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.

3. Part III

Friday, December 18th.

Kagome had been giddy all day. All. Day. She had felt a little bad that she had barely paid attention during the assembly at the end of the half-day when she and the other teachers were handing out the gifts from the toy drive to the students prior to the buses carting them all home for their winter break. It had been so hard to get her mind to stop straying to Inuyasha.

He had to be her secret gifter right? Right?! Had to be! Now, Kagome was determined to catch him in the act.

She arrived home that day determined to draw up a fool-proof plan to catch him. However, Kagome realized, as she approached her front step that said plan would have to start the following day.

Kagome rolled her eyes, but grinned excitedly as she walked up to find a large gift-wrapped box sitting in front of her door. She looked around, paying special attention to Inuyasha's unit, frowning only slightly when she realized that he wasn't even home. Still, she was curious, so she unwrapped it and removed the lid.

"You've got to be kidding me," she mused, pulling out the large stuffed animal goose with a fake name tag and noticing that said goose had been sitting on top of six cartons of egg nog. "Cute," Kagome chuckled to herself, a plan forming in her head.

Saturday, December 19th.

Inuyasha rolled out of bed rather unhappily that morning. He'd stayed late at work… again… but it meant that he was finally caught up and wouldn't need to work on break. Normally, he wouldn't mind working over Christmas, but this year… well this year he had a party to attend and he wouldn't miss it for the world and certainly not for his damn boss.

He yawned openly, slowly making his way down for coffee, a flurry of movement catching his eye. Inuyasha leaned over his island, an eye brow raised and a wicked grin spreading across his face. His amber gaze followed the movement of his eccentric neighbor who was dancing through her kitchen and living room in her pajamas, grabbing random objects and singing into them as if they were microphones.

He watched with rapt attention while his coffee brewed, laughing to himself, as Kagome danced in each room, unpacking the boxes full of decorations and laying them out on various surfaces. She twirled this way and that, reminding him of the mice in Cinderella dressing the princess before the ball.

Then suddenly, she paused in front of her kitchen window, the one directly adjacent to his. She opened her eyes, mid-sing only to stumble back, her kitchen table catching her before she fell on her butt. Even from his distance, Inuyasha could clearly see her cheeks burn red.

Inuyasha slowly lifted a hand and waved at Kagome, his amused smirk on full display for her. She swallowed thickly then waved back, worrying her lip and slowly edging herself around her kitchen table and out of sight.

He pulled out his phone and sent her a quick text.

[Can't wait for the party. Will you be dancing like that?] - Inuyasha

[NO!] - Kagome H.

Her immediate and blunt response had him laughing even harder.

Across the small dividing patch of land, Kagome chewed on the inside of her mouth, cheeks still hot, as she put on real clothes. She had a lot more decorating to do and well… it would probably be better if she had a bra on while she twirled around singing Mariah Carey Christmas hits. Especially if a certain neighbor had been able to see her as clearly as she had seen him. "Oh man," she muttered to herself in embarrassment, thinking back to that stupidly attractive and infuriatingly smug look he had when she'd finally noticed him. Kagome wondered how long he'd been there.

More so though, she was wondering where the hell the other rings were. There were supposed to be five! So why did she only have one? Kagome felt tempted to come right out and ask, but then she thought back to the French Hen Bistro. He'd said he'd never heard of it and even when he'd been over and eaten it with her he seemed genuinely surprised by the food and how Kagome had procured it.

'I'll have to catch him in the act! Then he'll be the one that's embarrassed!' Kagome nodded to herself before throwing on her clothes and bounding down the stairs to resume her decorating.

As she moved through the house, putting the festive dishes in the sink to wash the dust off, bringing out the interior lights and wreaths, and pulling out the Christmas themed cook books, Kagome noticed that Inuyasha was no longer in his kitchen. She ran to her door, checking to see if she'd missed a gift drop off and felt relieved to see she hadn't. Her step was empty.

'Good, good,' she thought to herself, moving about her home and trying to keep tabs on him when she could see her neighbor enter his kitchen. If she could place his movements she could more easily catch him.

Day light seemed to dwindle too quickly, as Kagome put out the various figurines and table cloths to help tie everything together, but the biggest surprise was finding another gold ring. It had been placed inconspicuously near her Kitchen Aid mixer, which then got Kagome thinking… 'oh my god… it's a scavenger hunt…'

A wide grin broke out across her lips, her eyes dancing across the rooms searching for the rest of the rings. Kagome became so enraptured in finding the other rings that she barely noticed the knocking.

"Wha-" Her entire body stiffened before she catapulted herself toward her front door. Kagome practically tripped on the red and green area rug she'd placed in front of her entryway getting to the door.

Sure enough, as soon as she stepped outside, there it was, another gold and silver present surrounded by the light, fluffy flakes of snow falling from the sky. Kagome stomped her foot in frustration, looking around and knowing that he'd already slipped away.

Kagome looked back down at the dazzling little gift box. It was much smaller than the others had been. She knelt down to grab it and walked back inside, getting out of the frigid air. Kagome took a seat in her kitchen and removed the lid, a gentle gasp escaping while her sapphire eyes stared in wonder. A Swarovski necklace of a dazzling snowflake with seven sides. Kagome shook her head. The seventh gift and the Swarovski logo were one and the same: a swan.

"Son of a bitch," she mumbled, holding the pendant in her hands and turning it so the gems sparkled in the light.

Sunday, December 20th.

Kagome woke up with a pep in her step that she hadn't felt in a long, long time. It was Sunday. Football Sunday. She would most likely see Inuyasha again, it was practically guaranteed, wasn't it? Kagome threw on some clothes and ran down the stairs to start the coffee maker, her excitement bubbling through every vein and in her chest, making her shiver in delight.

This is what she had been missing from the holiday season - the hope and unencumbered anticipation for the day. They days just felt so warm and so abundant with promise, even if the temperatures outside were frigid and unwelcoming. Kagome didn't mind though, smiling to herself as she walked into her kitchen, cold weather was better for snuggling.

Movement from across the way caught her eye. Kagome looked through her large kitchen windows turning to get a better view before smiling and waving as she watched Inuyasha walk into his kitchen. He looked a little more… grumpy than usual. She bit her bottom lip, an idea forming. She was going to see him later anyway, right? Why not just spend the whole day with him…

[Need some coffee? Mine's already warmed up. :) ] - Kagome H.

As he headed toward his coffee maker, Inuyasha felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He raised a brow at her through the windows before checking to see that she had messaged him. He rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips, then left the kitchen, pulling his coat off the hook before exiting his unit.

Kagome squealed with unfettered glee.

[Be over in a minute.] - Inuyasha

"Yes!" She exclaimed in victory. Was she excited to see him? Absolutely. Would this also help her catch him in the act? You bet it would! Thinking herself smart, Kagome ran to the door and watched through the peep hole to make sure he didn't try to sneak a gift to her before he knocked on the door.

