Nope, sorry…I don't own Inuyasha in the slightest; but I'll enjoy writing happily about him!
Chapter 16: The Miracle of Love
December 16 – Friday
It was a beautiful cloudy Saturday afternoon and Inuyasha decided to stay with Kagome for the weekend since it would be their last before the Christmas break. The temperature was a usual 38 degrees for a normal Texas winter and considering most people from Texas are use to warm weather, this was considered freezing!
Everyone was wearing coats, snow hats, gloves, scarves, and anything else pertaining to winter weather. This was definitely considered a cold day and one to be in front of a warm fire with your loved one's arms wrapped tightly around. But…Kagome would settle for hot chocolate and a nice seat by the window with Inuyasha's arms wrapped tightly around her.
The coffee shop, Cup of Joe's, was a quaint little shop for getting out of the winter weather. Inuyasha and Kagome had started shopping early in the morning for Christmas gifts for all their friends and families. Walking in the cold for three hours, both were lucky to not be icicles by now. When Kagome noticed the coffee shop she grabbed Inuyasha by his arm and quickly dragged him into the safety coziness of the building.
Taking in the sent of freshly ground coffee beans, Kagome closed her eyes and sighed. Inuyasha noticed this and looked down at her with a smile.
"You want some coffee?"
"No…But some hot chocolate would be nice."
He nodded saying, "All right, go find a place to sit and I'll get you some."
Kagome smiled saying, "Thank you," and pulled him down by his arm to kiss him on his cheek.
Inuyasha put his hand on her back beckoning for her to go sit down and make herself warm while he purchased their drinks. She found a nice seat on a couch next to a window and sat down noticing Inuyasha placing their orders.
Kagome Pov
I can't believe just a few months ago I would have never dreamed of even sitting next to Inuyasha, much less having him by me a drink. I can't believe how much he's changed…How much I've changed. I just can't believe we are really here together…Like a real couple. I guess we are a real couple, I just never thought of it before.
Inuyasha returned finding Kagome starring out the window in her own little world. He couldn't help notice how peaceful and serene she looked at the moment. Kagome had taken off her coat, scarf, gloves, and hat while wearing a white turtle neck and blue jeans with her feet on the couch.
Inuyasha Pov
It's hard to believe that just a few months ago I never even dreamed of finding love. Especially with someone so…Beautiful. Miroku says I've changed and I have to admit, it's true. She's changed me…Kagome made me believe in love again. We're really here together as a couple…A real couple.
Inuyasha sat next to Kagome lifting her from her thoughts just in time for him to give her the cup of hot chocolate.
"Careful, it's warm." Smiled Inuyasha.
"Thank you so much Inuyasha," she said taking the cup with another smile.
Seeing those beautiful lips part like so, made Inuyasha's blood bubble with admiration, desire, and intense anxiety…He wanted to touch her…Touch her badly. He wanted to finally show Kagome how much he truly loves her.
Noticing how Inuyasha was looking at her with such intent, Kagome said,
"You seem deep in thought Inuyasha."
"I just couldn't help but notice how beautiful you look."
"Oh Inuyasha…"
They leaned in closer for a kiss to steam even the coldest of windows. After finishing the rest of their hot chocolate Inuyasha saw Kagome's eyes widen as she noticed an antique store from across the street.
"What is it Kagome?"
"There's an antique story across the street Inuyasha. We have to go inside."
"Don't we have more shopping to do? Plus, we need to get home soon, you have caroling in a few hours."
"I know I know, but it's an antique store Inuyasha!"
The way she pouted her lower lip at him and gave him those flashing brown eyes…He couldn't help but stand up and offer his hand out for her. She smiled and they hastily walked across the street into the little shop.
Antique's Galore was the name of the tiny shop owned by a cute old couple known as Mr. and Mrs. Shin. They were excited to see a young couple walk into their store and welcomed them.
"Hello, and how are you doing today," asked Mrs. Shin
"We're fine thank you," said Kagome.
"Can I interest you in anything today? Maybe a nice shawl, it is very cold out today."
"Oh, no thank you, we're just-Hey? What's that?" asked Kagome pointing to a fine jewel in the center of the room in the middle of a glass case.
"Oh that? You have considerable taste my dear. It's very old in fact."
All four of them walked over to the fine pink jewel held by a nice silver chain lying on a pillow in the center of the case.
