Glancing down over the cloud's edge, she gasped, "This looks like your Mother's castle! Wait, why would we be here?" She stood up before he did, slapping together what was left of her kimono as quickly as she could. Something about hovering above his mom's house made her feel exposed to an audience.

He handed her his own obi, "The scent leads here. The Elf, six reindeer, and another odd smelling creature."

"Thanks. What do you have left to put on?" He watched her mouth gape as realization set in, "Oh my... I...I..." She waved him up and down.

"Threw most of my kimono into the forest. Yes, you did." Standing with the same air of arrogance and dignity as always, her Mate only wore a thin inner robe that barely covered his dangly bits held together by the tie of his sword.

"Wow."

"Indeed."

She gave him a twice over and smirked, "This is sexy."

He smirked right back, "Do you think Mother will find it sexy as well?"

"Eh..." Her smile wouldn't leave her face, but she knew it might not end well for them showing up so disheveled. "Should we see if maybe one of the balconies are open?"

He nodded, and they were off.

There were only four balconies to try, and after the first three ended with disappointment, Kagome felt eager as they approached the fourth.

His cloud dissipated as they landed on the stone floor. The fluffy energy gone as easily as it could appear.

They stepped toward the door handle together.

"Fingers crossed." She grinned, "One, two, three!"

The door opened wide. The heavy curtains parting to a scene from Sesshomaru's nightmares.

"Oh Kami." Kagome spun on her heel. The image of Santa Claus banging Sesshomaru's Grandmother doggy style burned in her retinas.

Sesshomaru's eyes widened. His mouth parted. Surprise wisped through their Mating bond for the first time ever. Kagome felt nauseous by the force of it gushing through.

She looked up at him, realizing he had frozen to the spot. The horrible scene. She grabbed him, "Sesshomaru! Come on!" She hissed, tugging his immobile form without managing a budge.

The sounds were worse than the images. Old folks moaning.

"Ho, Ho, Ho Oh yes!"

"Jingle these bells!"

"Get a load of this peppermint stick!"

Kagome cried. "I'm never going to forget this." She zapped Sesshomaru with reiki, finally getting him to turn away.

Immediately his cloud appeared beneath his feet and he was gone, leaving her with the geriatric holiday porno. She screamed, "Sesshomaru!"

In an instant he reappeared and threw her over his shoulder. Like lightning they were on the ground.

Sesshomaru grimaced. His stomach churned. The wedding banquet sushi swam up his throat. Eyes watered.

Kagome patted his hand. "You should have turned around sooner."

"Cinnamon and Sassafras! You made it! I thought you had gotten lost! What happened to you!" Tiddly the squeaking, jingling, Elf ran up to them. "These goons won't let me in!" He motioned to the sentries on either side of the large entry gate. "I even threatened them with coal for Christmas, but they won't listen!" He shoved his glasses up his nose and sneezed into his hanky.

With a groan, Kagome shook her head, "Listen Elf. Santa is...fine. He is here and alive and whatnot."

Sesshomaru snarled, "His dick is in my Grandmother!"

"Woah!" She patted his arm, his claws leaking poison all over the perfectly manicured lawn. "Calm down Sesshomaru, it's um alright. Old people can have," She swallowed hard, "sex."

His glare turned on her, "Do not try to pacify my ire, Kagome."

"Right." She sighed, "Well, your Grandma really seemed to be enjoying herself, so maybe we should just leave it at that."

"No!" Sesshomaru and the Elf shouted at once.

"Santa needs to come home, I need your help." Tiddly whined.

"Perhaps this will be mutually beneficial. Santa needs to leave this place in time." Sesshomaru's claws flexed, "In pieces if need be."

Kagome waved her hands in front of him, "Hey, wait. I know it's gross, but I mean, Sesshomaru! Come on! If they are in love..."

His jaw set, a seemingly permanent glower lowered his brows, "I forbid this union. I am Alpha of this pack."

"Ugh," She huffed, completely disappointed as she looked him up and down. "That is so terrible. You have no right to keep them apart if they want to be together. Respect your elder, mister!"

Dark and deadly, he snarled, "Do not speak to This Sesshomaru with a lack of respect, Mate."

She rolled her eyes, "I'll never forgive you if you tear them apart." Anger rolled off her in waves of heavy reiki. The energy sizzled against his skin. With a wave of her hand, the guards let her inside, leaving Tiddly and Sesshomaru in the wake of her crackling power.

The castle hadn't changed since she last visited, months ago. She made her way up the huge staircase to the topmost floor. Memory brought her to the suite reserved for both she and Sesshomaru. The egotistical dog. She frowned.