The only problem was… as soon as Kagome looked through the small glass opening she noticed a very familiar gold bow sitting atop a very familiar silver gift box staring back at her. Kagome opened the door quickly letting it bang against the interior wall, mouth agape as she grabbed the box. Worse yet, out of the corner of her eye she watched Inuyasha leave his unit and walk over. He hadn't even made it to her unit yet… which meant that…

"Whatcha got there?" He asked, coming up to her, hands shoved in his pockets.

"A gift," Kagome mumbled, shoulders slumping before looking between him and the box in bewilderment. She moved out of the way, letting him into her unit then followed behind. Kagome placed the gift box on her kitchen island, staring at it as if offended by its presence.

"You don't seem to happy to see it," Inuyasha commented, an eye brow raised while he not-so-subtly peered over at the warm coffee on her counter.

"I just… I don't know who's giving them all to me!" Kagome exclaimed, yanking on the bow and ripping the box open.

"What do you mean 'all'?" He questioned.

"This is the eighth gift!" She continued, an awestricken smile gracing her lips as Kagome looked down at the contents of the box. It was a charcuterie set complete with eight types of cheese, four cracker varieties, honey, and a board to serve it on, each individually wrapped baring the logo of the cheese farm with a milk maid holding a basket of items. Kagome bit on her bottom lip, realizing if she was going to catch him… she'd have to step up her game and be more vigilant.

Inuyasha watched her closely, his amber eyes falling to her hands as Kagome pulled open the box and removed the various items. Four of her fingers were decorated with matching gold rings. He felt heat splash across his cheeks and a small smile pull the corners of his lips up ever so slightly. Silently Inuyasha wondered to himself how long it would take her to find the fifth gold ring.

Looking around and clearing his throat, Inuyasha noticed that most of the boxes had been cleared, save for a few toward the back of her living room. "So, uh, how's the party planning going?"

Kagome looked up, holding several of the cheeses in her arms, blinking in confusion a few times before she put together his question. She had been lost in thought, wondering if it was worth it to install a state of the art security camera system just to catch him. "Oh! It's coming along. Still need to procure a tree, and then it's just a matter of food and alcohol."

"You still don't have a tree?!" Inuyasha inquired in alarm. "Kagome, the party is in four days…"

"I know, I know!" Kagome whined, placing the cheeses in her fridge to stay cold and leaving the rest on the island. "I was going to handle that this morning." She sighed loudly, nibbling on the inside of her cheek.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, a small yawn breaking free.

"Oh, sorry!" Kagome muttered hurriedly, jumping over to the coffee pot and pouring him a cup. "Milk, sugar?"

"Neither, thanks."

Kagome scrunched her nose at him as she handed over the cup of black coffee. "Really?"

"What? I don't drink it for the flavor," he sneered, taking a large gulp of the caffeinated beverage.

"But it can be so good…"

"It's all nasty. It's energy infused dirt no matter how you dress it," Inuyasha replied, raising a brow as she looked at him disapprovingly.

"Hey, do you… do you have plans today?" She asked, her voice trailing off and her eyes dropping to her hands, where her fingers were nervously fidgeting.

"Uh, not really, just… you know… football."

"Right, right," Kagome murmured, looking over at the T.V. in the living room. There were a number of games playing that afternoon. Kagome still had some holiday shopping to finish up and, obviously, needed a tree. For a brief moment she'd been hoping that maybe he would want to go with her.

Seeing the forlorn look on her face had Inuyasha rolling his eyes and sighing openly. He placed the mug down on the island and walked up to her, narrowing his gold gaze, "you need help with that damn tree don't you?" The pink that stained her cheeks milliseconds later was all the affirmation he needed. Inuyasha took in a deep breath, then begrudgingly continued. "Okay, I'll help you."

"Really?! Oh thank you!" Kagome exclaimed excitedly, jumping in place. "Give me a few seconds to grab a sweater and the straps for the top of the car!"

He watched her sprint out of the kitchen, his heart fluttering in his chest. Sure, he still wanted to watch the damn games, but more than that he wanted to see that ridiculous smile and hear that overbearing joy in the melodic tone of her voice. Having Kagome near was so much better than any damn game. Even if the Seahawks versus Washington was supposed to be a good match… she was worth missing the first half. 'Hell, she's worth missing the whole fucking line up today.'

Kagome giddily ran through the different rows of trees that remained at the tree farm, with Inuyasha trailing behind. He meandered through the lines of trees, looking at the tall ones, the short ones, and the are-they-sick ones. Mostly though, Inuyasha watched Kagome. Her eyes were huge, taking in each tree and touching at least a dozen of them as she walked herself dizzy surveying them.

Truth be told, he'd never purchased a real tree before. He'd only seen that shit on T.V. and it had looked boring, but with Kagome running around like a kid high on sugar, Inuyasha had to admit it was at least a little entertaining.

"What do you think about this one?!" She exclaimed loudly a few rows away from him.

"Looks great," he answered, head turned toward the opposite direction as he stopped to stand in front of a different tree. It was a little worse for the wear, a broken branch here and there. By the look of it, a kid probably tried to climb up the limbs and failed.

Kagome peered around the evergreen she was looking at and smiled, walking over to him. "Like it?"

"No," he replied. "It's broken."

"Nothing a few well-placed ornaments or lights can't fix." She replied, her fingers dragging along one of the broken branches.

He frowned, shoving his hand in his pockets. Inuyasha sighed then walked back in the direction Kagome had come from. "Where's that tree you mentioned earlier?"

"Doesn't matter," Kagome responded, letting her hand drop. "Already found a better one."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. 'Whatever, it's her silly tree.'

The tree farm was situated about ten minutes from one of Kagome's favorite little towns. Passing by it on the way up had given Kagome a splendid idea. With her tree picked out and securely strapped to the top of her car, she pulled out of the parking lot and began heading toward the town. Nestled in the quaint town with its boutique shops and local charm was a cafe that had the best specialty coffees and warm beverages Kagome had ever had. The little town was not only a great spot to pick up unique gifts for the remaining people on her list but would be the perfect way to show Inuyasha that coffee wasn't mere dirt. It was the elixir of gods.

Inuyasha's brows knotted in confusion when she pulled off the main road. "Hey, uh, home's that way," he muttered, pointing the opposite direction.

"I know," Kagome responded, smiling but not looking at him.

"So then why are you going this way?" He continued, eyes narrowing at her.

"Just thought you might want something to warm you up." Kagome nibbled on her bottom lip, sapphire eyes dancing mischievously as she parked right outside the small cafe. "Ready?" She asked, meeting his gaze and smile broadening.

"For?"

"A treat," she answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Kagome stepped out of the car and waited, nostrils filling with the heavenly aroma of the roasted beans. She sighed in contentment before marching into the cafe.

