Title: A Christmas to Remember
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha and Co.
Summary: "Tell me Higurashi, did you and the mythological Lord have tea together?" Her teacher asked sarcastically. "No professor, The Lord of the Western lands and I never had tea together, although we did spend Christmas together." was her simple reply. S/K
A/N: Another chapter revised! I'm on a roll!
Flash Back
"You are shivering."
The icy and cool voice instantly broke her out of her scattered thoughts. Kagome nodded her head slowly in agreement at such a statement. She wondered in amusement if he made a habit out of addressing obvious observations.
"We shall rest." His sudden announcement caused her eyes to widen in shock and astonishment.
Stop because she was cold?
The first thing that popped up to her mind was 'odd'. That simple thought was quickly followed by the one of Inu Yasha having never stopped due to a human weakness—unless the entire group overruled him. So why was he?
"I'm fine-" She began to say but instantly remembered that he always seemed to win any quarrel or disagreement's that they had occurred in the short period of them being a group.
"It's just not practical to stop. We're in the middle of nowhere, right? Maybe when the blizzard stops we can too?" Kagome attempted to explain her reasoning.
"We are not in the middle of nowhere." Sesshoumaru responded indifferently while correcting her. Rolling her eyes, she didn't even bother with a response. If he had smelled something up ahead, why not simply state it?
"Miko, you seem to forget that these are my lands." He answered in a sharp tone that made Kagome wonder if she had insulted him with the silly question. As she was about to apologize her eyes caught something. Instead of forming words, she let out a squeal of excitement.
"I see it!" She nearly sang as she began to dash towards the cabin that was now fully in her sight.
"Miko, be-" Sesshoumaru began but his words were not heard by her. She had already left him in a dust of snow. His sensitive yet remarkable hearing picked up the sound of the cabin door opening and within seconds closing.
Her insolence was rewarded with his anger.
"Miko!" Sesshoumaru growled out as he swung the door to the cabin open. Nervously, Kagome bit her lip. It hadn't been until she heard the anger and annoyance in his tone that she had realized her sudden lack of manners as well as her disregard for her own safety.
"I'm so—"She began to once more apologize but the Inu Youkai ignored her apologies and began to speak.
"It is of no matter. If you wish to die due to disregard for your own life—then so be it. However, if you plan to partake in the final battle—obey. Stay in the hut. Do not leave." He gave the orders in a serious and stern tone while glaring daggers at the Miko. Nodding at his request, she couldn't stop the embarrassment she felt at her own actions. Without explanation, he exited the cabin. It wasn't until he was out of sight that she let out a smile.
She had forgotten how refreshing it was to have a leader that addressed the safety of their group.
It had literally been minutes and then he was back. It was upon his return with food and wood for a fire that she finally decided to speak. It was just the two of them, and she knew that they would have to spend the night in the cabin if they wished to weather the storm. Initially, she had refrained from bombarding the Daiyoukai with questions. Yet now, she suddenly had the urge to do nothing but that.
"Can you explain something to me?" Kagome asked curiously as she devoured the now cooked food that he had caught and brought back.
"What is it that you wish to know?" Came his response as he examined the small cabin in mild curiosity. She heard the shortness in his tone and wondered if she bothered him.
"Why travel with us?"
"Naraku needs to be killed."
"But why now?"
"He is causing chaos and havoc on my lands."
"Why only now?"
"He has become bolder. He was once afraid of the consequences that would come if he did such things—now he does not. I assure you it is a mistake he will regret."
Kagome stared at the lord suddenly intrigued and interested. He was speaking—actually responding to her questions. Utilizing such a rare event, she continued.
"You don't like me—or us. Yet you're traveling with our group, why?" She asked in a gentle tone.
"I have no feelings towards you or your companions. I do not hate you, nor do I hold any affection towards you. I travel with you to rid of Naraku. "Sighing, Kagome nodded in understanding.
"You must think I'm stupid-" She began once more but this time Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at her.
"You are much too expressive and emotional. You are abnormal for a human but I do not question your intelligence. "The lord replied cautiously while continuing to hold back any emotion in his tone.
