Everything But the Pear Tree

by Fandom Obsessions 016

Written for Secret Santa 2020 as a gift for the talented and amazing Shnuggletea! After going through a rough break-up, Kagome decides she's going to pull herself out of her slump by diving head first into holiday preparations. With her friend Sango and the help of her new neighbor, Inuyasha, Kagome is reminded why the holidays are so special to her.

1. Part I

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:

Twelve drummers drumming;

Eleven pipers piping;

Ten lords leaping;

Nine ladies a milking;

Seven swans a swimming;

Six geese a laying;

Five golden rings;

Four calling birds;

Three french hens;

Two turtle doves; and

A partridge in a pear tree.

Saturday, October 31st.

The room began to spin violently around her, the walls tilting to the side and all sounds other than the beat of her heart fell away. People laughed and the music blared but it all ceased to matter as she processed his last words. She had barely had anything to drink and yet she was on the verge of vomiting. Hot tears pricked at her eyes as she slowly lifted her cup to her lips, swallowing the rest of the bitter liquid thickly.

"Kagome?"

Stormy eyes shifted up then focused on him and his soft, somber expression. His sandy brown hair had been pulled back for his costume and his brilliant eyes were shrouded by concern and anguish. He reached out for her, but she pulled away. Even if he didn't like it, she liked it less.

"Kagome," he tried again, wincing after she moved further away from him.

"It's fine," she choked out, smiling through the pain seizing in her chest. "I understand," Kagome murmured, nodding politely then turning away. She pushed through the throng of party goers and shoved by the grabby men pulling at her fake tail. Kagome grabbed Sango then began dragging her best friend toward the door and ignoring the way her fake cat ears dangled precariously on the back of her head.

"Kagome?!" Sango yelled, stumbling forward as her drink fell out of her hand before she caught her balance. "Hey! Earth to Kagome! What's going on?!"

The raven-haired woman whipped her head around, make-up already streaking and lips trembling. "H-Hojo just broke up with me."

Sango huffed loudly, taking a moment to digest the information before throwing her arm around Kagome and walking out the door with her. "I'm so sorry Kagome," she finally stated, grabbing their things on the way out. "Did he say why?"

"Doesn't think long distance will work," she sobbed, searing streams of salt water irritating the skin on her cheeks.

Sango nodded sympathetically, draping Kagome's coat over her shoulders and ushering her to the vehicle. "I'll drive," Sango offered.

"I know you never really cared for him-"

"Kagome, your pain is valid. He's an idiot, but that's his loss."

Kagome looked up at the sky, lip still trembling, pulling the edges of her coat closer as Sango opened the door to the car, beckoning her to get inside. They rode in silence through the streets of the sleepy suburb. Kagome listlessly watched as they passed, wiping her eyes occasionally.

Sango looked over briefly at her friend as they pulled up to her street. "I know it doesn't seem like it right now, but it's gonna be okay Kags. Better things on the horizon."

Kagome nodded slowly. "Better things," she repeated to herself, the car rolling to a stop right outside her town house. Her bloodshot gaze flitted over briefly to the home next to hers. It had been empty for several months, but the lights were on and a moving truck parked in the driveway.

"Huh, look at that?" Sango scoffed, "looks like you have a new neighbor."

"Mmhmm," Kagome replied half-heartedly, sniffling at the end.

"Come on, let's get you inside and changed into something more comfortable."

Both women stepped out of the vehicle, the crisp fall air cooling Kagome's wet cheeks. Kagome waited for Sango to round the car then made her way up the walkway in toe with her friend. Kagome could hear boxes being shuffled around and looked over at the once empty unit. Kagome bit down on her bottom lip seeing her new neighbor come briefly into view, carrying a few boxes into the house from the truck. He was far more attractive than she thought he would be. His silver hair held a brilliant sheen even in the dead of night and as he stepped into the light, she could see he was toned despite the baggy red shirt he wore.

"Kagome?" Sango asked, noticing how her friend's pace had slowed to a stop just outside the door. She followed her friend's gaze then chuckled. "Come on, you'll have plenty of time to ogle the neighbor when you're not wearing a cat suit."

A blush burned across her cheeks before Kagome stumbled forward, Sango catching her right before her head slammed into the front door.

Amber eyes lifted and drifted over to his neighbor, hearing the commotion coming from the unit next to his. He rolled his eyes seeing the two provocatively dressed, drunk women stumbling into the home. 'Great,' he thought, pushing his door open, 'party girls for neighbors. Just what I fucking need.'

Thursday, November 26th.

Kagome sat at the large wood table sipping on the mulled wine, pushing the now cold bits of turkey and cranberry sauce around on her plate without actually eating any of it. Sango's mulberry gaze dragged over her forlorn frame in concern.

"How's school?" Kohaku tried, leaning in and smiling over at the quiet woman.

Kagome looked up and gave him a weak smile. "It's going well! Not as many trouble makers as last year."

"That's great!" He offered, nodding encouragingly.

"What about you?" Kagome asked, "how's college going?"

"Well! Thanks for asking. I, uh, I'm having a lot of fun."

"Not too much fun I hope," Sango chided, causing her brother to blush. Kagome rolled her eyes, chuckling as Sango's comment resulted in bickering between her and Kohaku.

"Oh come on sis! I'm not a kid anymore!"

"You definitely are still a kid, even if you're legally an adult! Your brain is not fully formed!"

"You need to trust me!"

"I trust you, I don't trust your hormones!"

"Sango!"

Kagome took another sip of her wine, leaning back in her seat. Their loving quarrel reminded Kagome of her and Sota, her brother. He was about Kohaku's age and also new to 'adulting'. It was quite funny watching the same arguments Kagome had with Sota play out at Sango's over Thanksgiving dinner.

"Hey! Knock it out you two," Sango's father commanded with a wry smile, stepping into the dining room with a second plate of food for himself. "Don't forget your manners! Kagome is still our guest and I'm sure she doesn't want to watch you both fight all night."

Each nodded, muttering their apologies to Kagome and their father.

As dinner wrapped up, Kagome helped the Houkos clean the dishes and package the food when Sango came up to Kagome's side. Kagome smiled over at her before going back to packaging the left overs.

"Don't forget to take some home with you, Kagome!" Sango's father called from the other room.