Dutifully, he followed her in trying not to gag on the stench. Another reason he hated coffee? Its obnoxiously pervasive odor. Still, he followed her in. If he stayed close enough her scent would wash away the rest and, really, if she asked… Inuyasha was pretty sure he'd follow her to hell and back, let alone into a coffee shop. But that was neither here nor… so for now he'd just suck it up and drink the damn dirt water so they could go home and watch the games. Maybe she'd even sit up close to him again and maybe… maybe if the Chiefs lost he might do something crazy and drape his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to him. Maybe. Whatever. He wasn't pining for her or nothing…

Inuyasha stared at Kagome as she scanned the menu inside the cafe with rapt attention and undue excitement. He was wondering if she needed to cut back on the shit when she levied those warm, expressive orbs at him. "Well?" She asked, "what do you want?"

"Hot chocolate," he answered quickly, not even sure if the place sold it.

She turned back to the menu and pointed, "okay, but like… the hot chocolate explosion or the chocolate express or the-"

"Just a normal one is fine," Inuyasha muttered, crinkling his nose after catching a whiff of the coffee smell, ears flattening against his head.

It made Kagome pause. "Um, is it… is it safe?"

"What?" He turned to look at her again, noticing that she was now fixated on the soft triangles at the top of his head. "What do you mean 'is it safe?' It better be safe! They are selling it!"

"No, I mean… can you… have chocolate… safely," she mumbled, biting her lip again, cheeks turning pink under his scrutiny.

If Inuyasha wasn't so distracted by her lips he would have berated her for such a ridiculous concern. He wasn't a damn dog! Just… part dog demon. Very different. "Uh," he stammered wondering how soft her lips were and suddenly missing her touch. Inuyasha wondered what she would do if he just leaned in a little more…

"Inuyasha?" Kagome murmured, unable to look away and leaning closer toward him.

"Um, yeah, chocolate is fine," he grumbled, snapping out of his thoughts and immediately walking ahead of her toward the counter. "Hey, can I get a hot chocolate and whatever she wants," Inuyasha stated briskly to the barista who nodded.

"I was gonna pay," she grumbled, coming up next to him.

Inuyasha slowly slid a twenty over to the man behind the counter while maintaining eye contact with Kagome, "keep the change."

Kagome gave the barista her order, shaking her head playfully in response to Inuyasha's jest. Their orders didn't take long and soon, Kagome was dragging him through the shopping center, drinks in hand, into every inane specialty shop in the town.

"Really, I'm good," Inuyasha insisted, taking another sip of his hot chocolate. "Chocolate doesn't make me sick and, no, I don't want to try that thing you call coffee," he laughed. Inuyasha could smell the mountain of sugar steamed into her latte and he had literally zero interest in tasting it.

"Are you sure?" Kagome pressed, lifting the cup in his face and giggling when he crinkled his nose in disgust.

"Yeah, pretty fucking sure," he mumbled. All things considered, Inuyasha was having fun with Kagome. They stopped in the little shops here and there, even grabbed a pretzel as a snack, and were just…. hanging out. He had been nervous at first when he realized she didn't want to just get coffee, but that Kagome actually wanted to spend time leisurely strolling around. Most people didn't like his personality that much even in small doses. The football games usually provided a buffer between them and something to talk about. Without the games… it was just him. No buffer, just his dazzling personality that usually infuriated all but Miroku.

And now apparently… Kagome.

It was strange, not unwelcome, just… strange… how with her, he never felt like the abomination everyone else seemed to think he was. Inuyasha didn't hate it. For the first time since his nasty split with Kikyo, Inuyasha began to feel like… maybe he'd found his person. Maybe he'd found some one he could be with, some one who saw him for, well, him.

Or at least, he'd thought that until he smelt the bitter and all too familiar stench of anxiety and discomfort emanate from Kagome. Inuyasha stopped walking, unconsciously gripping his hot chocolate tightly in his hand. He waited for a moment, his own disappointment and pain preventing him from looking at Kagome. When he did his gold eyes widened and he instinctively stepped in front of her.

Kagome had frozen. She hadn't meant to… she had just been caught off guard. Here she was, walking practically arm in arm with Inuyasha and introducing him to some of her favorite things and then she'd heard him. She hadn't meant to look but she had and now he was waving at her. Like, a full arm wave that could be seen by people all around.

Inuyasha followed her gaze and saw that a man was approaching them. Kagome was chewing on her lip. It wasn't the normal, playful or even worried nibbling she had a habit of, he noticed, it was full on practically chomping half her lip off.

"Kagome?" Inuyasha murmured, looking back at her briefly before turning to face the man standing before them.

"Kagome!" He exclaimed, eyes bright and smile wide as if they were old friends.

She released her lip and smiled meekly at him, "hey! Wh-what are you doing here?"

"Oh you know, just last minute Christmas shopping. You know my mother loved those sweets you got for her last year so I had to get some then I realized it's a whole village of shops! This place is amazing!"

"Right, right," her voice trailed off, but her inner monologue was screeching. 'Why?! Of all the days, why did he choose today to come to my favorite place?!'

"And you are?" Inuyasha asked, a low growl forming in his chest.

"Oh, uh, this is Hojo and Hojo this is Inuyasha." Kagome introduced, stepping closer to Inuyasha.

Normally, Inuyasha loved the way his name sounded coming from Kagome, but he cringed as it tumbled from her lips. Her voice was filled with anxiety and trepidation, something Inuyasha had never heard from her before, and for the life of him Inuyasha couldn't tell what about this scrawny, insignificant human was so intimidating to her.

Ignoring the half-demon, Hojo stared directly at Kagome. "You look amazing, by the way!"

"Thanks."

"Are you going to be around after the holidays? I'd really love to talk. I don't like how things ended between us on Halloween."

'Halloween…' Inuyasha thought, his mind running like an overheated computer trying to remember why that date mattered.

A second later it hit him. The first time he'd seen Kagome she was stumbling into her apartment with Sango guiding her. A salty stench polluting the air around her. He had assumed she'd had too much to drink, but now it began to make sense to Inuyasha. He'd caught her crying and throwing away a box of memories the day he invited her to ramen, she'd flinched when he'd asked her about a boyfriend, and now her discomfort was palpable. 'He… he's gotta be…' Inuyasha thought, the growl in his chest growing steadily in strength, a surge of heat washing through his entire body. 'He's the ass that hurt Kagome.'

"Oh, so sorry Hobo-" Inuyasha interrupted.

"It's, uh, Hojo," he corrected not unkindly.

"Doesn't matter. Point is, Kagome and I are about to be late for a thing and we still have to get her damn tree up. So, we'll be going now." Inuyasha interjected before placing a hand between her shoulder blades and abruptly guiding her toward the car, leaving a stunned Hojo to watch them leave.

"That was a little rude," Kagome mumbled.

"Don't care. He's a moron and was rude enough to pretend that he didn't hurt you. He can go fuck himself for all I care." Inuyasha grumbled in response.

Kagome stopped walking and looked up at him, the heat from his hand calming her despite his gruffness. Her brows knit together and her eyes searched his the moment Inuyasha turned to see why she wasn't walking with him anymore.