Noticing how uninterested Inuyasha was Mr. Shin said,
"So, I guess you're along for the ride son?"
"You got that right."
"Hmm, is this you're wife?"
"Uh, no…She's my girlfriend."
"Oh, well, then since you love her I'm pretty sure this jewel will interest you then."
"What's so special about it?"
"Oh my boy…It's very special. Rumor has it that this jewel is more than 500 years old." Said Mr. Shin.
"Yes, it has to do with a love story between a man and woman. This man loved her so much; but knew he couldn't stay with her." Said Mrs. Shin
"Why?" asked Kagome.
"It seems he was not faithful to her and even fathered an illegitimate child with another. On their wedding night they consummated their love and afterwards he gave her this…The Shikon no Tama. A symbol of his undying love. Trusting her and loving her so deeply he told her of his past crimes and she grew angry with him."
Mr. Shin joined in saying, "Seeing his beautiful wife in such a state he decided the only thing he could do to make her happy would be to leave her."
"He left her?" asked Inuyasha a little embarrassed for actually listening to the old couple.
"Yes, but before he left he took half the jewel with him," and Mrs. Shin opened the case revealing the two halves of the jewel.
"This is a promise stone. Even though they are miles apart, their hearts will always be as one." She continued.
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard," remarked Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha!" said a stern Kagome.
"Well think about it! Leaving her just because she was upset over something like that! Who gives a shit? It wasn't anything big!"
"As I was saying…When he left her he also left behind his son and daughter."
"She had twins?" asked Kagome.
"Yes, that night gave them two beautiful babies and when they were born the woman broke one half of her jewel to give to her daughter symbolizing he would always be with her too…The moment she was going to break off a piece for her son…Her husband walked through the door and gave half of his jewel to their new born child."
"So, he came back to her?" asked Inuyasha.
"Yes…His love for her was so strong that he couldn't bare to be without her and realized that just because he made one mistake…The biggest mistake he could ever do to her would be to leave her forever." Finished Mr. Shin.
They contemplated on the subject for a long while before Mrs. Shin assembled the jewel to its original state and placed it back in the glass case. They left the couple alone to look around and Kagome was stuck looking at the jewel in awe.
"Wasn't that a beautiful story?"
"It's stupid Kagome."
"Oh Inuyasha…It's not stupid…It's not stupid at all. It's a beautiful romantic story. I wouldn't mind having that jewel just because of it."
"Yeah, well, you girls get into this junk. Come on let's go."
Inuyasha walked out of the store without waiting for Kagome. She watched him stuff his hands in his pockets and wait in a huff outside the shop for her. Waving good bye to the old couple Kagome walked outside with Inuyasha and they continued their Christmas shopping without another word.
……………………………………………
Miroku and Sango sat on the couch of her dorm room watching television all morning without getting up. Neither wanted to, because of the warmth from their bodies as they snuggled into each other. A commercial came on the screen of a husband and wife giving one another Christmas gifts in front of their Christmas tree.
"Hey Miroku? What do you want for Christmas?"
"You must be a procrastinator when it comes to shopping Sango."
"Somewhat…I just didn't know what to get you."
"Your love is all I need."
"Ha! Whatever Miroku…I hope you aren't planning on giving me just that."
"Oh? You wanted something?" teased Miroku.
"Hmm…You know I love you Miroku…But if I don't get a damn present by December 25, you should consider walking blindfolded out into traffic. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly, Sango darling."
"I thought so," she said kissing his cheek and snuggling even closer to his chest.
For awhile they stayed like this till Sango asked,
"You're going home?"
"We're going home Sango."
"Just checkin'."
"I thought we could go home on the 22nd, after finals. I really don't feel like waiting another day to go back to Dallas."
"If that's how you want it Miroku. We'll leave on Thursday. But you know we can't go until after Kagome's concert."
"Oh, that's right. She and Inuyasha are performing."
"That's right…I won't let Kagome down."
"We won't let her down Sango…We'll be there even if the biggest snow storm hits Texas on Thursday."
"Good to know Miroku."
"Well, I wouldn't dream of letting a woman down or frown for that matter."
They smiled at each other and once again they were in a heated kiss.
…………………………………………
The dining hall was scarce in the afternoon considering many people were out Christmas shopping. Ayame and Koga sat in a booth eating their meals quietly when Koga said,
"Hey Ayame?"
"Yes Koga?"