"I won't," Kagome replied, placing another full container to the side.

"I haven't seen much of you recently," Sango whispered, handing Kagome a few new containers to fill.

"Yeah, I, uh, I'm sorry about that." She answered, chewing on her bottom lip.

"Still missing Hojo?"

Kagome nodded.

"I know this is hard, I know you really liked him but you need to move on Kags. I mean, he left you on Halloween when you were dressed as a sexy kitten! He's clearly mental!" Sango argued, waving a tuber ware lid around in her hand.

Kagome gave her a pointed look before snatching the lid. "I really liked him, Sango."

"I know, trust me, I know you did. I didn't understand it, still don't, but I know you did. All I'm saying is… this is your favorite time of year. Don't let an idiot like Hojo ruin the whole season."

Kagome nodded. Sango was right, but it was so much easier said than done.

"Okay, what do you want to take with you?" Sango asked, changing the subject and looking at the vast array of left overs. "As per usual we made way too much food, so you need to take at least half of this…"

"This is an amazing place man!" Slurred his oldest friend. "You need a roommate?"

"Not a chance," he replied, tossing back another beer, gold eyes fixed on the large screen in the middle of the living room. The Steelers and Ravens were playing in the prime time annual Thanksgiving Day game and Inuyasha couldn't care less what Miroku was scheming. Yes, the town house was nice, it certainly had more space than his previous apartment, but no way in hell would Inuyasha let Miroku move in with him. They'd tried the roommate thing before and while Inuyasha loved Miroku as a friend, Miroku had way too many female "friends" for Inuyasha's liking.

"We should have the Super Bowl party here," Miroku suggested, his glazed violet gaze skimming across the large open living space.

"Pass," Inuyasha muttered.

"What? Why? You've got an open concept and everything. Think of all the women we could fit in here!"

Inuyasha sighed heavily and rolled his eyes before turning to look at his friend. "How many women do you know actually care about the game?"

"Uh-"

"Yeah, none. Whereas, I care about the game and do not need a dumb drunk bimbo pulling on my ears and asking me where the goalie is." Inuyasha sneered.

"That happened once!" Miroku snapped. "I'm getting another beer."

"You do that." He grumbled, leaning back in the couch.

Miroku stumbled forward, using the walls for stability and guidance as he made his way into the kitchen. He walked over to the fridge, smirking as he grabbed another cold ale. "Come to daddy," he mumbled twisting off the cap and taking a quick sip.

He let the fridge close and surveyed the kitchen, grabbing the stone counter top on the island and nodding to himself. "This would be great for sex," Miroku muttered under his breath, wondering if Inuyasha would ever let him house sit, before turning and noticing the large bay windows. "He should really get some curtains though-oh… wait…" Miroku mumbled, walking toward the large windows and pressing his face against the cool glass. "Hello ladies," he grinned. "Inuyasha! Come in here now!"

Miroku heard the demon's rather loud groan, but he couldn't pull himself from the view of the two women outside the neighboring unit. "Seriously Inuyasha, hurry or you'll miss it!"

"Miss what?" He growled walking into the room and seeing his best friend plastered against the glass. "Get your greasy face off my window!"

"I will after you get your grumpy ass over here!"

Inuyasha walked over, standing next to Miroku. "What am I supposed to be looking at?"

"I swear…" Miroku grumbled, "the women!"

Inuyasha looked out, his amber eyes connecting with the figures of his apparent neighbors. He openly scoffed, remembering each one of them from the night he moved in and the way they had stumbled across the threshold. "Drunken party girls, both of them."

"Just my type. Be their friend!" Miroku demanded, pulling his gaze off the women to look at the half-demon.

"No, never." Inuyasha growled, then stood back.

"But they are hot," whined Miroku, acting like a child on the verge of throwing a tantrum.

"Pass," Inuyasha answered over his shoulder as he walked back into the living room, amber eyes landing back on the game, all thoughts of the women evaporating as he reclaimed his seat. The Steelers-Ravens rivalry and re-match was far more interesting to him than the two women. Hot or not, he didn't need to get involved with them. His last attempt at dating had turned into a spectacular failure and Inuyasha had no desire to repeat that. Miroku would just have to fucking deal.

Monday, November 30th.

Kagome inhaled deeply, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were red and swollen, a deep ache having settled around them. She had made the mistake of watching a heart-felt chick-flick the night prior, which had promptly led to her crying throughout the night until she had utterly exhausted herself. So, now, she had red puffy eyes and a kink in her neck after spending the night curled on the couch with a tissue box and a half-empty pint of chocolate ice cream.

It had not been her finest moment.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror and the indent on the side of her face where she had fallen asleep on a crease in the couch, Kagome knew Sango was right. She was letting her break up with Hojo ruin her favorite time of year. 'No more!' Kagome thought to herself, splashing water on her face. 'I will not let this break up beat me. It's the most magical time of year dammit!'

Determined to make the most of what was left of the season and the year, Kagome threw on some clothes, pulled her hair back, and tossed on her shoes. She was Kagome Higurashi and she would not let a boy keep her down.

Inhaling deeply, hands resting on her hips, Kagome nodded to herself, resolve hardening. This would be the best Christmas ever, even if it killed her.

She dropped herself down at her kitchen table and began plotting her comeback.

Across the small strip of grass that separated their townhomes, Inuyasha was at his kitchen table. Leg bouncing as he typed away, working late again, he almost missed the small ball of fury that was his neighbor violently sitting and scribbling furiously on the paper in front of her. She was pretty, he'd give her that. Even angry, her blue eyes were like polished sapphires that stood out in stark contrast to her wavy raven hair and porcelain skin. 'No wonder Miroku was interested in her,' he thought for a moment before shrugging away his thoughts and going back to his work.

Tuesday, December 1st.

Kagome peeled out of the parking lot after school that day. She had just twenty-five days to embody the Christmas spirit. She cursed herself under her breath for wasting so much of November crying over Hojo. They hadn't even been together that long! But still, the rejection had hurt. She had thought that they could have been so much more.

She shook her head, reseting her focus. It wasn't time to think about him, it was time to do some serious catching up.