Kagome realized that she'd frozen when she'd seen him out of shock and out of fear. Fear because Kagome had expected to feel something for Hojo. She had expected to miss him, to long for him, or even to feel that sharp pain of heartbreak all over again. And she had felt something, but it hadn't been about Hojo.

From the moment Inuyasha had spoken up when her voice faltered, Kagome thought about him. She thought about how Inuyasha had immediately responded to her discomfort by shielding her. How he'd given her the chance to speak before he'd interjected in her defense when she hadn't been able to find the words, and how different she felt around him versus how she had felt when she was with Hojo.

A chilling panic flooded through Inuyasha. He'd never seen that look on her face. He had no idea what the hell it meant and it made him anxious. Kagome looked almost impassive and it reminded him a little too much of Kikyo. Then, he watched as one corner of her mouth turned upward and her brows relaxed. "You-you were defending me…"

"Duh!" Inuyasha sneered, "that's the guy that broke up with you right? Fucking dumbass doesn't get to act like you're still friends or whatever. You're too good for him anyway. Plus-" Inuyasha snapped his mouth shut, averting her gaze in embarrassment when she smiled brightly at him.

Kagome nodded slowly then hooked her arm through his before continuing to walk to her car. "Thanks," she murmured.

"So, uh, are you-are you going to talk to him?" Inuyasha questioned, his voice so small and quiet Kagome almost didn't recognize it as his.

She squeezed his arm for a moment, looking straight ahead, "no. There's some one else who I'd rather spend time with than Hojo."

Monday, December 21st.

He could smell it long before he actually woke that morning. The air, even in the apartment, was thick with the moisture and the chill it carried. Inuyasha groaned as the light from the morning poured into his room. He didn't want to get up. Getting up meant he'd have to go outside and shovel. "Fucking snow," he grumbled as he tucked his head under a pillow.

Kagome sprang out of bed, jumping to her window and throwing open the curtains. Her sapphire eyes were wide with delight as her breath fogged up the window. She jumped in place with glee. The ground was covered in snow and it was still coming down. Kagome loved the snow and almost everything about it.

Dashing toward her closet, Kagome pulled out her snow gear and suited up, her mind filling with ideas. 'Let's see… what should I do first? Build an igloo? Make snow angels? Oh! A snow man!' She wondered, lacing up her boots and then heading downstairs.

Walking out into the bright morning, Kagome inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh air and just enjoying the sight of the undisturbed snow. It was beautiful. Movement from her side caught her eye and Kagome looked over. Inuyasha was already up and shoveling his walkway. A new idea formed at the back of her head. The snow man could wait, she had something better up her sleeve. She slung the shovel over her back and confidently strode to her drive way. Gradually, Kagome built up the sides of her drive, chuckling to herself the entire time.

Every once in a while she peered over her back and checked on her neighbor's progress. He was moving slow, far slower than he should have been given his inhuman strength. Taking one last look at the barriers she'd erected, Kagome nodded to herself. 'They'll do.' Her movements were muted by the soft, powdery snow as she pushed together some of it to form a ball.

Kagome checked over her shoulder again, eyes locking on her target. Shifting her snowball to her throwing hand, Kagome watched him move. He seemed totally oblivious to her. 'Perfect,' she thought, pulling her arm back then releasing. As soon as it left her hand, Kagome ducked behind her barrier, only the top of her head remaining visible, watching the snow hurtle toward her neighbor.

Inuyasha hated the snow. It was cold and wet and made his nose feel like it would fall off at any second. Even with the hat covering his ears, it still wasn't enough for the tips to stay warm. He'd intended on moving quickly and getting it over with, but then Kagome had come out. She'd been so quiet and had gone straight to shoveling without so much as a wave or a hello. It had his mind whirling, retracing everything that happened the last time they'd been together. Had he been too much? Too rude to Hobo? Too aggressive with her? 'Fuck!' Inuyasha groaned internally, pushing more snow out of his walkway.

He had thought things with them were going so well! Of course he'd thought wrong. No one was that accepting of him and his brashness or his heritage. Too good to be true. Had to be.

That's when the damn thing hit him. He stood there, blinking in rapid succession, amber eyes fixating on the melting flakes of snow that covered the bridge of his nose and one of his cheeks. Inuyasha was stunned at first, caught totally unaware having been ripped from his thoughts by a sudden burst of cold in his face. Slowly he turned to the side.

Kagome had ducked further beneath the little wall of snow she'd built, but the top of her fuzzy hat stuck out like a sore thumb, bobbing above her white shield.

Inuyasha wiped the melted snow off of his cheek and smirked. 'Oh,' he thought the self-doubt from a moment earlier falling away, 'she wants to play.' He sighed before cracking his knuckles then bent down preparing to leap. Inuyasha quietly landed behind his car and immediately began making a mountain of snow balls. 'Kagome has no idea who she's messing with,' he thought chuckling to himself. There he waited, keeping a gold eye trained on her with rapt attention, biding his time.

Minutes went by and Kagome didn't hear anything. Not so much as a peep from his yard. Nothing. She bit her lip nervously and began to think that maybe she should have given him a heads up or a warning of some kind. Slowly, she pushed herself up far enough over her blockade to survey his lawn and noticed that he wasn't there. "What…" she muttered, standing up fully and looking around. Her eyes immediately began scanning the snow, looking for foot prints but there were none.

"Wh-where did he go?" Kagome mumbled, climbing over her barrier into his yard. Still worrying her lip, she looked around then at the door. "Better go apologize," she sighed feeling dejected and guilty for assaulting him with snow when she stopped about halfway to his door.

Kagome stiffened and looked around. She could feel him, feel his presence nearby but not from inside the house. She tried to focus on that feeling and prod at it, attempting to ascertain where he was hiding…

Then she felt it, the isolated cold pressure of a snow ball making contact with her side. Kagome instantly turned just as another snowball was flung into the air coming right at her. Just like that, all her worry and fear melted away. Kagome laughed openly as she dodged the second attack then sprinted back behind her barrier.

"You think that little thing will protect you?!" He called as she dove behind cover, seeing another snowball whiz by her.

She grinned, hands digging into the snow bank she'd formed to create more snow balls before launching several at Inuyasha. Kagome knew his location now - he was hiding behind his car! "Ha!" She exclaimed, raining snow down on him, "you think you can hide behind your car?! Weak!" Kagome taunted ducking to make more snowballs.

"Oh really?" He muttered to himself, grabbing the last of his pre-made snowballs. "Just remember this moment! Because you asked for this!" Inuyasha replied, his voice laced with mischief.

"Asked for wha-" Kagome began, peeking her head above her barrier just as Inuyasha bolted. Her eyes widened in surprise at his speed and she scrambled to get up. Squealing, Kagome made a mad dash for her front door knowing full well she'd never make it in time. He was just too fast.