"Well, Christmas is next week and all."
"Yeah it is."
"Um, your Mom comin' to pick you up?"
"Yeah, she's taking me back to our Aunt's house in Northern Louisiana. It's all we have right now, ever since Hurricane Katrina."
"How's your family taking it?"
"Well, let's just say…We're surviving…Barely."
Koga looked down at his plate and couldn't help but feel his stomach start to lurch at the very thought of her family in hard times.
"Koga, I haven't told anyone this but…I still wake up in the night and hear them."
"Hear who?"
"The people screaming. The wind stronger than anything and the rain pounding so hard Koga. I still keep thinking another hurricane is gonna come and possibly this time take everything from me. Oh gosh Koga…," she said while pushing the tray out of her way so she could put her hands on her face covering her expression, "I still dream about the helicopter coming and taking my Mom, Rin, and me to Texas. All we could take was a small bag and it had to hold everything that we could take, nothing more. We left everything behind…Everything."
Moving his own tray out of his way so he could pull Ayame's hands away from her red face he looked at her with a concerned look. Looking into his everlasting eyes Ayame began to calm down and take control over her emotions. Koga wiped the tears from her face and began to smile.
"I'm so sorry Ayame. I wish there was something I could say or do to make you feel better; but I just don't know how I can. Please tell me what to do Ayame."
"You've done enough Koga. You've sat here and listened to me and indulged me. Thank you Koga."
He leaned across the table and gently kissed her ruby lips one time saying,
"Anything for you Ayame."
Taking a deep breath and letting Koga sit back down in the booth Ayame said,
"On a lighter note…My Mom just got a job."
"She did? Where?"
"She's a nurse for the local hospital."
"That's great Ayame!"
"Yeah, hopefully Rin and she can move out of my Aunt's house within at least a month, two at the most."
"That's really good to hear."
"Yeah…Um, so I guess you're going back to San Antonio?"
"Yeah…Um, before we get into the trip thing again…I need to ask you something."
"What is it Koga?"
"Uh…What would you like for Christmas?"
"I don't think it's something you could give me."
"Try me."
Sighing Ayame said, "I don't think you could make it snow…I've always wanted a white Christmas. My Grandma before she died told me how she met my Grandpa. They used to live in Michigan and well…My Grandma just moved there from Texas and never had she seen a white Christmas until then. Her first white Christmas and she meets my Grandpa on the way home from school. She said he gave her his scarf to keep her warm and looking into his eyes as the snow flakes fell…She said she knew they were destined to be together."
……………………………………
Later That Night (8:00pm)
The Bel Canto took their positions on the risers in front of the infamous Christmas tree as the background. It was the annual "A Wish for the Christmas Tree" ceremony, one that Kagome didn't understand not one bit. The tree was very old and seemed to mean a great deal to the people of Beaumont. It was one of the largest trees Kagome had ever seen and she's from East Texas, home of the Piney Woods.
The choir began to sing "Oh Christmas Tree," and everyone's hearts and smiles seemed to glow when hearing the song. After they were finished Kagome leaned over and whispered in the ear of one of her friends saying,
"This tree must be pretty important."
"You don't know the story Kagome?"
"What story Hitomi?"
The girl with short blond hair and green eyes looked back at her with a surprised look as if Kagome had done something completely out of character. It was time for the next song so they didn't have time to finish their conversation. Once it was over Hitomi said that she wished she had time to tell her the story; but she had to hurry and run for some more Christmas shopping. They said good bye and Kagome found Inuyasha among the dispersing crowd.
Kagome smiled seeing Inuyasha gave a small wave and she quickly ran to him wrapping her arms around him tightly. He looked down at her saying,
"You looked great up there."
"Thank you Inuyasha. Um…I have a question."
"What is it?"
"What's so special about that tree?" She asked turning around and pointing to the magnificent tree before them.
Decorations were on every limb and a huge shining star was placed the very top. What astounded Kagome even more was the fact that the people of Beaumont each brought their own handmade decorations to put on the tree. She wondered why they didn't just use regular ornaments.
"Oh that's right…You wouldn't know the story would you? All right…Well, that tree about fifty years ago was a meeting place for all the families of soldiers going off to battle in World War II. The families said good bye under that very tree."
"Really? That's why it's so important."
"That's only half the story," he said holding her closer to his chest, "The soldiers made promises to come back."