She threw the car into park when she reached the party supply store, barely pulling the key out of the ignition before jumping out, wallet in hand, and darting toward the door. Kagome practically sprinted up and down the aisles, tossing every Christmas themed item into her cart. She didn't care if she pooped Christmas well into February. Kagome would have a great fucking holiday full of love, friends, and joy!

Once her car was full and her bank account empty, Kagome sped home. She groaned looking at the time. She had spent way too long comparing the different wreaths and light options, now it was way past dark and she still needed to put the lights up! 'You got this girl! You are a strong independent woman who don't need no man!'

His leg bounced incessantly, shaking the table he sat at. Work was driving him crazy, but it always got like that around the holidays. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, staring intently at the numbers on his screen. Miroku was messaging him on the company chat asking if he'd seen his hot neighbor recently, which of course Inuyasha answered with a resounding 'no' only to receive a crying emoji. Miroku was nothing if not persistent.

Inuyasha looked up from his screen briefly to see his neighbor parking her car. He didn't mean to, but he found himself watching her, unable to pull his gaze away. The woman was gorgeous - petite but with a curvy frame and a spring in her step he both hated and enjoyed watching. She sprinted out of the driver's side and threw open the trunk. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, leaning closer to the window to see what she was doing when he caught a glimpse of the bags spilling out of her vehicle, all baring marks of various holiday stores.

"Oh no… nononononono…" He groaned to himself watching her pull out bag after bag of decorations and place them on the ground. "Fuck," he muttered, running a clawed hand through his fluffy silver bangs. 'She's not just a party girl… she's one of those girls.' Inuyasha had been hopeful when he realized on November 1st that his neighbor didn't have so much as a single Halloween decoration up that she was one of those people who celebrated outside the home, but now, standing there and watching her pull bag after goddam bag out of her car, each filled to the brim with red, green, and gold garbage, Inuyasha realized he had sized her up too quickly. This woman was clearly straight out of his nightmares and Miroku's role-play fantasies. 'Fuck!'

Kagome slammed the trunk shut and began piling all of her bags and decorations near the front door. She smirked down at her purchases before looking around and locating the outside outlets. Her smile grew as she surveyed the space in her front yard. 'Yes,' she thought to herself, 'this will be so fun!'

She sifted through the bags, unaware of the man watching her, his trepidation building. Kagome pulled out the outdoor safe extension cords first, shoving them in the outlets, then she ran back and began grabbing the different decorations.

Inuyasha pulled at his hair, watching her place each one outside on her lawn. He groaned loudly, grabbing his computer and relocating to the upstairs bedroom, uninterested in watching her turn her yard into a glaringly bright homage to a ridiculous holiday.

Hours later, Inuyasha's stomach growled. His eyes ached from staring at the computer and he was growing tired of Miroku's constant messaging. So, he decided to take a break and grab a bite to eat. He walked downstairs, honey eyes immediately catching on the woman who was precariously perched on the top of a wobbly ladder trying, and failing, to hook lights up to the side of her unit nearest his.

He grabbed a beer from the fridge and decided to watch her for a moment, entertained by the sway of her hips and the curve of her body as she reached above her head, wrists flicking this way and that as she tried to get the thing to stay on the hooks. He chuckled to himself, wondering what expletives Miroku would hurl at him if the dark-haired man could see Inuyasha now.

He watched her push herself up a little more, onto her tiptoes on the wobbly ladder, her balance dipping slightly and hips trying to counter it in a sinfully exciting twist.

Inuyasha watched with rapt attention, eyes dragging along her as a little voice in the back of his head began to scream.

She was standing…

On her tip toes…

On a wobbly ladder…

Her balance faltering…

At least ten or more feet off the ground…

"Fuck!" He spat, recognition dawning just before sprinting through his kitchen, beer in hand, then throwing open his door. Inuyasha could hear the metal contraption creaking beneath her as her feet slipped. He rounded the corner, reaching the small patch of land between their units just as she began to fall backward, hands instinctively clutching onto the lights, as if they would stop her small, very breakable frame from hitting the hard ground. Inuyasha jumped forward, letting the beer bottle drop and shatter behind him, his arms curling around his neighbor as her body plummeted to the earth.

Kagome could feel the moment she fucked up. It was right when she decided to push herself. She had always been challenged in the height department, though it hadn't really mattered until it mattered. Like then. When she was putting up lights. She had been struggling to get the stupid things up for a solid ten minutes. Kagome had just needed an inch more. So, she stood on her tip toes and then her toes had slid along the cold, wavering steel ladder beneath her.

She could hear the shriek escape from her lips though Kagome couldn't feel her mouth move. She closed her eyes, her entire body tensing and bracing for an impact that never came. Instead of hard, frozen, bone cracking ground, Kagome landed into something soft yet firm. Something comforting in both its embrace and warmth.

Lights still clutched in her trembling palms, Kagome opened one eye then another, blinking rapidly as she took in her surroundings. She wasn't dead and she wasn't in pain… she was… she was in the arms of a stranger. She looked up to her side, blue eyes becoming impossibly wide as they met his. Not just any stranger. Her neighbor. Her hot neighbor. Her hot neighbor who's mouth was moving.

"Are you fucking crazy?!" He snapped, eyes narrowing and staring down at her before looking over at the fallen ladder.

"I, uh, I just wanted to put up lights," Kagome mumbled, her cheeks burning red as she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. He was… very attractive and delightfully strong. Firefighter fantasies quickly began to taint her thoughts. Kagome was certain she would pay to see this man dressed in a firefighter suit, those ember eyes undressing her with every glance…

Inuyasha turned back to her, gaze narrowing even more as he realized she was staring at him, biting her lip hungrily, not even trying to get back on her feet. He rolled his eyes and slowly lowered her down, so that she could easily stand on her own.

"Thanks," she mumbled, still looking intently at him.

It was a little unnerving for him. Very few people actually looked at him, and most who did weren't happy with what they saw. He was familiar with snickers of fear or disgust, but that look on her face? Not so much. "Why are you even out here at this time of night putting up lights in the dark?"

"Oh, well, you see, I'm a teacher, so I have to be up early. I can't really do these things in the morning."

"Okay… but why not wait until the weekend?" Inuyasha questioned dryly.

"Because I'm already behind!" Kagome explained. "It's already December 1st! There are only twenty four more days until Christmas and I have done nothing but wallow in my apartment. I am done wallowing!"