Inuyasha caught up with her easily and gently tossed his remaining snowballs at her. She laughed the entire time, cheeks rosy from the cold but eyes bright with warmth from their little game. 'Maybe,' he began to think, 'maybe the snow isn't that bad.'

"Give up yet?" He asked, a brow cocked in premature victory, holding his final snow ball, eyes locked with hers, mere feet from her.

"Never," Kagome spat, before dashing to the side and throwing powder snow up at him. Inuyasha shook his head in feigned offense, his broad grin betraying his lack of true anger. Kagome kept moving across the yard, dodging her Christmas decorations and throwing snowballs at him whenever she got the chance.

Inuyasha ran after her, not with his full speed, but just enough to let her slip away - enough to keep the game going. He continued to grab snow from the ground as he chased her, making his own snowballs and throwing them back at her while she did the same.

It was going great what with Kagome's laughter surrounding him like an enchanting melody and those large sapphire eyes shining brightly at him when she looked his way. His chest felt so full of warmth and joy that Inuyasha was sure he could do this with her forever, or he had been until it all came crashing down.

Kagome was running and looking back at him when it happened, unaware of what she had run into. Her foot caught under a wire from one of her many light up decorations. Inuyasha first saw the look of concern flash across her face, her forward motion halted as she was unable to lift her foot. Then he saw her start to go down. Inuyasha acted on instinct, his speed kicking in and reaching out for her.

He wrapped his hand around her wrist, but it wasn't enough to stop her fall. Worse still, Inuyasha had underestimated her downward momentum, causing them both to crash into the snow covered ground.

"You okay?!" Inuyasha asked hurriedly, amber eyes searching hers as she blinked up at him, her cheeks turning red as she looked unwaveringly into his eyes.

Kagome swallowed, her cheeks burning as her gaze met his. "Mmhmm," she murmured, feeling his silver hair fall around her. Kagome could feel the coldness from the crushed snow beneath her seep through her layers, but Kagome didn't dare move, not with him laying on top of her, so close she could feel the warmth from his breath caress her cheek.

Inuyasha was so close she couldn't help but stare. His eyes were so bright and full of life. They were something special on a normal day, but Kagome couldn't pull away from them and the depth behind them up close. She could feel his body heat radiating off of him and warming her, his arms shielding her on both sides as if he was forming a barrier all around to protect her from more treacherous wires. Still, she didn't want to move. Kagome was more than happy to stay right there, taking in his warmth, staring into those fiery eyes, mere centimeters away from him. His lips so close all she had to do was lift her head up just a bit…

She took her bottom lip between her teeth, her gaze dropping to his lips for a only a second, but a second was all it took for him to notice.

His head tilted to the side. Kagome had that hungry look in her eyes again, the same one she'd had the first time they'd officially met when he'd caught her. Inuyasha stared at her wondering what on earth she was thinking and why she was giving him that look. That look that made his heart pound and his mind wander into dangerous territory.

Territory like his gaze dragging down and noticing how her normally dusty pink lips were practically purple from the cold and wondering how long he'd have to kiss her to warm them up again. Territory like wondering what she was wearing under her puffy snow gear and how quickly all of that could be removed.

See? Dangerous.

"Well… good then…" Inuyasha choked out before pushing himself off of her, instantly feeling a chill across his chest where he'd been pressed against her moments before.

"Thanks for, erm," Kagome paused as she pushed herself up on her elbows. "Thanks for keeping me warm?" She joked, smiling shyly at him.

"Are you joking?" He asked dryly, "your lips are purple. No way in hell are you 'warm.'"

Kagome rolled her eyes and sighed in slight exasperation. "So, um… it's Monday…" She began. "Are we… are we watching the game together later?"

"Fuck," Inuyasha muttered, scratching his head. "Miroku is coming over for the game."

"Okay," she mumbled, disappointed both by how quickly he'd moved away from her and how it seemed she may not be getting to spend more time with him as she'd hoped.

"I mean, you can come over too!" He quickly added, "just, it won't be the two of us."

Kagome nodded eagerly, "can I invite Sango?"

"Yeah."

"Cool," Kagome smiled, pushing herself up on her feet. "Well, better get warmed up…" she paused, looking over at him and the way he avoided her gaze as his cheeks tinged pink. "See you later, Inuyasha," Kagome smiled, coming up to him and planting a chaste kiss on his cheek.

"Why do I have to come?" Sango whined for the tenth time since she arrived at Kagome's.

"Because!" Kagome hissed between applying coats of mascara, "it wouldn't kill you to be my wing woman."

"Oh come on Kags!" Sango exclaimed, "honestly, just surprise him in his bedroom one of these days or go over to his place wearing nothing but a trench coat and heels. This is taking forever!"

Kagome shot a glare over at Sango before standing back from the mirror in her bathroom to admire her work. Maybe her lips had been blue before, but they certainly weren't now. No, now they were red and her winged liner was perfect. Kagome wasn't necessarily opposed to either of Sango's suggestions but still… she kind of wanted to go out on a date with him first. Was that so wrong?!

Plus what if it was all in her head? What if she was just seeing what she wanted to see and he only saw her as a friend? The doubt ate at her every time she wasn't with him.

"Fine, whatever, you do you," Sango grumbled. "But, you know… you could always dress up as a sexy cheer leader too… that's an option…"

"I'm ready, let's go." Kagome playfully punched her friend in the shoulder and rolled her eyes.

The two grabbed their coats and dashed over to Inuyasha's. Sango couldn't help but chuckle at the pep in Kagome's step as they walked over and even the over eager manner in which she knocked on his door, her entire expression epitomizing her anticipation.

"Wow," commented Miroku when he opened the door for the women. "Kagome… damn. You look amazing! What's the occasion?"

"Oh… er, just… trying out a look for the party," she lied, her cheeks turning almost as red as her lipstick.

"Right," Sango commented sarcastically, playfully elbowing her friend before stepping inside. "Beer please!"

"Right this way," Miroku purred, ushering them both into the kitchen. "Inuyasha! Our dear friends Sango and Kagome are here!"

"Where is he?" Sango asked, noticing the way Kagome not-so-subtly checked around every corner for the man.

"Upstairs on the phone with his brother," Miroku answered, shrugging a little.

"Oh, he has a brother?" Kagome asked. "Younger or?"

"Older, and to be fair it's his half-brother."

Kagome nodded, intrigued by the information but more interested in seeing her favorite half-demon again. Or rather… having him see her. She could have sworn they were seconds from kissing earlier and Kagome wanted him to see her as… well… something. Preferably something worth kissing. 'Maybe next time he won't pull away so quickly…'

"What about you both?" Miroku asked, attempting light conversation. "Brothers or sisters?"

"We both have a younger bother," Kagome responded. "What about you?"

"Only child," Miroku answered with pride.

Sango snorted then took a sip from her beer, "of course you are. Let me guess, that also means you want a big family?"

