Chapter Thirty-Seven: Holiday Counterpoint
"The best gifts come from the heart, not the store."
-Sarah Dessen, Lock and Key
Roy Mustang -
The dark haired Colonel was having a hard time trying to politely explain to one of Kagome's best friends that he was not interested. He could hardly use the excuse that he was considering chasing Kagome since part of the cover he undertook was as her cousin. Ghaelon had been quick to make that suggestion – the old pervert was probably after her like most of the rest. It seemed thus far that of their group it was only Ed that had escaped this strange magic around her. Even he had to admit he had come to admire her...
Roy had thought at first that he was doing well enough, but the more he lingered near the girl the less he trusted that was the case. Having her close was bringing into question a number of feelings he'd thought he'd pushed away to pursue his work. He was high ranked within their society, well respected, he'd been sent here to help with the issue and now he was only complicating it by having such thoughts. He had little room for that sort of pursuit when he wanted to eventually take charge of their entire secret society... Chasing a girl much younger than himself wouldn't look good for him when he went up for future ranks. He doubted head quarter's would accept 'I couldn't help it' as a suitable excuse if he actively started chasing her.
Jade was reasonable but even he would pause and stare at her in a manner that showed his feelings weren't completely professional. Mustang meanwhile had managed to keep things quiet thus far as to his own influenced feelings. Keeping things in a group format had helped thus far but he still glanced at the door more often than he should when Kagome left with other men or lingered near the other men. He had to admit that it was not his way to chase women, not in any serious capacity, often he was the one chased. As was the case with Ayumi. He'd managed to spend some of his time playing Ishida in chess, he lost but his heart wasn't in it. Not to mention he preferred to lose for a while to see how his opponents played the game, it was an old habit.
Eventually he'd managed to express that he was not interested in the Ayumi indirectly by saying that he had a girlfriend back at headquarters. He could feel how Riza would react to that comment, and it wasn't exactly true. They had always been close...but they had not been romantic. She was more like a sister but the Colonel couldn't think of another way out. He was frustrated by his own inability to plot as well as he usually would, with the distraction of this unexpected crush his usual ability to manipulate everyone around him was much more difficult.
He was helping to clean the kitchen after disappointing the girl but glad he'd gotten away before she'd become too invested in him. He was drying a plate when Kagome poked her head in. "Sorry I didn't get to handing gifts out earlier. I didn't really know you well so I asked Ed what you would like. Here."
She offered him a small box from her bag and smiled to him. "Merry Christmas."
"You didn't need to get me anything Kagome." Roy remarked, but found himself smiling back at her regardless. He dried his hands and accepted the small box, pulling off the wrapping and opening the inner box. A silver lighter was inside, engraved with silver flame and the alchemical circle he wore on his gloves for his flame alchemy. He chuckled, it was a nicer gift than what he expected Ed would suggest but then nodded to her. "Thank you Kagome, I will make good use of it."
"You shouldn't smoke too much though, it's not very attractive." Kagome stated seriously.
Roy's brows drew together, in a confused expression. He didn't smoke.
"Ed told me not to tell anyone. Don't worry, you're secret is safe with me. I'll help you quit if you need a buddy to talk to." Kagome said softly and kissed his cheek before leaving the kitchen.
"...I'll burn you alive...you tiny worm..." Roy muttered...hand holding the silver lighter tightly in his clenched fist. He would be having a word with Ed for that rumor...
Kyoya -
The boy was working ahead on homework for his upcoming classes, he couldn't spend too much time celebrating and his family had already spent their time together. Still, it would be frowned upon if he was to leave the house during the holiday so instead he was focused on his work when a knock came at the door.
He pursed his lips but leaned back, expecting his sister to pop in and ruin all of his organization at a time when he really couldn't afford it. Instead it was a servant that opened the door with a tray of presents. Things delivered throughout the day from his different friends but his father had wanted him to wait until after the family had exchanged gifts. It was usual but he hadn't thought about it. Most of the things from his friends at the academy he already knew...laptop, stylus, suit, etc. It was more going through the motions than something he thought much of. They would have received gifts from him as well throughout the day. It wasn't until he came to a gift that wasn't as professionally wrapped as the rest, with the writing that labeled who it was from that he gained a real interest.