"I don't see how killing yourself is better than wallowing," he teased, a flicker of amusement lighting up his fiery eyes.

Kagome grinned a little, liking the sound of his voice, even if he was a little gruff. She looked away from him, feeling the blush on her cheeks intensify when he was no longer chiding her.

Inuyasha observed her closely, enjoying the tiny smile that danced across her pink lips. He wasn't sure if it was the cold, but she looked absolutely radiant even in the evening with her cheeks tinged a soft pink under those expressive eyes of hers. He watched her gaze travel along the grass, then widen again, her smile falling into a frown. "What?" He asked turning to see what had so cruelly ripped away her joy. He didn't see anything behind him worth frowning over.

"Your beer," she muttered, dropping the lights in her hand and stepping away from him to examine the shattered, foaming mess.

"It's just beer," Inuyasha answered, following her over. "Easily replaceable. You know, unlike your spine."

Kagome rolled her eyes playfully at him while bending down, beginning to pick up the shards.

"Hey! Don't do that!" He cautioned, kneeling down next to her and waving her hands away.

"Why?"

"You'll cut yourself," he growled.

"Fine, fine," Kagome answered, letting the glass fall to the ground. "So, what's your name?"

"Inuyasha," he replied wearily.

"Kagome," she extended her clean hand toward him. "Nice to meet you neighbor." He shook it gingerly, still giving her a look. She didn't seem to mind his skepticism though and he didn't really think about it. Her smile was back where it belonged. She stood slowly and sighed. "Guess I should finish these tomorrow, huh?"

"Unless you have a death wish." He teased, rising with her. "Alternatively, you could not finish them."

"And have only a half-lit home? No sir!"

"Lights are obnoxious. I mean, aren't the ice and incessant jingles enough for you?" Inuyasha sneered.

"Not a Christmas fan, huh?"

"Not really," he answered. "Not a lot of good memories for me."

Kagome nodded empathetically, "well, maybe this year will be different."

He scoffed, "yeah, right."

"Anyway," Kagome rolled her eyes then placed a hand tenderly on his upper arm, "thanks for catching me. I really appreciate it."

"No more hanging up lights at night or on your tip toes!" Inuyasha scolded.

"I won't, I won't," she chuckled, pulling her hand off of him and holding both up in front of her. "Good night, Inuyasha."

"Night," he mumbled, his ears burning at the way his name had sounded tumbling from her lips. He'd never liked his name. It had always told people exactly what he was before he'd had the opportunity to show them who he was. It had always put a target on his back before he could identify the enemy, but coming from her… his name sounded… angelic. It sounded worthy of the noble demonic blood that coursed through his veins.

He looked down at the broken glass, then back at the half strewn lights dangling from her unit. Inuyasha sighed heavily then stomped over to the ladder, lifting it upright before grabbing the damn string of lights.

Wednesday, December 2nd.

Kagome leaned forward, eyes scanning the rows of beers at the local liquor store. She had woken up that morning and left for work without realizing the true extent of her neighbor's kindness. However, when she had pulled into the driveway after a long day of teaching, it had become obvious to her. Inuyasha had strung up all her lights while she slept.

She had already been planning to get him a gift to express her gratitude, but now she knew she needed to do something. Plus, if it meant seeing him again… Kagome wasn't going to complain.

Kagome grabbed a six-pack from the cooler and marched toward the counter, excitement bubbling in her chest.

Inuyasha slammed the door to his car shut, eyes glued to his phone. His boss was a major pain in the ass, and, for the record, so was Miroku. Inuyasha hadn't told Miroku about his late night run-in with Kagome, but Miroku had been following him all day asking about inviting the neighbor and her hot friend to their next party. Inuyasha had summarily declined.

Last thing he wanted was Miroku charming his way into Kagome's pants. She deserved better than being another notch on a bed post.

He walked up to his door step, pausing briefly to look over. Kagome had evidently finished setting up the rest of her outdoor decorations while he was away. Including, large light up reindeer pulling a fake Santa and his sleigh full of light up presents. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, internally berating himself for helping her with her ridiculous lights display.

He stepped forward, key in hand, foot knocking into something on the ground. Inuyasha looked down, his head tilting to the side. A case of beer with a small note blocked his entry. A six-pack of the same beer he'd dropped the night before to be more specific. He slowly knelt down, plucking the card out and reading it.

Thanks for helping me with the lights, and, you know, saving my sorry ass.

Kagome H.

Inuyasha wasn't really sure what possessed him, but he grabbed the handle to the case and walked across the lawn that separated their two units. Then he knocked on her door, turning slightly to look out over at her work again. It sickened him… but it also didn't look half bad.

"Hey!" Kagome exclaimed, pulling the door open and smiling brightly at him. "Thanks so much for putting the rest of the lights up for me!"

"No problem," he muttered, a light blush gracing his cheeks. Abruptly, he turned away from her and pointed toward her reindeer. "You're, uh, missing one."

"What?" She asked, stepping out.

Her scent wafted up and practically smacked him in the face. He hadn't noticed it the night prior, but… it was a dangerously delightful aroma that had him reeling, desperately grappling for his sanity as that seemed to slip away anytime she got too close. "Erm, uh, Rudolph. Y-you're missing Rudolph," he stammered.

Kagome's smile faltered, her eyes skimming over the lawn, realizing that she was, in fact, missing Rudolph.

"Thanks for the beer," he muttered, stepping away from her, trying to put distance between himself and that staggeringly alluring scent that made him stutter like a pre-pubescent boy with his first crush.

"Oh, yeah, no problem! It's the least I could do!" Kagome responded, her smile returning as he inched away. "I hope you enjoy it."

He nodded once more for good measure before sprinting into the safety of his apartment. Yeah, she… she was dangerous and he, fuck, he wanted more.

Thursday, December 3rd.

Inuyasha reclined on his couch, settling in right before the game. Thursday nights, like Mondays and Sundays, he reserved for football. It was his favorite sport and, to him, there was no better way to unwind than by watching fully grown men smack into each other. Hockey was good for that too, but Inuyasha often found football games more entertaining.