Sensing her from behind, Kagome sighed, "Hi, Lady Mother. Hope it's fine we stopped by."

InuKimi flicked her fingers, igniting every candle in the room at once. The yellow light made her pale skin look jaundiced. "It has come to my attention that you and my son walked in on a disturbing scene this morning."

"We did." Kagome nodded as she walked to the trunk that held her clothes.

InuKimi rubbed her temples, "Unfortunately so have I. Many times. That rotund magical vermin arrived and seduced my gullible Mother."

Kagome pulled out a pale pink yukata, "Are they actually interested in each other?"

"As far as I can tell. Mother wishes to Mate the fool." Her expression further soured. "Do you want to use the spring, Dear Daughter?" Claws released a slinky golden chain dangling a shiny key. "They ruined the waters once, however the pools have since been scoured and secured."

"I guess." Her nose scrunched, "You should know, Sesshomaru has vowed to prevent them from being together."

"Oh?" InuKimi's eyes widened, hands clapped on her knees. "How surprising that he would have an opinion on the matter. Afterall, he Mated a Miko. No offense Dear."

Kagome laughed, "None taken. I already know you approve."

Her slender dark brows rose, "Do you?"

"If you didn't, we wouldn't be speaking right now." She took the key and leaned in to kiss InuKimi's cheek. "Thank you, Lady Mother."

The demoness waved her out the door. Silly human. She smirked.

Kagome passed Sesshomaru in the hall. With a tilt to her nose, she tried to ignore him.

"Kagome." He caught her sleeve, "Do not be angered."

With a deep breath, she shook him off, "Do not deny them. Your Mother says they want to Mate. At least you could hear them out. Your Grandmother has been alone for I don't know how many centuries."

He grunted, "Agreed. This Sesshomaru will hear their plea."

"Good." She continued down the hall, "See you later."

Sesshomaru paused, "You are going to bathe?" His anticipation slithered through their bond.

"Yes." She smirked, keeping her eyes ahead, "Alone." A good soak would do her a world of good. A good soak by herself would leave him squirming inside. Two birds, one stone. She unlocked the sliding door, stepped through the noise canceling barrier, and into the steam. "Yay!" She squealed, "New soaps! I knew she likes me!"

Sesshomaru was squirming indeed. But not in the way she'd planned. His youkai hearing had become his achilles heel.

"Did you miss me?" Kagome towel dried her hair while he paced the room. His short kimono flashed his firm buttocks every time he turned. "Maybe you should change?"

He grunted, "They are still at it, hours and still..." His palms closed over his ears, "We are leaving."

"Sesshomaru." She settled a narrowed gaze at him, "You gave your word that you will hear them out. And you are practically naked. Not that I'm complaining since it's a nice view, but we do have things to do."

Eyes flashed red, "It's over." He uncovered his ears, "No. No. It is not. What is mistletoe?!" He growled.

She laughed, "A little leafy twig that you kiss under."

"Wait." Holding up a hand, a devilish grin spread over his face, "Tiddly is knocking on their door. Yes!" He grabbed her face and kissed her hard, "It's ended."

Cheeks smushed, she mumbled, "Great. Get dressed."

His sly smile made her nervous, "Or you could get undressed." He licked her nose, chuckling as she batted his hands away.

She grimaced. "How can you even consider it after listening to-"

A smooth finger shoved against her lips. "Shh, do not speak of it."

Licking her lips, she leaned in close. Brushing her nose over his cheek. Hot breath whispered, "Only if we do it doggy style."

He snapped, "Kagome!" His teeth clenching down. Tight lipped. Gently moving her away, he grumbled, "Never again."

"Are you sure?" She wriggled her bottom against his still barely covered front, "Because I could go again and again in that position." He didn't give in. His will power stronger than the semi erection threatening to grind against her.

"Hn."

She kissed his frown over her shoulder. "I'm kidding. Just hold on." Digging through his trunk, she pulled out a simple black kimono and white hakama, "Here, put this on."

His hands caught her by the hips, pulling her close as she held his clothes between them. "Kagome. Let's return to our home."

"Sure, as soon as you give your Grandma your approval." Her small hand captured his cheek, "Do the kind thing."

Sesshomaru scowled, "She does not require This Sesshomaru's approval to procure a Mate."

Kagome shrugged, "If you say so, I have a feeling something is holding them back. Otherwise why wouldn't they have gone back to the North Pole? She holds you in high regard." A finger wagged in front of his nose, "Besides, Sesshomaru, it wasn't that long ago that she was the one giving us her approval. She only asked one question before giving it."

His face shifted into the cool mask he reserved for most occasions. "Perhaps there is something else holding them back."