Kagome had picked him up something? Well, in a way he'd bought it for himself and she'd somehow snuck it in there. Impressive since he usually missed very little. He opened up the box and noted it was a tea set he'd browsed while they were shopping together. A small note was inside that made him smile. "Kyoya, Sorry if you didn't want these, I got a gift receipt if you'd rather have something else. I saw you looking at them though and figured you were being kind enough to help me so I should return something. Hopefully I'll know you well enough as a friend by next year to get you something more personal. Have a great Holiday! -Kagome"
He'd thought this set would be nice for some of their clientele at the host club but he doubted he would use it for them now...he couldn't take them back either. The girl was honestly trying to do something kind for him. He wondered if she really understood what they did at Ouran...or how she would feel about it...but this particular set he would have to save for the unexpected moment that she ever visited him. He had to admit...it was the most intriguing gift he'd gotten in ages...
Jade -
Jade waited to open his present, as everyone had, it was just wisest not to cause anyone to start making comparisons with what Kagome offered. He had suggested it ahead of time and both Mustang and Ghaeleon had backed his decision. It was just as well that everyone else fell into line with the idea. He settled in the master bedroom shared by those that were looking after Kagome from day to day operations and wondered for a short moment which of them she might be thinking of.
Then again, she might not be considering any of them. When this was all over...she might decide to choose no one...or once her decision was made the feelings inspired by the spell might drop off for the participates all together. It was far from a desirable option but he was certain several of the others might have considered it as well. The whole point of this spell had been to punish her after all, while the person behind it had been defeated the spell hadn't changed. It could end up that the person she chose lost their feelings at the moment the spell ended. It was a cruelty he had a hard time not bringing up. He doubted any of the others had considered it and he had hesitated to mention it in their last meeting. It wouldn't do any good but to worry her without need or possibly influence her when it could be an incorrect hypothesis.
He sighed at the thought, pulling open the small decorated gift she'd picked up for him. He canted his head at the pocket watch, unfolding the note with it to read it. "I keep seeing Ed and Roy with pocket watches but not you. I thought it would look nice with your uniform and you just seem like someone that would like to have a pocket watch. If you don't like it there's a gift receipt inside. Thank you for all your help. -Kagome" He smirked. It was amusing, he wasn't a part of the same sub-section as Ed and Roy...and his form of magic didn't require the circle's they were so obsessed with...but he appreciated the thought. Besides, if she thought he'd look a bit better with it how could he refuse? Despite his own misgivings as to how the spell worked he had decided if she chose him that he would stay with her regardless of if any sort of emotional attachment remained when it was over. He would keep his promises with her, she certainly deserved that much after all she'd been through.
Sephiroth -
The warrior had returned to his new apartment with his gift before he opened it. He agreed to the others observation that it was probably best if everyone waited. To be honest, thus far he hadn't minded many in their group. Usually he was only a merc but he didn't mind signing up to be a bit of a freelancer in aiding their purpose of protecting Kagome on this one. Even without payment he'd be fine...he'd saved up quite a bit over the years. His own involvement also kept Rufus a bit hesitant to step in and Sephiroth was well aware that it would only be temporary but still was glad to offer the girl what protection he could.
He pulled out the tiny gift and raised a brow, not sure what the girl would get him. It wasn't as if they'd known each other very long after all. Then he opened it and chuckled, the small sword attached to a keychain was cute, the sort of gift he'd expect from the girl he had kidnapped earlier. He opened the note wrapped around it curiously. "Sephiroth, Thanks for being there for me. I really couldn't repay you at all for your help with my wings and just letting me get away for a while. I know I should have found something better but I don't know you well yet. I hope you like this gift even if it's sort of lame. -Kagome"
Her scent was still slightly on the paper and he read it twice, smirking at the way he could hear her rambling on making excuses for herself. It was a wonder she hadn't apologized for the present, but he pulled out his keys to add it on. He hadn't expected anything from the girl, and something small he could keep with him to remind him of her was more than enough. He appreciated that she'd taken the time to think of him at all. It meant that he still had a chance even next to all the spellcasters that could certainly offer her things he couldn't. While he could use materia as well as anyone trained in it, he couldn't summon spell effects without the material as some of the others could. Certainly he'd found himself comparing them already- one of the reasons he'd agreed to bow out for the gift opening when it was suggested.
As described, the spell had been one to influence emotions and it was getting harder to resist protesting when she wanted to spend time with any of the others. It would probably continue to...would he have to come to blows with them? Certainly he could hold his own against any of them individually but as a group they would be a more difficult opponent. He would need to start plotting how to deal with them now if he stopped being unable to resist that urge. He wasn't willing to give up Kagome and if it came to a fight he would be prepared...