He hadn't wanted to admit to himself that he had looked for Kagome's car when he arrived home from work. Even more unwelcome was the disappointment he had felt when he saw that she wasn't home. Inuyasha couldn't help but wonder where she was or what she was doing. He'd had to put a stop to it when Inuyasha had begun to wonder if she was out on a date with another guy.

Which, of course she was, right? A woman as beautiful as that? She could have her pick. No way was she sitting at home alone watching a dumb game… like he was.

Even now, as he settled in, he couldn't stop a part of his brain from focusing on the sounds coming from her unit. Which was why when he heard a car pull in, he told himself he needed a new beer, instead of admitting he was interested in what she had been doing, or if she was bringing them back with her.

He stood in his kitchen, watching the raven haired beauty step out of her car and open the trunk. Inuyasha leaned against the island in his kitchen, keeping his gaze intently on her and repressing the relief he felt when he realized there was no one else in the car with her.

Instead, Kagome pulled out another bag from the same store she had purchased all the other lights from. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, then stopped. He watched in utter delight as she set up her newest decoration. Inuyasha couldn't stop the smile that danced across his lips or the warmth that filled his chest as she worked.

Kagome placed the figure at the head of the other reindeer and plugged it in. Smiling proudly down at it and the red glow from its nose. She nodded to herself, grabbed the bag, then marched inside, disappearing from view.

The wench had actually gone out and purchased Rudolph. 'What a weirdo,' he thought, smiling to himself the entire time, completely forgetting to grab his new beer as he made his way back to his couch.

Friday, December 4th.

The next morning, Inuyasha was in a foul mood. He'd had a bad dream and almost missed his alarm. He had almost twisted his ankle on his morning run and was now running late to work. He flew out his apartment and into his car so quickly that he almost missed the note on his windshield.

Inuyasha paused, seeing the familiar ivory card-stock and making out traces of her scent that remained from when she had last held it. Slowly, Inuyasha opened it grinning at her loopy script.

I can't believe I forgot the most special reindeer of all! Thanks for setting me straight. :)

Kagome H.

He rolled his eyes, storing the card in his jacket pocket, the morning seeming a little brighter all of the sudden.

"Hey, what are you doing tonight?" Miroku asked, coming up to Inuyasha's desk at about midday.

"Well… it's Friday so… sleeping." Inuyasha replied, uninterested in whatever scheme Miroku was concocting.

"Dude we need to go Christmas shopping." His friend reminded him.

Inuyasha groaned, rolling his eyes at the same time. Who was he going to get gifts for? He and Kikyo ended months ago. Sure, he'd get things for his family - except Sesshomaru, fuck that prick. Inuyasha would get his mother something nice like he did every year and something quirky for his father. Still, Inuyasha wasn't like Miroku. Miroku had a long list of gifts to give to his various friends and "friends." Most years Inuyasha went to get one or two things then ended up having to help Miroku carry shit and each year Inuyasha would tell himself that he would stop being Miroku's pack mule.

"Oh come on," Miroku pressed, "at minimum we have to get your mother something nice."

"I know," Inuyasha admitted.

"So, let's go this weekend and get this over with? Be good sons and all that?"

"I'm not carrying your shit," Inuyasha growled. "This year you only buy what you can carry."

"Deal," Miroku replied, grinning down at his friend. It was the same deal they made every year. As Miroku walked away, Inuyasha rolled his eyes again, then he briefly looked down at the little card that he'd taken out and put on his desk. A thought began to form in his head, 'maybe Kagome might like something… no. Don't be ridiculous, who'd want a gift from me?'

Saturday, December 5th.

It had started simple enough: clean out the things in the basement so that she could get to the interior holiday decorations and donate old items to the shelters. It was a process Kagome went through every year and it had been going fine, until she found the box.

The box she had quickly shoved all of remnants of her relationship with Hojo in. It had been sitting there, so innocuously, so pleasantly calling to her to clean and then BAM. Over an hour later she was sitting on the cold concrete floor, staring at the evidence that they were once happy, tissues littering the floor.

Kagome took in a shuddering breath, dropping the photo of them at a vineyard over the summer back into the stupid box.

'I need to let go…' she reminded herself, taking one last look inside before grabbing the entire thing. At first she had told herself that maybe she could keep some of it. Like, maybe that sweet stuffed animal that he'd won her at the carnival, or even the dried rose petals from the first bouquet he'd given her. However, as one hour turned into two and then more… with her sitting on the floor, staring at what was, Kagome realized that holding on to any of it meant staying in the past. But… it wasn't worth staying in the past for a man who didn't have faith in them, in their relationship, to make it the distance. It wasn't worth it for a man who didn't love her.

So, she marched up the stairs and out toward the trash cans that were on the side of the road. Sniffling, while gripping the box tightly against her chest, Kagome walked out into the biting December air and stood in front of the garbage. She nibbled her lip, then shifted uncomfortably, lifting the lid up then dropping the box inside.

Kagome could hear the glass shatter but she still closed the lid and stepped back. Yeah, it hurt, but healing wasn't painless. Growing always came with its own unique aches.

She sighed, taking in a deep, calming breath, before turning on her heel and walking back toward her unit. As she made her way across her lawn, Kagome turned and noticed Inuyasha stepping out. She slowed to a stop, waving weakly over at him, a small smile forming. 'Moving on from Hojo is definitely the right thing to do,' she thought.

Inuyasha's head tilted to the side noticing that something was off about Kagome, his hands diving into his pockets after he locked his door and stepping in her direction. Kagome watched, still worrying her lip, as he walked over. She averted his eyes, hoping he wouldn't notice the redness or puffiness in hers.

"Hey," he murmured. Inuyasha didn't need to ask, he could smell the saline now that he was closer. She'd been crying and it pained him to see her that way.

"H-hi," she stammered lightly, her voice a little hoarse.

"You okay? Didn't fall putting out any more lights or deer, right?" He teased, a swell of pride warming his chest when he saw the corners of her mouth twitch into a more genuine smile.

"I'm fine," Kagome mumbled, a small sniffle coming at the end, but her smile held through it.

"You sure?" Inuyasha pressed.

"Yeah, just, you know… letting go can hurt." She answered, not intending on being vague but going for honesty instead.

Inuyasha nodded. Yes, it was a lesson he was pretty familiar with. "Are you… hungry by any chance?"

"Hungry?" Kagome repeated, those beautiful sapphire orbs finally meeting his warm honey gaze.