"I do! Exquisite," he responded, taking a confident step toward the Sango. Behind him, Inuyasha finally made his appearance, a clawed hand running through his bangs and a deep scowl on his face as he entered the kitchen.

"So?" Miroku asked, turning to him briefly. "What did Satan want?"

"The usual. First born child and right arm." Inuyasha snickered, grabbing a beer and drinking half of it quickly without so much as glancing at Kagome. He wanted to wash away the vile taste in his mouth after talking with his brother before he looked at the face that haunted his wet dreams for the past month.

"Better learn to jerk with your left then," Miroku teased.

"Ew," Sango replied, rolling her eyes and walking toward the couch.

Inuyasha glared at the man and shook his head, "go take a fucking seat."

Huffing in feigned irritation, Miroku gleefully followed Sango over, violet gaze locked on her swaying hips and took the seat next to her, much to Sango's chagrin.

Kagome stood in the kitchen, fidgeting with her fingers nervously and hoping her foundation was strong enough to hide her blush. She slowly moved her gaze along Inuyasha. He had replaced his normal hoodie with a fit long-sleeve t-shirt that clung to him and every toned muscle that made her ache with longing to feel those muscles on her again. "May I have a beer?" She murmured, batting her eye lashes and resisting the urge to nibble on her lip.

The meekness of her tone surprised him. His amber gaze landed on her seemingly for the first time then he instantly realized why. She had dressed up. Her already sparkling eyes seemed impossibly brighter and her lips were his favorite shade of red. Kagome looked fucking heaven sent, especially with her hair down and raven waves fluttering around her.

"Y-yeah," he quickly replied, his heart racing as he swallowed down his surprise and desire.

"Game's starting!" Sango called, annoyance evident in her tone.

Inuyasha grabbed a beer and handed it to Kagome. "Thanks," she replied smiling broadly. Inuyasha didn't trust himself to speak, so he merely nodded briskly then led her to the couch.

"So," Sango began as Kagome took a seat next to Inuyasha. "What did your stalker give you today?"

Kagome rolled her eyes and threw a pillow at Sango, her cheeks burning through her make-up.

"Stalker?" Miroku questioned, looking at Inuyasha. "I thought this neighborhood was safe!"

"I'm not being stalked," Kagome answered firmly, glaring at Sango. "But, if you must know, I received nine different Christmas albums, all female artists."

"Ah, not quite nine ladies dancing but… I guess nine ladies singing is sufficient," Sango stated, smirking over at Kagome.

"You know," Miroku grinned, "Inuyasha is actually a really good singer, except he won't sing sober."

"Oh fuck you!" Inuyasha spat, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring at Miroku.

"Oh, so you can sing?" Kagome pressed.

"You know… Kagome and I are going caroling tomorrow. You should come." Sango offered, smirking toward Kagome.

"No-" Inuyasha began.

"Yes! We'll be there!" Miroku shouted above his friend before nudging Inuyasha aggressively. "Wouldn't miss it!"

"Wha-" Inuyasha started, looking at his best friend like he'd lost his goddam mind.

"Awesome, we'll pick you both up here, tomorrow evening… say… 8pm?" Sango answered, grinning wickedly at the half-demon.

"We'll be ready!" exclaimed Miroku.

"Lighten up Inuyasha, just means you get to spend more time with Kagome and I. Is that so bad?" Sango teased.

Tuesday, December 22nd.

"I fucking hate you," Inuyasha sneered as he opened the door to his apartment, letting Miroku inside an hour before Kagome and Sango were to "pick them up."

"Don't worry, you'll hate me less in a minute." Miroku replied, holding up a large grocery bag and heading directly for Inuyasha's island.

"Why is that?" He asked dryly, disbelieving in his friend's promises.

"Because we, my friend, are getting hammered."

"I've never been caroling but I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to go intoxicated." Sneered Inuyasha, though he made no move to stop his friend. If he was going to sing… in front of Kagome no less… alcohol was needed.

"Just shut up and help me make enough for the girls too." Miroku mumbled, pulling out the alcohol, thermoses and mixers.

"What the hell are we making?" He asked, dragging his gaze over the various items, lingering over the whiskey.

"Hot toddies for our hot ladies," Miroku grinned, opening the whiskey first.

"They aren't 'our' ladies," Inuyasha grumbled.

"Look, I'm working on woo-ing Sango, but you've already got Kagome's attention. Just seal the fucking deal." He stated, pouring two shots of whiskey and sliding one to Inuyasha. "Liquid courage, drink up."

Inuyasha nodded, taking the shot and silently vowing to repay Kagome for that gentle kiss she had given him.

"Soooo," Kagome began with a wry smile directed at her friend. "You and Miroku seemed to be getting along well yesterday."

"Pssh," Sango waved her hand dismissively, "I guess he wasn't as annoying as usual."

"Uh huh, right." Teased Kagome, shrugging on her coat. "Ready?"

"Yeah, let's get this over with."

"You know, you can tell me if you like him," offered Kagome, walking with Sango over to Inuyasha's house.

"Don't worry Kagome, I haven't completely lost my senses. If I do, you'll be the first to know," Sango answered, pulling her gloves on as she and Kagome approached the door.

"Whatever you say Sango," chuckled Kagome before she wrapped her knuckles along the door.

"You think I like him, don't you?" Sango hissed.

"I think he repulses you less than you care to admit."

"See now you're just getting offensive." Joked Sango, as she shifted her weight. "Where the hell are they? Why aren't they answering?"

"Coming!" Screeched a male voice, muffled by the door that was still closed.

"Guess they're coming," Kagome giggled.

As soon as Miroku opened the door the women could tell something was off. His violet eyes were slightly glazed over, his grin was lopsided, and he was leaning heavily on the side of the door. "Heeyyyy!" He exclaimed, sloppily stepping back to make way for Kagome and Sango. "Welcome back, you both are so…. so beautiful. Seriously, it's very distracting."

"Thanks," Sango replied dryly, pushing passed him and into the kitchen, Kagome followed, though she moved less aggressively by the man who was overtly staring at Sango's rear.

"Oh for heaven's sake," Sango muttered.

"What?" Kagome asked, coming up next to her.

"They're both drunk!"

"Hey! Don't lump me in with him," Inuyasha mumbled, sliding two thermoses toward the women. Sure, Inuyasha was buzzed, but he wasn't sloppy like a certain perverted friend of his who was still staring at Sango's butt.

"Why the fuck are you drinking?" Sango exclaimed.

"Uh, because drunk caroling is a thing… duh," Miroku replied.

"Not it's not."

"Yes it is."

"Not it's not."

"Sango… Sango Sango Sango… my beautiful Sango…"

"What?!"

"How else are you supposed to stay warm?!" Explained Miroku, throwing his hands in the air for emphasis.

"You know… alcohol doesn't actually keep you warm… right?" She countered.

"What are you drinking?" Kagome asked, twisting the top off and sniffing at the hot drink in a thermos.