"Kind of like the Shikon no Tama story?"
"No…This one isn't stupid."
"The Shikon no Tama story isn't either."
"You can't compare that story to this. This actually happened."
"Whatever…Continue."
"Fine… To honor these promises the women of the soldiers made their own decorations and placed them on the tree. Kind of to commemorate what was going on. But you see…The legend is that all of them made a wish on their ornament and placed it on the tree…Their wishes were to have their loved ones return safely…And by some miracle…They all returned alive and well."
"That's some miracle."
"Yeah, it is…" He looked down pushing Kagome off his chest in order to look into her eyes, "Do you believe?"
"In what?"
"In miracles?"
Before she had a chance to answer Ayame, Koga, Miroku, and Sango came running up to them laughing and talking about nothing in particular. Ayame and Sango pulled Kagome out of Inuyasha's arms long enough to hug her and tell her she did a great job. It was a pretty nice scene…All of them together enjoying the winter weather and the sight of the infamous Christmas tree. As they talked and laughed Sango finally interrupted saying,
"All right guys…When are we having the 'gift off?'"
"Oh right…Hey…What do you people want?" asked Koga scratching his head.
"Well, personally I don't care; but if you want you can supply Miroku with a brain," said Inuyasha teasing Miroku.
"Oh yeah…Well, if I get a brain, Inuyasha should get a heart."
Inuyasha sneered at him and once again the laughter came.
"All right now, come on. For real everyone…When do you guys want to exchange gifts?" asked Sango.
"How 'bout on Thursday? We're all leaving anyway, and plus the last time we'll see each other till January will be that night when Inuyasha and Kagome perform," said Miroku.
"That sounds fine," said Ayame.
"Yeah, I like that idea" said Sango.
"Whatever's fine," said Koga.
Smiling Inuyasha said, "You know we'll be there," squeezing Kagome's shoulder tighter.
The group continued to smile and bask in each other's company when Kagome said,
"Wow…It's getting kind of chilly."
"Yeah, I'm kind of cold too," said Sango.
As they were moving to go to their cars they felt drops of rain hitting their clothes. Looking up they couldn't believe what they saw…
Koga broke their silence by saying, "Would you settle for some rain Ayame?"
The group looked at them curiously and then continued to their vehicles to get out of the cold as well as the rain.
…………………………………………….
Inuyasha's room 11:00 pm.
Inuyasha and Kagome settled down on his bed to relax after the Christmas caroling when she leaned over and kissed him jump starting his desire to have her. He moved Kagome to the middle of the bed and climbed on top of her small body careful not to harm her.
He began to kiss her neck as she moved her hands across his chest and down his back. From her neck he went up to her cheek and then graced her lips with the touch of his tongue. Kagome smiled at this and pushed to his lips more. She wanted more; but was very timid in pursuing him. Inuyasha had not one doubt in his mind about what he wanted and as he moved his hands up and down her slim body Kagome realized more and more he wanted just her…All of her.
This thought raced through her mind and Kagome couldn't help; but feel overwhelmed by it. She couldn't help but believe Inuyasha wanted her like this. He was panting on top of her as he finished kissing her lips and again kissed her neck. Kagome could feel his heart beating fast against her breast. And she wondered whether he was nervous or if it was desire.
Looking up from kissing her neck Kagome met Inuyasha's eyes. Never had she seen them look as intense as they did now. Moving his hand to caress her cheek he whispered,
"Kagome…" and gently kissed her lips again still touching her cheek.
Was she ready for this? Was she ready for what Inuyasha wanted from her? She could feel every bit of passion within him. Every single ounce saved just for her. Well, technically not all saved for her. But since his first time…It's been saved for someone like her.
The thought of him and Kikyo crossed her mind. There was someone before her…Someone he loved enough to completely surrender himself to. Would it mean anything if she did the same for him? Would he care? She wanted to love him; but would he still love her after everything? Kikyo left him…Would he feel the need to leave her?
As Inuyasha continued to kiss her neck he moved his lips back to hers and his hands found their way at the hem of her shirt. Gently moving his hands in wrapping them around her back and unclasped the bra. Ready to touch her again, Kagome immediately stops and pulls away from him.
"What is it Kagome, is something wrong?"
"Um…Yes and no…"
"Which is it?"
"Um, Inuyasha…I don't think…I don't think we should do this."
"Kagome? What's the matter?"
"I just don't think we should, that's all."