Inuyasha nodded again, a gentle blush coloring his cheeks. "Yeah, I'm supposed to be meeting Miroku for ramen in a bit, did you want to come?"

"I'd love to, but… I'm supposed to be meeting my friend Sango in a little."

"Does she like ramen?"

The words were out of his mouth before he really knew what he was saying, but the way her entire face lit up immediately put him at ease. "Yeah, she does." Holding his gaze, Kagome added, "where should we meet you?"

Inuyasha gave her the location and Kagome told him they'd be there shortly. Butterflies fluttered in her chest as she bounded back into her apartment, immediately grabbing her phone and all but skipping up the stairs to her room.

"Sango! Meet me at the ramen place on 4th street! What? No! Just, please?!" Kagome pleaded into the phone, grabbing a brush and pulling it through her unruly hair before pulling out her handy mascara. "My neighbor and his friend, my neighbor invited us to join! No, not Myoga, the other neighbor! The hot one. Great! See you soon," Kagome promptly hung up the phone and tossed it on the bath mat. She needed to hurry if she was going to make it look like she was effortlessly gorgeous.

Inuyasha walked into the restaurant immediately spotting Miroku at a booth for two. 'Fuck,' he thought knowing Miroku was about to give him a massive pile of shit for what he'd done. Not only had he invited two women to hang out with them, but Inuyasha had invited the two women he'd vehemently told Miroku he would not talk to. Yeah, he was about to get a boat load of shit and Inuyasha deserved all of it. It wouldn't matter though, Inuyasha would do it again and again to see her smile.

"We need a bigger table," Inuyasha grumbled, walking right up to his friend.

Miroku's black brows came together in confusion, "um, why? Is Shippo crashing again?"

"No, I, uh," Inuyasha took a deep, loud breath, angling his body away from Miroku and pinning his ears against the back of his head preemptively. "I invited my neighbor and her friend to have lunch with us."

He winced, waiting for the smack on the back or the super manly squeal of delight Miroku was known for. When neither of those happened, Inuyasha turned to see why his best friend was so quiet. The face on his friend was so much worse than Inuyasha could have imagined. Miroku's eyes were narrowed but not in a menacing way, in a "I-fucking-knew-it-you-scoundrel" way, his arms crossed across his chest, while his grin was so wide Inuyasha thought he looked like the Joker. "Okay, you can give me shit later, but right now get the fuck up and let's get a bigger goddam table," Inuyasha snapped storming away and approaching the hostess to explain the situation.

Miroku maintained his teasing grin the entire time as they were led to a table that could more comfortably seat four people.

"Shut up," Inuyasha growled, aggressively grabbing and gripping a menu, lifting it to form a barrier between him and Miroku.

"I didn't say a thing," Inuyasha could hear the laughing undertone to his words and it took all of his will power not to launch himself over the table and strangle is oldest, dearest, fucking annoying-est friend.

The look of pure, unadulterated joy in Inuyasha's discomfort didn't last much longer though, instead it was replaced with awe and appreciation as Miroku recognized Kagome and Sango the moment they walked in.

"Damn, they are even more beautiful sober," he muttered, kicking Inuyasha under the table when the half-demon didn't so much as lower his menu.

"Be nice," he growled. "No touching," Inuyasha hissed for good measure.

Miroku pouted for a moment before the women made it to the table, his pout immediately twisting to his signature smirk.

"Hi," Kagome began, waving shyly and making quick eye contact with Inuyasha.

He swallowed hard before scooting over to make sure they had room in the booth. "Hey, so, uh, this is my friend Miroku."

"Kagome," she introduced, taking a seat next to Inuyasha and extending her hand to Miroku. He shook it then turned to Sango. "That's my best friend Sango."

"Lovely to make your acquaintance," he purred. "I'm Miroku."

"Likewise," Sango responded curtly, raising an eyebrow and looking down disdainfully at the hand Miroku placed on her knee. "Please remove your hand from my leg before I break it."

"For fuck's sake," Inuyasha bemoaned as Kagome giggled next to him.

"So," Kagome began letting her gaze linger a little longer on Inuyasha, "what's good here?"

"You know I find women enjoy raw men." Miroku chuckled, laughing at his terrible pun. "Get it? Raw men… ramen?"

"Something tells me you can do better than that," Sango jested.

"Oh dear Sango, I would be happy to show you exactly what I can do."

"Ew," Inuyasha remarked.

Sunday, December 6th.

Ramen had been the most fun he'd had in ages. Miroku had been… well… Miroku, but Kagome was a breath of fresh air. Sweet with a kick. Like a fucking sour patch kid gummy. She was strong, funny, independent, bold, and smart as a whip. He wanted nothing more than to see that smile on her face, all day every day. Especially after smelling her tears.

The image of her smile, the song of her laughter, and the natural aroma of her scent were all so unbelievably disarming. They haunted him throughout the entire evening, even now, as he walked around his townhouse, waiting for Miroku to pick him up before they went shopping for gifts, Inuyasha kept looking out his window searching for her.

He quickly looked over at the time, a low growl reverberating out from his chest. Miroku was running late, again. Normally Inuyasha didn't care, but it was Sunday. Football Sunday. There were games to watch and Inuyasha didn't want to miss the 1pm games because Miroku couldn't decide between two equally abhorrent women's perfumes.

Just as Inuyasha was getting ready to text Miroku several obscenities, his ear flicked, the familiar rumble of a car rolling across Kagome's driveway catching his attention. He instantly looked up, hating the way even just seeing her made him feel a little more at ease but also tense at the same time.

One look at her told him that Kagome was determined to get herself accidentally killed. Bags were practically pouring out from her sedan and, worse, Kagome was attempting to carry all the bags at once. She stacked bag on top of bag in her arms, each teetering in her grasp until one inevitably fell, followed by another, until she picked one back up only to have another fall. Inuyasha watched for a moment, wondering if she would give up and just carry a smaller load.

She didn't.

Laughing to himself, Inuyasha grabbed his coat and keys, before jogging over to her. She'd made it to the door, holding up a couple bags by balancing them on a leg as she tried to pull out her keys. His ears burned as he made out the tiny, hushed curses she mumbled to herself as her fishing attempts failed to extricate her keys from her purse.