"Hot toddies!" Miroku announced, draping his arms around both Kagome and Sango's shoulders. "I told you, Inuyasha only sings when he's drunk and who actually goes caroling sober? Besides Sango… of course."

"All of the teachers we are meeting to go caroling with…" Sango responded, sliding out from Miroku's arm.

"Well then…" MIroku began, ignoring the massive glare he could feel boring into the side of his head from Inuyasha, "I'll get some water."

"You do that." Sango commented as Kagome took a sip.

"You know, it's not bad," Kagome giggled.

"Oh, not you too!" Whined Sango.

"Honestly, Sango, what's the harm?" Kagome reasoned taking another sip. "Maybe this will make some of Koga's jokes funny."

"Who the hell is Koga?" Miroku asked, beating Inuyasha to the punch. For all of Miroku's annoying features - of which Inuyasha found there were many - what Inuyasha appreciated the most was how loyal of a friend he was. Miroku was always willing to throw down with Inuyasha, whether or not Inuyasha was in the right. The man was… well… more loyal than a dog.

"Co-worker of Kagome's. He's not a bad guy, just… not as funny as he thinks he is." Sango answered. "Like's to tell dad jokes."

"Then shouldn't he be with his kid?" Miroku muttered bitterly.

"No, like… dad-style jokes. You know? Like, 'I love my furniture, my recliner and I go way back.'" Clarified Kagome.

"I don't like him," Miroku growled.

"How's that water coming?" Inuyasha sneered, more than a little amused that Miroku had actually growled.

"Kagome said we could keep drinking!" Argued Miroku.

"Well, I guess if you can't beat 'em, join 'em," Sango mumbled to herself grabbing her thermos. "Bottoms up."

"Welcome to the team!" Miroku sang, grinning widely at her.

"Water! Now!" Inuyasha snapped.

Suited up in their winter gear and with extra thermoses to spare, the group met up with the other teachers at Kagome's school, outside the bustling apartments and homes that outlined the city.

"That's them over there," Kagome pointed.

"Great," Sango replied, shoving Miroku's hand away from her for the sixth time in ten minutes. "You're quite persistent aren't you?"

"Always," he purred next to her.

Sango could smell the liquor on his breath and rolled her eyes. "It's not a compliment," she answered dryly.

"Everything is a compliment to him," snickered Inuyasha.

"Kagome!"

"For fuck's sake," Inuyasha grumbled to himself after registering the male voice that rang above the rest of the crowd to get Kagome's attention. 'How does she know so many guys?!' He thought, watching the demon jog over to her. It was immediately apparent to both Inuyasha and Miroku - who had begun to unceremoniously growl again - that this was Koga and that Koga had a massive, unmistakeable crush on Kagome. "Stop growling," Inuyasha hissed, shaking his head in disbelief at his friend.

"I don't like him. He's trying to move in on your girl," Miroku whispered back, violet eyes narrowed and intently watching the wolf demon as Koga held Kagome's hand a little too long.

"She's not-"

"Stop. We both know you like her. Don't lie to me." Miroku interrupted, pulling his gaze away from Koga to glare at Inuyasha.

"Like who?" Sango asked, poking her head between them and grinning up at Inuyasha.

"Koga likes Kagome. Isn't that obvious?" Miroku covered, raising a challenging brow to Sango.

"That he does, don't worry though, I happen to know she's interested in some one else," Sango purred, nudging Inuyasha ever-so-slightly with her elbow causing him to blush and turn away. Sango chuckled at his embarrassment and shyness.

Kagome smiled politely at Koga as he told her a story from over the weekend while Kagome sent looks of apology over to Sango and the others every so often. Kagome noticed that, Inuyasha wasn't looking at her or even really attempting to pay attention to her. An anxious chill ran through her chest and she began to chew on her cheek. 'He doesn't look like he's having fun…'

Koga stayed with them as the larger group splintered and divided into smaller sections and given neighborhoods to spread cheer down. The boys continued to drink, as did Kagome while Koga monopolized her attention despite her desperate attempts to rope in the others.

Miroku watched as time and again Kagome tried to speak with Inuyasha only to have Koga intervene. The charcoal haired man sighed to himself and took one last look at Sango. She was absolutely divine, really, just unfairly beautiful and smart and… he shook his head refocusing on Inuyasha and the distance he had been inadvertently placing between himself and Kagome. 'You owe me…' Miroku thought to himself before walking right between Kagome and Koga, smiling at Kagome for only a moment then patting Koga on the back.

"Hey, you know, you look familiar. Have we met before?" He lied, blocking Koga's view of Kagome entirely and gently shoving Kagome behind him where Sango and Inuyasha were chatting.

"You don't look familiar to me," Koga replied.

"No, I'm pretty sure I've seen you around," Miroku continued, practically dragging Koga ahead.

Sango watched as Miroku sacrificed himself and shook her head. 'Maybe there's more to him than I gave him credit for.'

"Well that was rude," Kagome mumbled stepping back with Sango and Inuyasha.

"Something tells me you'll thank him later for it." Sango replied, her eyes locked on the half demon and how regardless of where she stood, his ears always pointed toward Kagome.

"This is the first house," Koga announced as they walked up.

Miroku snickered and looked back at Inuyasha, "are your pipes ready? Because it's time to sing."

"Kill me now," Inuyasha grumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets as Koga eagerly went up to the door and greeted the family. What followed was nothing short of exactly what you would expect from a drunk, disjointed, group of young professionals doing their damnedest to bring joy to a poor unsuspecting family. Although, to Kagome and Koga's surprise, Inuyasha did, in fact, have a pretty decent voice.

"Wow," Kagome murmured in awe as they moved toward the next house, her sapphire eyes big and wide as she looked at him. "You really do have a great voice."

"I wouldn't call it 'great'," Inuyasha mumbled, slightly embarrassed by her compliment. For a brief moment, Inuyasha's gaze locked with Kagome's. Her look was so full of admiration and warmth that he almost forgot that he couldn't feel the tips of his ears. Inuyasha wanted nothing more than to drink her in and run away at the same time.

A hard slap on the back, broke his concentration and made him look away from Kagome. Especially when that hard slap was followed by the stench of wolf.

"Damn pup, you're probably the only one here who can carry a tune," Koga teased, knowingly inserting himself between Inuyasha and Kagome.

Inuyasha frowned and his brows knit together. He wasn't really sure what to make of the comment. Although the words themselves had meant to convey a compliment, Koga's tone contradicted that. "Thanks," he replied cooly.

"Where'd you pick up the mutt, Kagome? Taking in another misfit toy?" Jested Koga, inching closer to Kagome.

"What did you call me?" Growled Inuyasha, his fists clenching.

"Koga," Kagome interjected, trying to weave around him and stand between the two men. "That's not very nice."

"Oh relax," he laughed, "we're just joking. Aren't we?"