Ghaeleon -
Well...he'd put it to use he was certain...but Ghaeleon wasn't exactly pleased by the gift of a flask, no matter how fancy it looked. He was hoping for something more intimate from the girl, he knew she'd been busy and he was appreciative since his own flask had already gotten many miles during his assignment here...but it still was frustrating that he didn't appear to be getting as far with the girl as he would like to be. He closed his eyes and forced himself to calm down, the girl had done something thoughtful...and he knew she couldn't use magic as he could. Perhaps she had done her best and he was simply growing paranoid.
He shouldn't have agreed with Jade's suggestion that they all open their gifts from Kagome separately, he would have much preferred to known where the competition was than to be unaware. He had to go along however, or they would suspect his alternate motives. The elf washed his face and then sighed, it only made it more frustrating that he wasn't on the schedule to be with her tonight at the house...once the party had ended he had to retire to a nearby hotel. The others had decided only so many people should be staying with her at one time. Of course Jade was there, the necromancer had fallen more than he let on to several of the others. Many probably hadn't even realized how much competition he was for the girl. Ghaeleon certainly had considered removing the Colonel...if he hadn't been such a challenge he probably would have...
However, despite the frustration inspired by it, Jade Curtiss was far from a pushover. Ghaeleon had to continue to play the part for the time being of the kind and relaxed professor with mystical abilities, he couldn't let on just how much magic he really had access to...as it was his interactions with this girl had sometimes made that difficult. He'd already shown more power on rare occasion than he should have...but she'd been in danger and his desire to protect her had overridden his better sense. For now his goals remained mostly aligned with the others and he retained the leeway his position with the organization granted. He was the same rank as Roy and Jade after all. Then again...it was difficult how much this had distracted him from his original goals. Of course...the great Althena and Kagome...they were both holy creatures after all...he wasn't adverse to starting a collection and perhaps he could contain them in a single body...
Still, he had to wait...things weren't ready and at least for now it would be better to get Kagome back into her original body and combine both souls. He sighed and filled up the new flask she'd gotten him...patience was becoming a singularly difficult virtue when it came to this girl...
Kazama -
Most nights as he prepared for the next day he considered his various conquests and needs to react to problems within the demon world. He often indulged himself in thoughts of his future wife Chizuru, but tonight that thought process was so much different than usual that he found himself considering it. Suddenly he wasn't as interested in Chizuru...instead he wanted the new girl he'd found, the one he'd saved at the mansion...and she wasn't even a true demon. Certainly she smelled as one now...and her present body would function as one...but she wasn't actually a demon.
However, as it stood any children she had would be fully demon blooded...
The thought continued to tempt him...this girl could offer him not just the heirs he desired...but she had interested him even more than Chizuru. She was an enigma he wanted to solve...to know in every intimate way available to them. His feelings had always been strong once they'd arisen, but this was such a change to his previous plans that they were difficult to adjust to. Before this the girl had not been a part of his future, but now he was already replacing her in his subconscious when it came to the eventual plans of his children and future. He'd hardly known her and somehow she'd already replaced Chizuru even though Kagome was far from a full fledged demon and had continued to express her desire to return to her normal body.
He did believe her current form to be an abomination, but at the same time he wanted to take advantage of it before she would return to her human one. She could offer him heirs even while being a human...full blooded heirs...while in her current body. This circle continued to play in his mind while he prepared himself for sleep and he laughed at the challenge of it. He could manage it after all, certainly he would eventually won Chizuru, but she'd let the window pass and now he would have a new wife...one he would need to take for himself the next time they met. She'd promised to give him a gift when she saw him again...so he supposed he could give her a week or so to prepare before he came for her...it seemed fair.
Ishida -
Ishida arrived home and as expected, his father wasn't there. The man had taken on extra work for the holiday shift at his hospital and as usual Ishida was left to his own devices. It suited the teenage Quincy just fine as they'd lost any concept of a family relationship many years ago. He set down the large present that had been left here. Apparently Kagome had her present delivered but he had been at her home so this was the first time he'd seen it. It was certainly larger than the rest of the gifts Ishida had seen her give out but that might not mean much.