"Need a hand?" Inuyasha whispered, coming up behind her, reflexively catching her as she jumped, throwing the bags of toys into the air and falling back into him.

Her head landed with a thud against his chest, her heart thundering in hers. She looked up, instantly relaxing when she realized who it was. Kagome laughed, getting to her feet then playfully swatting at him. "Don't do that! You'll give me a heart attack."

His amber eyes locked with hers a moment before falling to the scattered bags and toys spilling out. "What's with all the toys? Big family?"

She pulled out her keys, pushing open her door as she answered, "no. I teach elementary school kids in the city. Many of my students come from rough backgrounds or broken families. This time of year is a big stressor for many of them and their loved ones, so I host a holiday giving drive. You know, food, toys, gently used clothes? We're a smaller school, so we don't typically get a lot of donations…" Her voice trailed off as her eyes landed on the bags of toys at his feet.

"So you buy them all gifts?" He asked incredulously. "On a teacher's salary?"

"Yeah," she blushed. "They aren't like nice gifts, but that's not the point. I do what I can and it's more important that these kids know that… that they know they're loved. That some one cares, even if the rest of the world doesn't see them. Everyone deserves to feel loved."

"You're like a modern day Mother Theresa," he murmured, leaning down and grabbing the bags off the ground then handing them to her.

"I'm just a person trying to make the world a little brighter," Kagome stammered slightly, her cheeks reddening further as her hand brushed along his when grabbing the bags and placing them in her foyer.

"Boyfriend must be really lucky to have some one as generous as you around." Inuyasha wasn't sure what made him say it, but she had to have some one right? Women like Kagome didn't just walk around single. They were fucking angels in disguise and there was no way in hell she was-

Kagome looked down and away from him, chewing on the inside of her cheek. Those sinfully sweet sapphire eyes turned into a turbulent ocean before him and he could feel a chill settle in his bones. "I, um, well… you see…"

'Fuck,' he thought to himself. Inuyasha knew that look. "You don't have to tell me what happened, I'm sorry for assuming," he quickly interjected, backpedaling.

"It's okay," she smiled weakly up at him. "I'm not actively seeing anyone, which means I can spend more time and money making sure my students have a good holiday season."

"Right, well, let's get the rest of the toys inside," Inuyasha muttered awkwardly, turning to point at the rest of the bags in her car. Kagome nodded walking next to him and toward her car.

Inuyasha was so distracted thinking about her reaction to his comment and the rustling of the bags that he didn't hear Miroku pull up or walk over to his door. His oldest friend was about to call him, when he noticed Inuyasha helping Kagome bring things inside. Instead of calling, Miroku walked back to the car, leaning smugly against the driver's side and waited for Inuyasha to finish.

As soon as Kagome shut all of the doors and locked her car, Miroku hit the horn on his car, violet eyes locked on Inuyasha only delighting more in the eye roll Inuyasha sent his way.

Miroku watched Inuyasha say farewell to Kagome, before walking over to the car.

"Whatever you're going to say, save it," Inuyasha growled quickly sliding into the passenger side.

"That was very nice of you to help Kagome with her groceries."

"They weren't groceries, they were toys."

"Oh, well ho-ho-ho," he teased.

"She, personally, bought at least a hundred stupid kids toys for the students at her school so that none of them would go without a gift this season," Inuyasha explained, speaking as if he was talking about unclogging a toilet.

"Well that's really good of her," he commented. "You make it sound like a bad thing."

"Some asshole hurt her," Inuyasha admitted. "Bad. Who the fuck hurts a goddam saint like her?"

Miroku shrugged, "you know… beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

"Right," Inuyasha sneered, looking out the window. Whatever Miroku said next, he didn't hear. He just kept thinking about Kagome and what she had said, "everyone deserves to feel loved." 'Yes,' he thought, 'you certainly do.'

Kagome couldn't stop thinking about him. Those burning honey eyes, his silver hair that made her think of freshly fallen snow, his gruff but also soft demeanor and the heat from his clawed hands earlier when they had brushed against hers. She was quickly racking up the hours wondering what it would be like to hold his hand instead of just grazing it, what it would be like to have him hold her for a reason other than preventing injury, and what it would be like to have that fiery gaze undress her.

Her eyes widened at the last thought. Even in the safety of her own home, she felt like thinking about him in that manner was… taboo. He was just her neighbor. Her very sexy, strong, kind neighbor who would look amazing in a fire man's uniform or a cowboy hat… but that was neither here nor there.

"Ugh!" Kagome exclaimed, grabbing her phone and dialing Sango.

"Hey, what's up?" Sango answered easily.

"I have a problem…"

"What is it? Are you okay?!"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. It's just that… I…"

"What?"

"I think I have a crush on my neighbor…" Kagome frowned as Sango burst into laughter at the other end of the phone. "What's so funny?!"

"Kagome, seriously? A blind rat could tell you had a crush on him by the way you were looking at him yesterday at lunch. Why is this a problem?"

"Be-because! What if he has a girlfriend?!"

"I mean… there's a pretty quick way to find out…"

"I don't even have his number," Kagome whined.

"So give him yours… something tells me he'll call."

Monday, December 7th.

Work fucking sucked, but that was to be expected. Mondays always sucked. Thankfully, for Inuyasha at least, Mondays were also football nights. Nights to kick back and watch the game. He was going to order pizza and pig out while watching the two worst teams battle it out for last place and it was going to be glorious. Inuyasha was going to put on stretchy sweat pants and his favorite torn hoodie and just pretend the rest of the world didn't exist.

At least, that had been the plan until he walked up to his door step to find a card jammed in his door frame, made of his favorite ivory card-stock. Grinning before he could stop himself, Inuyasha excitedly pulled the card out of the crease in the door and ripped it open with a single claw. He pulled out the card, his gaze immediately noticing the ten digits at the bottom of the message.

Inuyasha forced himself to read the full thing, his body thrumming with energy and excitement at the prospect that that might be her number.

Thanks for letting me and Sango crash your ramen date. I'd love to get soup with you again some time. Text or call any time. :)

Kagome H.

'Holy fucking shit,' Inuyasha thought, grinning like a goddam child in a candy store at the string of numbers. He stepped inside to shake off the cold and immediately saved her number in his phone.