A flick to the shoulder, and she pushed his clothes into his hand. "You can't actually believe that." Ah, another glare. Kagome ran her thumb over his knuckles, "Why is it bothering you so much?"

"It is not."

She watched he walked toward the door stiff as a robot. "Where are you going?"

"To bathe...you could take another..." He grumbled, "On second thought, go eat with the others. It will not be long." He looked calm on the outside. Still in his intense amber eyes. Internally however, his worry and anger spilled through her very own viens. He knew it. She felt it.

With a sigh, she walked alone to the dining hall.

It was a massive gold sparkling room. When the occasion called for it a thousand youkai could sit comfortably at various tables with extra space for a dancefloor. When not used for celebrations, only one table remained in the center of the room.

Taking the empty space beside InuKimi, Kagome settled in. Steaming platters of food dotted the center of the wide table. Her stomach growled. She blushed.

"Kagome!" InuKimi's eyes narrowed. She piled greens and strips of slowly cooked meat onto a bowl of rice. "Eat. You look pale. What has my son been doing to you? How will you carry his young so malnourished. Eat this too." She shoved a boiled egg on top of the pile.

"Stop it. She looks ravishing. Kimi leave her be."

Kagome grinned at Sesshomaru's elderly Grandmother. For a youkai, she had a surprising amount of soft wrinkles gently marking her face with time. Silver eyes swept over her. Ancient wisdom-filled eyes. A gentle smile tilted her pink painted lips.

"Thank you." Kagome muttered.

"Eat." InuKimi shoved her chopsticks right into Kagome's open mouth.

Rice spilled from her lips. She swallowed hard. "I will. I will. Stop it." Raised brows and nodding while she fed herself a piece of tender venison. "Thank you, I'll eat."

A narrowed threat lingered in InuKimi's amber eyes. She didn't seem satisfied until Kagome took a second bite. "Fine. As long as you eat."

A deep chuckle bounced from the other side of the table. Santa. Snow white, his hair and beard matched in color and length. Deep lines framed his mouth and the creases of his eyes. A man who must have smiled for most of his life. Sky blue sparkly eyes. Blush stained cheeks. His laughter mixed with Lady Grandmother's to create a light chime.

Kagome watched them out of the corner of her eye.

The old couple cooed over one another. Feeding bits of vegetables and fire roasted meat. Dabbing away spilled juices from lips. Santa stroked his intended's soft cheek, light blue eyes filled with endearment.

"Will Sesshomaru be joining us?" His Mother prodded. Her steel gaze looked from Kagome's bowl to her mouth, making sure the food slowly disappeared.

With a nod, Kagome took another bite. There was nothing worse than being force fed by an angry youkai in law. "He's bathing. Possibly brooding."

"Possibly?" InuKimi laughed, "Rightly so."

"Look how happy she looks." She whispered over another bite of food. "Why don't you approve?"

With a slight frown, InuKimi took a sip of tea. The porcelain clinked as she placed the cup back down. "My Father would not approve."

"Hasn't he been gone for thousands of years?"

A curt nod was Kagome's only reply.

The door slid open, and she caught sight of her Mate. His long hair somehow perfectly dry. Tight lips were the only inclination that anything was wrong. She grinned.

Sesshomaru glowered and watched the smile slip from his Mate's face.

The fat man in red held his Grandmother's hand. The Santa. He glared at him. It would save him a lot of trouble if the man just ran away. He didn't.

Santa waved. His bright red cheeks a stark contrast to his white hair and beard.

Sesshomaru sneered. His Grandmother hung all over the man in red.

"Sesshomaru!" She turned her beaming smile on him, "We are so glad you've come to visit at just the right time. There is something I should like to discuss with you." Her thin hands captured Santa's plump one. Her eyes on her Grandson.

"Hn." He settled in beside Kagome. With a pat on her thigh, he tried to ease her worry.

Her eyes narrowed a fraction. He was trying to lull her into a false sense of security, she just knew it. Sneering and glaring and all negative. She sighed, "Maybe you should let him eat first, Lady Grandmother."

"Ho ho ho, yes!" Santa chortled, "A good decision is best made on a full stomach I always say."

Both Sesshomaru and Kagome grimaced. Ho ho no.

InuKimi closed her eyes, rubbing her temples. "Perhaps it would be best to eat in silence."

Jingling erupted from the entrance. The familiar sound told Kagome who it was without her looking. Tiddly jingled all the way to his place beside Santa. "Good to see you again Mrs. Claus." His eyes lingered on Sesshomaru's Grandmother, his cheeks and ears glowing a bright red as he looked her over curiously.

Santa huffed, "Not yet Tiddly, not yet. Soon."