Pulling his hands out from under her shirt and sitting up to look down at her as she lay on his pillow he asked,
"Is it so wrong to give yourself to me?"
"You just don't understand…"
"I love you. I want to show you how much I do. Don't you love me too?"
"You know I do."
"Then why won't you let me love you completely?"
Kagome couldn't look into his amber eyes. She had to look away from them, from him. Seeing this, Inuyasha placed a hand on her cheek moving it back towards him.
"Why Kagome?"
Tears began to cross her face and she finally looked into the depths of his eyes.
"Because I'm afraid."
"Of what?"
"Of being hurt."
Hearing this from Kagome, his Kagome, Inuyasha's eyes began to water. His heart was crushed as well as his pride. Did she not trust him enough to love him? Did she think he would really harm her in anyway?
Unable to look at each other anymore they sat on the bed in silence until a knock was heard from the door. Inuyasha got up leaving Kagome to fix her clothes and join him soon after. When they reached the door Ayame was waiting outside for them.
"What is it Ayame?" asked Kagome.
"You're never gonna believe this…You guys better get outside and see for yourselves."
Ayame quickly ran down the hall and went down the elevator in pure excitement. Inuyasha and Kagome looked at each other in disbelief and worried about their friend. Grabbing their coats they did as Ayame said and went to the elevator. Before going through the doors and entering the winter wind, Inuyasha turned to Kagome placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I would never hurt you."
"Inuyasha?"
"Let me finish Kagome. I would never hurt you. I love you too much. If ever there was a miracle given to me in this world…It's you Kagome."
The tears began to stream down her face again and before she could say a word Ayame belted,
"EVERYONE COME ON! GET OUT HERE NOW!"
They did as she said and pushed the doors inviting the cold breeze hitting their faces. Walking out onto the steps they noticed Miroku, Sango, and Ayame were already dancing in it…
Inuyasha and Kagome looked up in amazement. Nothing seemed to matter in the world except for this moment.
"Oh my gosh…" said Kagome with her mouth gaped open.
"IT'S SNOWING!" Shouted Ayame with pure delight.
None of them could believe their eyes as the white snowflakes fell on top of their faces. It was the most beautiful sight any of them had ever seen.
Koga opened the doors passing Inuyasha and Kagome with smiles saying,
"Well…Looks like we got a Christmas miracle after all this year."
With that he nodded at the couple and descended the stairs to reach Ayame. As everyone enjoyed the beauty of the snow Miroku and Sango could be heard in the background.
"Hey! Let's make an anatomically correct snow angel!"
"Why anatomically correct Sango?" asked Ayame.
"Well…Because I've never done one before."
"Hey…I'll do it, only if it's a woman!"
"You are such a pervert. Take this you lech!"
With that she threw a snowball at Miroku and the game was on. Miroku and Sango battled for control over which gender their snow angel would be while Ayame and Koga snuggled together.
"You look cold my love."
"I was before you came."
"Here…" He wrapped a red scarf around her shoulders, "So you won't be cold."
"Oh Koga…" She was in such awe at the moment; words couldn't even describe what she was feeling. All she could do was nestle tighter into Koga's warmth.
Still on the steps to the dorm Inuyasha wrapped his arms around Kagome's waist watching the snow fall as well as their friends having fun together. When Kagome felt it was the right time she said,
"Inuyasha?"
"Yes Kagome?"
"I believe you."
"About what?"
"You would never hurt me...Inuyasha, I'm ready."
Inuyasha's heart was beginning to beat faster and he wondered exactly what she was ready for…
"Ready?"
Kagome turned in his arms to look directly in his eyes.
"To love you completely."
End Chapter 16!
Thank you for reading and reviewing. I hope you are enjoying the story still. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update; but it seems this cold has really gotten to me. I'm afraid I am still ill; but don't worry…I'm still trying to write this story. Thank you guys very much…And I'm pretty sure we all know what is coming up in the next chapter. So, here's warning to my younger readers…Yes, lots of intimacy in the next chapter. Please, if you are one of my younger readers, I caution you for Chapter 17.
Oh, and just a little side note…Bel Canto is an all girls choir meaning, "Beautiful Singers." Just a little FYI!
Thank you guys so much for reading and please keep telling me what you think. We are finally getting back into the DRAMA and I hope you guys are enjoying yourselves. I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas, and I wish all of you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!