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: Remember everyone; I multitask between work, school volunteering, writing and life in general. That said, I'll usually always have an updated within a week time frame. On normal weeks, it will more than likely consist of two or three updates a week.
Just like that—everything had changed. It was odd but familiar at the same time. She was going home. After all her hard work, she was finally able to find home once again. It may not be the same 'time' but it was as close to home as she would get. As she sat in her seat, she stared at the city pass her by. Everything was passing her by in a mere blur. Smiling, she thought about how her current life was doing much the same.
Once again, Sesshoumaru seemed to be prepared for everything. Did he know how much this meant to her? Had he understood how much she craved 'home'? Leaning her head against the window, she decided that surely he must know. He had to. As the car ride continued, she mentally chuckled. Her home used to consist of saving the world.
Now it focused on familiarity, yet also the unknown.
"The hospital called me to inform about your friends health."
Kagome jerked her head in Sesshoumaru's direction. Shit—Eri! How had she forgotten about her friends? Everything had happened so fast and it was as if she was in a completely different world with all the changes. Closing her eyes in shame, she mentally cursed at herself.
"She will be okay but will require more time in the hospital. Now that you are better—you will be able to visit her." Nodding at his statement, she looked down on the ground. She felt like the worst friend in the world right now. How had she completely spaced on her friend?
"Kagome, there is not much you could have done—you were healing as well." A low voice said next to her. Looking at Koga, she let out a defeated sigh.
"I know—but…"
"No, that's all there is to it. You're nothing short of a great friend—don't think otherwise." Koga stated plainly. She smiled at him in thanks. Going back to her thoughts, she nearly jumped when she felt fingers intertwine with hers.
Shocked and confused she did not have to turn to know whom they belonged to. Giving Koga a smile of appreciation, she did not pull away when he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Looking to the front of the car, Kagome still could not get over the fact that Sesshoumaru, the Lord of the Western lands was driving in the busy Tokyo traffic.
"Once we arrive to my home make sure you set some time aside for me to brief you about the council." A voice broke the silence.
Staring at Sesshoumaru, Kagome wondered why the tone seemed to hold more coldness than normal. Taking a glance in the front mirror, she noticed the reflection showed her hand intertwined with Koga's. Eyes widening in both confusion and realization, she slowly untangled her hand from his. Refusing to meet the wolfs gaze, she could have sworn she heard a low growl rumbling from him.
"The council?" She repeated while awkwardly pretending she had a grip on the current situation.
"The Youkai council." The demon lord responded but the coldness that his tone had held originally was gone.
"Uhh-I've heard them referenced several times but I am unsure of what their duties entail." She responded truthfully.
"They oversee all Youkai activities and handle any problems should they arise."
"But…what do they want with me?" She asked alarmed. Was she in trouble? Why would they want to meet her?
"They wish to bring you into the Council and give you a title—after all; you did save the world."
The moment those words left Sesshoumaru's mouth Kagome could not help but blush.
"We—we defeated him as a team. Surely they know that." She explained.
"Yes, however everyone has been thanked and rewarded for such a task. All but you. After all, it was not as if you were forgotten, silly Miko."
She was not sure if she had caught that but she could have sworn that his tone held a hint of humor. Had he truly just referenced the worry that she had confided in him over five hundred years ago?
Without realizing that they had arrived at their destination, the car slowly came to a stop. To her surprise, within seconds the door was being opened for her from the outside.
Glancing to where the wolf had sat, she noticed it was now empty. Instead, his appearance came into view as she looked at whom opened the door. Handing him her hand, she removed herself out of the car while taking in her surroundings. In awe, she wondered if they had somehow traveled outside of Tokyo in the short car ride.
"I believe the council has requested your presence."
At first, she had thought Sesshoumaru had been talking to her. Yet, as she looked at him, she noticed his narrowed gaze was directed at Koga. Letting go of Kagome's hand, she heard the wolf roll his eyes and huff in what seemed like irritation.
"Is it legit this time? Wouldn't want to go see the council and not be wanted. You sure you're not trying to get her to yourself?" Koga asked in an annoyed tone.
Kagome's eyes widened in shock as she stared between the Inu and Ookami. Had the five hundred years that she was gone leveled the playing field between the two? For some reason, she had assumed Sesshoumaru was much more powerful than the wolf prince was but yet, the wolf prince spoke with no fear in his tone. What had changed? Or had Kagome merely underestimated Koga's strength?
"I assure you, when I am ready to court a future mate—there will be no competition." Sesshoumaru replied icily.
Kagome heard Koga snort loudly but she herself could not help but stare at the two males in shock. When had such hostility yet familiarization become the norm? Had she missed a monumental event in regards to their relationship? Suddenly, she wanted nothing more than to hear how both parties got on such familiar yet hostile terms.
"Whatever." Was the only respond that Koga gave. Turning to Kagome, he gave her an apologetic look.
"Sorry to leave you with Dog Breath 2.0 but duty calls." He explained. Shrugging her shoulders, she gave him a smile.
"I will be fine, Koga. Thank you—for everything" With those words, she gave him a hug while thinking just how much her life had changed in a mere twenty-four hours.
A/N: Sorry for the short chapter-i'll have another chapter up quickly. ;)