"Hopefully." His intended added, staring expectantly at her Grandson.

Dread washed over Kagome like a flood.

Sesshomaru's jaw set. A glare settled on Santa, "The Santa is not worthy of one so pure."

Tears dripped down his Grandmother's face. Her cheeks a dark red as her blood pressure skyrocketed. "You feel so poorly?"

Speechless, Kagome gaped at her Mate. Her heart ached for his Grandmother. Her heart ached for him. How could he feel so strongly without any information?

"If you wish for my blessing, Santa," He sneered, "You must prove yourself. Obnoxious bells and reindeer do not equate power and honor."

Kagome closed her eyes just as another bite of food was shoved into her mouth courtesy of InuKimi.

A deep snarl shook the room. Tea spilled over the edges. Kagome's eyes snapped open as Sesshomaru pulled her out of the way.

"Ho ho ho you want power, young one." Santa's body began to grow, rippling out and upward as a strange energy, neither reiki nor youki, bubbled from his body. "I shall show you power unlike which you have ever seen."

White fur sprouted from his flesh. His kimono flung away in tatters.

Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru's Grandmother, she carefully sipped her tea. Not surprised. Tiddly mirrored her actions. Both were calm.

"Sesshomaru." She grabbed her Mate's hand as he and his Mother both watched on with claws poised over their weapons.

With a deep roar, Santa's blunt teeth became razors, gnashing as he glared at them. Snow began to fall, littering the floor with little piles of white powder.

"What are you?" InuKimi growled back, not intimidated in the least.

"Many a name do I go by, however the one that fits best is Father Frost The King of The Northern Pole. What am I? Ho ho ho!" He laughed, holding his huge sides. "There is no word for what I am yet."

Kagome rolled her eyes, "He's an abominable snowman. I mean look at him," She waved her hand in his direction, "That's what you are." She settled, annoyed.

His blue eyes looked like ice in his furry head, blinking, "I suppose you are correct."

"Enough." Sesshomaru's youki washed outward, shoving back the foreign energy of the creature. Power. The beast had it, but it didn't mean much. Sesshomaru could still kill it with one slice of his sword or whip. Cool fingers wrapped around his forearm. Kagome. He cast her a quick glance.

Her calm voice steadied his nerves, "Give him a chance to prove himself. For your Grandmother."

"How?" He growled, "He would die in battle if This Sesshomaru..."

"Not you." Kagome huffed, "Let him fight someone not so completely out of his league, but still stronger than your Grandmother, to prove he can defend her or whatever."

One brow quirked, "Inuyasha?"

"No!" She giggled, "That would be funny, but just, no. I don't want to deal with him right now."

"Hn." He smiled slightly, as if he'd won something. He had, in a way.

"Will you quit looking at me like that?" She hissed.

"Quiet!" Tiddly squeaked, "Mrs. Claus has something she would like to say."

Sesshomaru's Grandmother blushed, "Right. That I do." She reached out, running her claws through the fur of Santa's massive hand. "There is a traditional ceremony that had been outlawed long ago. Too many deaths," She waved her hand as if it were nothing, "Your Grandfather and I participated in it once, and I will again this day."

"Mother, no!" InuKimi's power crackled as she slammed her hand down against the table. "You will not fight him."

"If my Grandson demands Santa prove himself, I will." She stood up from her seat. "You forget the power within these old viens, children." Her eyes glowed pure white as her youki boiled over, spilling through the room. "Santa is worthy of my love and my bed."

Everyone grimaced.

She continued, "If my word means nothing to you Sesshomaru, then so be it. We will follow the same tradition of the olden times. We await your choice."

With a pop of power both Santa, Tiddly, and his Grandmother were gone.

"Great." InuKimi snarled, throwing a teacup at the place where her Mother once stood, "Sesshomaru look what you've done! You have angered Mother, now she will never stay."

Kagome glanced over at InuKimi, just noticing the mellancolly in her sharp voice. Suddenly everything became obvious. InuKimi would be alone if her Mother left. For thousands of years they lived together, while her Mate had been alive and after. Two widows keeping eachother company for eternity. A Mother consoling her daughter after a deep betrayal.

Looking at her Mate as he watched his Mother stalk out of the room, she could feel his worry for her. "Sesshomaru," Grabbing his hand, Kagome caught his attention. A storm rested in amber eyes. "She's not ready to live alone is she?"

With a frown, he pulled her close, enveloping her in a hug he himself needed more than she. Her fingers brushed his hair behind his ears.

"I'm sorry," She kissed the stripe running over his cheek, holding him tight. "I'm sorry for pushing you. This must be difficult."