"Yup," Inuyasha growled, feeling the warmth of a woman's body come up next to him and seeing, to his surprise that it was Sango. It wasn't just her presence that caught him off guard, but her stance as well. He recognized it… Just as he had stood slightly in front of Kagome with Hojo, Sango had inserted herself between the quarreling demons and slightly ahead of him protectively.

"That was so funny, Koga, I must have forgotten to laugh," Sango stated. The demon huffed before turning back and restarting one of his earlier conversations with Kagome.

"I don't need you to protect me," Inuyasha whispered, leaning down to Sango's level, amber eyes narrowed.

"Never said you did," she replied easily. "He'll continue challenge you though, you're a threat. I'm not. I'm one of the people he needs to win over. He knows a few bad words from me and Kagome will never date him." Sango explained with a hint of arrogance.

"Oh so you approved Hobo?" Inuyasha snorted.

Sango recoiled though her smirk broadened in delightful surprise. "She told you about him?"

"Not in so many words," he admitted.

"If you must know, I didn't approve of him. I just… I didn't veto him." Inuyasha nodded, noticing that Kagome and Koga had already stopped at the next place on the list. "I wouldn't veto you either, just so we're clear."

"Wasn't asking."

"You didn't have to."

"I cannot believe you challenged Koga to a joke-off!" Sango almost screamed in laughter at the end of the night as the four made their way back to Kagome's.

"He was annoying me!" Miroku exclaimed, "plus… come on! He deserved to lose if his best one was 'are you feeling cold? Sit in the corner, it's 90 degrees!'" He mocked.

Kagome giggled next to him, her hand bumping against Inuyasha's every so often as they walked. "What's your favorite one?" She asked.

Miroku grinned wickedly, his eye brows wiggling in delight. "Did you hear about the chameleon who couldn't change colors?"

"No," Kagome answered, looking over at Sango, both waiting with rapt attention for the answer as she wrapped a finger around Inuyasha's. She smiled a little brighter when she felt the gentle, warm pressure of his fingers curling around hers too.

"He had reptile dysfunction." Miroku barely managed to get it out through his laughter as both Sango and Kagome rolled their eyes.

"How the hell did you meet this clown?" Sango asked looking over at Inuyasha, raising a knowing brow at the blushing half-demon.

"Known each other since we were kids. He was dropped on his head a lot." The half-demon answered teasing his best friend, and pointedly avoiding Sango's gaze.

"Hey, not cool man," Miroku responded ignorant of the exchange between the others.

"Oh my god," murmured Kagome drawing the group's attention to her and her flabbergasted expression while releasing Inuyasha's hand. "How the fuck…."

"Kagome, what is it?" Miroku asked, his tone laced with concern.

Sango followed her friend's gaze and burst into a fit of laughter when she noticed the large silver-wrapped box and gold bow sitting neatly on top of it.

"How?!" Kagome screeched, running up to it and trying to move it. "Oh my god… it's heavy!"

"Kagome wait!" Sango warned, as she and the boys jogged over.

Ignoring her best friend and feeling a little superhuman due to the alcohol that was still coursing through her system, Kagome attempted to lift the box by herself only to tumble backwards, ass landing on the cold, wet ground.

"You okay?" Inuyasha asked, trying and failing to hide his amusement.

"Yeah, yeah," she replied waving him off. Miroku walked around the box, leaving Inuyasha to help Kagome up, before untying the bow and lifting the lid. "What's in it?"

"A keg," he replied.

"Of?!" Kagome pressed, walking over to him and tilting the keg to the side.

"Beer?" Miroku answered, "does it matter what kind?"

"Yes," Sango answered for Kagome. "It needs to be related to lords or leaping."

"Sango, it's 'Lord Hobo Boom Sauce'," Kagome shared as she shook her head.

"Not bad. Well… looks like you won't need to pick up any beer for the party." She commented, looking over at her friend.

Kagome bit her lip, smiling down at the keg. It certainly would make her party shopping easier. 'Still, how could it be Inuyasha if he was with me all night?' The thought that it could be some one else pained her. 'Maybe Sango's right and I do have a stalker…'

"Should we… take it inside?" Miroku suggested, looking at Kagome. "I believe that earlier we were also promised hot chocolate…"

"Oh yeah, I'm sorry. Come right in," she responded giving him a weak smile. Kagome quickly unlocked the door and let the men carry the keg in as Sango came to stand beside her.

"You look like you've seen a ghost. What's up?"

"I thought… I thought Inuyasha liked me," she began, watching him and Miroku take the keg down to the basement where she had a cooler large enough for the keg.

"Why don't you think that now?"

"He didn't seem interested in me at all tonight and-"

"You were just holding his hand, were you not?!"

Kagome huffed loudly, "I can't tell if he's just… being nice or… placating me."

Sango sighed loudly and shoved Kagome inside. "Kagome, the guy was fixated on you the entire time you were with Koga."

"Could have fooled me," she muttered.

"That's because you weren't watching his ears," Sango smirked.

The statement caught her by surprise, but Kagome didn't have time to probe further. Miroku and Inuyasha were already back. 'His… ears?' She thought to herself as she made them all hot chocolate with Bailey's. As she fixed their drinks, Kagome occasionally turned and watched Inuyasha interact with Miroku and Sango. He certainly seemed more relaxed when it was just them. His gaze easily flowed between them, his shoulders weren't tense or rigid like they had been while caroling, and his fists weren't clenched like earlier either. 'His ears,' Kagome mentally repeated letting her eyes travel up his body to the top of his head.

His ears were facing her… even if the person talking to him was on the opposite side of him. Kagome froze as it became clear to her. Just as she had snuck him glances all night, he had been too… in his own way.

"Hot chocolates are ready!" Kagome announced, the butterflies finding their life in her chest when Inuyasha finally looked at her again. "I have one for each of you and just give me a moment to fish out the marshmallows."

"Marshmallows?" Inuyasha snickered, "what are we? Five?"

"Whoah, are you trying to say you don't want marshmallows with your hot chocolate?" Kagome asked.

"We're all adults!" He insisted.

"Yes, adults like marshmallows," Sango chuckled as Kagome placed a bowl of them on the table.

"Who hurt you as a child?" Kagome teased, grabbing a marshmallow and tossing it at him so that it booped him on the nose. Kagome tried to stifle her laughter, but failed.

"Oh, it's gotta be like that does it?" He asked, amber eyes dancing like flames in a fire as he grabbed a few of the marshmallows in the bowl and launched them at her.

"Don't waste them!" Kagome chided right before reaching for the bag and tossing more at him.

"I thought we were 'adults'" Sango mocked with finger quotes before a stray marshmallow hit her in the face. "Hey! Watch where you're aiming!"

"I'll protect you!" Miroku exclaimed, leaping across the kitchen and wrapping his arms around Sango, a hand conveniently gripping her rear to keep her covered.

"Get off of me!"

"I must shield you!" He replied, ignoring her and catching a few of the flying marshmallows in his mouth.

"My hero," Sango stated dryly while rolling her eyes.