"Oh."
That seemed to be all that Kagome could manage to get out. That was not what she had expected, and the straightforward response he had given her had shocked her more than anything.
"You're different from when we first met." She admitted with a bit of shame in her voice. There were unspoken words in such a statement. She wondered if he had caught them.
"As are you." It seemed that he had. Apparently, The Lord of the Western Lands was not oblivious to the changes that had surrounded their group.
"I suppose having five years to mature from the age of fifteen to twenty helped." She replied humorously. To her pleasant surprise, his response consisted of a question.
"Are you not old in human years? Do humans not mate by this age?" The lord inquired with a raised brow causing the Miko to laugh.
"Most do—at least here. Where I come from it is not so uncommon." She explained carefully. This seemed to peak the Lords interest further. Dawning on her, Kagome realized that if there was anything he would hold interest in—it would be education of the world.
"Your land sounds strange." He replied as he turned towards her and examines her face for any signs of dishonesty. He narrowed his eyes when he found none.
"It is. Women are educated there, they can do anything a man can do—well not everything, but they are given the same opportunities." She nearly giggled as she realized how odd she must have sounded to him. After all, her home was so much different from the one here. Things were simpler here.
"Why do you not return?" His question was simple. Her answer was complex. She wondered if he even cared to hear the full explanation.
"Duty. Obligation. The jewel." Sesshoumaru nodded in understanding with what appeared to be a hint of admiration in his eyes.
"Yet you miss home." He stated curiously, like a child wanting to know everything about something so foreign.
"I miss my parents, my brother and just the little things." Came her reply as she glanced out the window in the hut. As the snow came down rapidly and the blizzard continued, she smiled.
"Like Christmas." She half whispered with longing in her eyes.
"Christmas?" Something in the tone that Sesshoumaru spoke demanded explanation of what this 'Christmas' was. Kagome answered with a wide smile and a voice full of excitement as she contemplated of how to explain her favorite holiday to the Lord of the Western Lands.
Gathering her thoughts, she began her explanation—from the traditions of Christmas trees to those of family celebrations. She informed him about the giving of gifts, and the belief in Santa Claus. To her surprise, he listened eagerly and without interruption. She stressed the value of family, and the beauty of tradition. When she thought she was done, she then began explaining the importance of the holiday and how it differed for family, friends—and even lovers.
He had chosen that time to interrupt with his assessment. Whether it had to do with the lack of importance he may have felt towards human love, or perhaps out of boredom—his tone held one of confidence.
"You wish to not be alone." He stated unexpectedly. Kagome glanced up at him in embarrassment. Yes, perhaps that had been what she was addressing—or maybe that was the simple reason of why holidays were valued with humans. Didn't Youkai have such things? She wondered if she should ask the questions that she began to have.
"I fear and dread it." She told him honestly with a bit of bitterness. It was true, that was her biggest fear. She had become so attached in this era, yet at the same time she wanted a normal life. She knew that she could not have both. She knew if she went back to her normal life, she would be forgotten. The thought that no one would remember her disturbed her drastically. After all, whom would when there were no Youkai in her time?
"You will not be forgotten." He replied suddenly with a very stern tone. Kagome met his eyes once more with a sad smile. She let out a small and sad pathetic laugh
"How wrong you are, Lord Sesshoumaru. " She told him with sadness in her words. She wished she could tell him the truth. She wished she could inform him that for once, this was a topic that he had no knowledge on. As she gazed into his eyes, she noted the confusion in them. If only he knew.
"You should rest." He added coolly and almost distantly while he sat down and rested against the wall. Wondering if she had offended him, Kagome decided rest was not a bad idea. Grabbing the warm furs that were placed on the table, she wrapped herself in them. It did not take long for sleep to take her. Yet, Sesshoumaru waited until he heard snoring to be fully sure of her consciousness. With narrowed eyes, he examined the petite and delicate Miko carefully. Several minutes passed until finally he let out a quiet yet dangerous growl.
"Childish Miko, you will not be forgotten."
A/N: Another chapter revised! Perhaps one more for the night and I shall take a break?