He picked out the note stuck to the top, opening the envelope to read the letter inside. "Dear Ishida, I hope you had a good holiday, I'm sorry I pulled you away from family. I wanted to thank you for all your help this year with school and other things. I don't know many of your interests but I thought that you would like this. I hope you can make good use of it. If not, I put a gift receipt inside. Happy Holidays! -Kagome"
Ishida let a blue eyebrow raise and then he carefully opened the wrapping, smirking a bit to himself as he looked at the box inside. A sewing machine, a very nice newer model too...the girl probably couldn't have afforded this on her own but he could hardly refuse it. It was very kind of her...it would definitely get used. He supposed crafting her that costume for the dance had been a large clue as to his interest in sewing. He sighed after a moment and laid back, covering his eyes with one of his arms. What chance did he have with her with all the other men around her that were interested? Was this going to be one more unrequited crush?
Certainly his competition was far from easy, of her various suitors all of them had aspects better than his own. He certainly had hoped his intellect would set him apart but he'd even been highly challenged in chess by one of the new fellows. Cousin indeed, Ishida could pay close enough attention to know that wasn't true. Mustang had held his own feelings close but there were subtle aspects of attraction he couldn't hide that Ishida had noticed. He probably was the only one that had realized there was yet another new competitor on the field for Kagome's hand.
Still, despite questioning himself and his chances he couldn't just walk away...the girl meant a lot to him and even if it was some sort of spell enchanting him he didn't care. It certainly didn't feel fabricated in any way...perhaps he could offer her something the others couldn't. With the next term coming up and exams looming he could continue to work as a tutor for her, if she wanted it. The others were unlikely to offer if they hadn't already...
Albel -
Albel didn't stay at Kagome's house long, why would he hang out with losers? Ugh, this whole assignment was turning into a joke, he was going soft out here. They should reassign him somewhere where his abilities could be put to real work. Unless they wanted him to cut out some of the access workers stationed on this case, he'd be pretty content with that job. As it was he was always just on the line of getting kicked out...he was fairly certain the only reason they kept him as a part of the society was to keep him from going merc on the outside.
They weren't all fools at the top...
Albel stopped at a liquor store on the way back to his apartment. Fireball was the closest thing he would get to a warm comfortable family friendly event this holiday. He took a swig from his handle and smirked to himself at the cinnamon burn that curled down his throat...generally he only drank the cheap stuff (which is to say: below the bottom shelf when possible) but he figured he should treat himself. It was fucking Christmas after all, and he had to leave his woman with that lot of pussy's back at her house. He took another long draw, just thinking about it made him want to drink more.
Heading into his apartment he heard the usual arguments from the couple upstairs, the man certainly beat the woman but she stuck around so Albel didn't care generally as long as he didn't lose sleep over their relationship. He headed into his own apartment and paused, scowling slightly at the more cluttered than usual view inside. A bed had been added to his flat, it was certainly new considering he didn't see any stains on the mattress or the sheets folded neatly on top of it. The headboard and frame were shiny, and all in all the piece of furniture was probably the cleanest thing on this entire block. There was a bow tied to the end of it with a note.
"Tch...waste of money." Albel muttered, but slammed his door in hopes the people upstairs would get the idea before walking over to read the note. His scowl remained as he looked it over, then he sighed. "Girl is as soft as they come...unless she wants to break it in with me...I'd fuck her til the complex called the cops on us for noise disturbance..."
"Stop!" The scream from upstairs was only slightly muffled in through the thin roof and Albel sighed to himself. Kagome was making him just as soft...that or he was just looking for an excuse to gut someone...he picked up his claws and headed up the stairs two at a time. He might as well make someone's holiday suck less than his did.
End Chapter
Aw, look at Albel, all going soft by saving someone getting beaten. He's such a...keeper? O.O;;; He's so dark but I like him anyway. Pretty happy with how the counterpoint chapter went all together. Man it was fun writing for this fic after such a long time. So many crossovers...I think Roy deserves some time soon since he hasn't had much yet...thoughts?
-Aura
To my reviewers:
As always thanks for the kind words and well wishes. One day at a time is just how I need to take my son in the hospital, he likely still has months he'll be there but he's stable so that's what matters.
SpeedyKitten1643 – Yes, I am still unsure myself between those that are still around. It's so fun to write it's hard to decide on one. Perhaps I could end up doing chapters for all of them?
Kakashixangela – Thanks for sticking around as such a dedicated reader!