[Hey, instead of soup, wanna get pizza and watch the game with me?] - Inuyasha

Was he really inviting Kagome to watch football with him? The ramifications of his action began to sink in. Girls don't watch "sports ball." Girls are annoying about sports ball. Girls like to wear make up and would judge him for his torn hoodie or the way he devoured pizza without breathing… 'Fuck.'

[I'd love to! Meet you at yours fifteen minutes before kickoff?] - Kagome H.

"Oh my god… she knows the word kickoff…" he muttered to himself. Was it a low bar? Absolutely. Was he still impressed she could at least say that correctly? One hundred percent. 'She's not a girl… Kagome is a woman,' he thought, nodding to himself. 'Sophisticated and knowledgable and… woman-like…'

Inuyasha swallowed hard. She was coming over. In… forty minutes. He looked around his place, it wasn't dirty per se but it was clear a single man lived alone in the space. He groaned loudly, stomping into the living room to put on the pre-game show in the background as he cleaned and attempted to at least preserve some semblance of dignity. As he moved room through room grabbing his stuff and putting it away or hiding it, Inuyasha began to understand why Miroku's place was always spotless.

A knock at the door made him jump. Inuyasha looked at the clock with big eyes, realizing for the first time that he'd wasted the entire forty minute buffer he'd had cleaning and that he was still in his suit from work. 'It's fine,' he reasoned walking over to the door, 'girls always over dress anyway, right?'

Inuyasha opened the door, his nose immediately assaulted with the unbelievably delicious scent of fried chicken. He blinked down at the small girl noticing that she was wearing faded black leggings under her puffy coat, her hair pulled into a messy bun at the top of her crown and that she was carrying both a large bucket of fried chicken and a case of beer. He'd forgotten… Kagome was a woman, 'knowledgeable and all that shit…' and by the looks of it also a very hungry woman.

"Hey!" She chirped, that Earth shattering smile being directed at him. Her sapphire gaze dragged along his torso and he realized, almost instantly, that he didn't mind it at all. She could look at him like that all day - or she could have until her brows furrowed in confusion. "A little over dressed for the 49ers aren't we?"

Inuyasha stared at her. "Oh, uh, yeah, I got distracted."

Kagome nodded, "is it okay if I come in? Chicken is getting cold."

"Yes!" He blurted, pulling the door all the way open and letting her in. Inuyasha watched her walk over to the island, placing the food and beer on the counter before shedding her over sized coat. It should have been criminal to look that fucking adorable and some how sexy in an oversized t-shirt and faded leggings, and yet, she did.

She draped her coat over one of the chairs in the room and placed the beer in the fridge. Normally Inuyasha would have hated the way she moved around the room, as if she knew him, but he didn't. He was half tempted to ask her to marry him on the spot.

So far, inviting her over for the game and pizza was the smartest thing he'd ever done.

'Pizza… goddammit!' Inuyasha hadn't just forgotten to change into more comfortable clothes, he'd forgotten to order the fucking pizza. "I uh, also, forgot… to order the pizza."

"Ah, because you were… distracted?" She teased. He nodded. "Okay, well, how about I order the pizza and you change into clothes that are more appropriate for chicken fried in an ungodly amount of oil?"

"Sure," he responded quickly, darting up the stairs to his room.

Kagome followed the noise to the living room, taking a seat gingerly at the edge of the couch, a beer in one hand and her phone in the other. Her thumb moved across the screen easily as she put in an order for the pizza and waited. Moments later, Inuyasha joined her, clutching the bucket of fried chicken and a beer for himself.

She tried not to stare but let herself look for a solid minute. Instead of the tight, button up he was wearing a tattered red hoodie, clearly a favorite, and black sweats. They still held most of their color and there were no visible stains on them yet, so clearly a newer pair. Kagome chuckled to herself before taking a sip of her beer. He looked good, but he was also trying to be somewhat put together in front of her.

"What's so funny?" He asked.

"Nothing," she mused. "I got us cheese, should be here before end of the first quarter."

Tuesday, December 8th.

Inuyasha stared, unfocused at his computer, claws tapping on the keyboard but not typing. The prior evening had been even better than the ramen date because Miroku hadn't been there. It had felt so… natural, so… right just existing near her. He'd never felt so at peace by merely being in another's presence. It was both sickening and amazing.

He needed more.

So, Inuyasha texted her early in the morning. Problem was, she still hadn't responded. He turned over his phone again and felt like smashing his head through his computer. It was almost 3pm. Over six hours without a response. He had thought that they both had had a great time. Now he was beginning to doubt that.

"Why the long face?" Miroku asked, coming up next to Inuyasha.

"No reason," the half-demon grumbled.

"Right, right, so I'm supposed to believe that your incessant, hopeless sighs and forlorn looks toward your phone have nothing to do with Kagome?"

"Don't you have an intern to harass?" Inuyasha snarled, not in the mood for Miroku's commentary, no matter how accurate.

"Fine, but if you need me you know where to find me," he replied, sipping on a mug of stale, probably cold coffee and walking back to his own desk.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, trying again to focus on the work he had in front of him. Just as he was about to get started his phone dinged and all interest in his real job vanished. He haphazardly reached for his phone only to hear Miroku laughing behind him.

"Fuck off!" Inuyasha exclaimed as Miroku went back to his desk for real this time.

He grumbled expletives to himself as his phone went off again. Inuyasha lazily opened it, ready to rip Miroku's head from his shoulders when he realized that Kagome had texted him.

[Hey! Sorry for the delay, no phones allowed in school. :) I had fun too!] - Kagome H.

[Hows the toy drive going?] - Inuyasha

It was a safe topic, one he knew she was invested in. Maybe when he had regained some of his dignity he'd build back up to asking her to hang out again or something equally as ridiculous.

[Eh, it's a little lack luster this year. May have to go shopping again.] - Kagome H.

Inuyasha frowned at her last message. He didn't like that idea. He didn't like thinking about her being the only one who cared enough to make sure each student felt appreciated.

So, he responded to Miroku's earlier joke message.

[You're buying a bunch of toys to help Kagome out.] - Inuyasha

[Okay, but only if you get me in a room with her friend again.] - Miroku

[NO GROPING.] - Inuyasha.

[Deal.] - Miroku.