind,"

Kagome giggled and took Inu-Yasha's hand as he helped her off the skidoo. He led her up the hill with one hand on her lower back and the other on her arm. When they reached the top, Inu-Yasha set the sled down and sat near the back before motioning for Kagome to sit in front of him.

"Now if anything goes wrong I'll be jumping into the air with you," whispered Inu-Yasha.

"I know," whispered Kagome back as Inu-Yasha wrapped his arms securely around her. Kagome grabbed the sled reigns and with one hand Inu-Yasha pushed them off. The rush of going down the hill caused Kagome to smile since she hadn't done this since she was a little child. As they came to a stop at the bottom, Inu-Yasha was the first to get up and helped Kagome to her feet.

"Want to go a few more times?" asked the half demon, a small smile on his lips.

Kagome nodded and they both started to head up the hill.

Mrs. Higurashi had at one point rushed back to the cabin and started to take pictures of everyone.

When everyone got tired of sledding a snow fight began right away with the adults against the kids. Kagome and Sango watched from the skidoo's again and cheered everyone on. At one point, the kids had crossed over and tried to take the adults down. Miroku had been easily enough, but for Inu-Yasha they hadn't been so lucky. Souta and Kohaku had the half demon by the arms, while Rin had him by the legs. It wasn't until Sesshoumaru joined in that Inu-Yasha was brought down.

As the sun started to set, everyone headed back to the cabin with exhausted smiles on their faces. They all piled into the lodge and stripped off their winter clothes before heading into the living room. Kagome was helped to bed by her mate since she was exhausted with the day's events. Grandpa followed after Kagome by going to bed since he was tired too.

When eight o'clock rolled around, everyone sat at the table and started a game of 'Rich man, Poor man', and then 'Old Maid', followed by a round of 'Go Fish'. By that time Sango had headed off to bed with the twins, and the Mrs. Higurashi.

Sesshoumaru, Inu-Yasha, and Miroku sat quietly on the couch as Souta, Rin, Kohaku, and Shippo played a motorcycle racing came on the TV.

"Ah, what a day," sighed the monk, relaxing into the couch.

"You said it Miroku," whispered Inu-Yasha.

"So we are returning to the past in a few days?" asked Sesshoumaru.

Inu-Yasha nodded, we'll start packing tomorrow, and send some stuff home with Mrs. Higurashi and the old geezer. Then the next day we'll get the rest of the stuff packed, and then head home the day after that,"

Sesshoumaru gave a small nod, "Good, I would like to return to my lands,"

Inu-Yasha glanced at his brother, "You don't trust Jaken?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head, "I trust the imp, but if my lands are attacked he'll over panic,"

The half demon gave a small smile before glancing at the clock, which struck eleven. "Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm heading to bed,"

Miroku nodded and stood, "I think that sounds like a good idea,"

Sesshoumaru however remained on the couch, "I'm going to stay up for a bit,"

"Have it your way, see you in the morning you guys," waved Inu-Yasha and Miroku as they headed up to bed. Leaving Sesshoumaru on the couch, and the children playing the video game.

TBC . . . .

I am so sorry for the long update. I was supposed to work today, but I pulled my back out, so I'm in a little pain as I write this chapter. So yes, four chapters left and then an Epilogue. Then about a few weeks later or sooner I will start on my sequel for this story.

Well I have to go and tend to my injured back.

Until next time!

Lynns