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"You didn't have to bring us food, Kagome! We're not starving!"

"Look I didn't feel like waiting forever for the turkey to cook here. My mom slaved all night to prepare a meal so please enjoy it."

"Yeah well she shouldn't spend her time making useless food."

"Just suck up your pride and enjoy it."

The demon and mortal kept their constant arguments even into the joyous holiday morning. It hadn't been long since the dog went to the ancient well and retrieved the human, bringing her back into his clan. Though the whole way back they debated on food, gifts, and the strangest ways of the future. Of course the half demon was curious and frustrated with the overbearing thought that his human's mother didn't trust him to provide for her daughter. And Kagome was just upset that her love wouldn't settle down and relax. A continuous struggle that would surely end in a 'sit' if InuYasha didn't let his stupid ideas go.

"Be grateful InuYasha. Kagome's mother gave us some really good looking food." The hungry fox rubbed his paw-like hands as he eyed the feast before him.

"Thank you Shippou. It's nice that SOME people appreciate things."

The mutt turned his back as a few 'suck up fox' mumbles came from him. The rest of the gang just staring at him with disgust and not-so-surprised sighs.

"Oh well even if he doesn't eat, that's more for us!"

"That's the spirit…We can start eating any time you like, then we'll open gifts…"

Shippou gleamed with cheer as Kagome spoke her magical words. Allowing him basic control over the food and being followed up by getting presents. Even as he grew older his child essence never left and his love of the older woman's kindness never ceased. But his true love was more of her wonderful, prepared cooking!

It was to bad for the human that her mind couldn't follow her younger friend's spirit. His joy and laughing brightened the Christmas morning like no other. The slayer and monk even enjoyed the holiday they knew little about. Kagome had shown them the illusive Christmas traditions year after year but they were still quite new to the whole gathering. But for the sake of their excited friend they all acted as if they knew the holiday ways. And on this particular Christmas it would come in handy to act like a big happy family.

A family they stayed together instead of choosing to stay hidden from what was important. Unable to swallow one's pride and accept that certain people needed a family member by their side.

That was the reason the ex-schoolgirl couldn't fully start her cheering and laughter. Her mind was set on the young, silent teenager that sat semi-far from their circle. She had taken that seat right after the dog and mortal returned. Her body unmoved from watching the snowfall and her arms still wrapped around her knees. She barely even blinked as she slid her eyes along the white countryside. Seeing the icy hills blanketed with silent puffs. It reminded her that he may be near…not physically but in her heart. His heart and mind were like the snowy plains. Always quiet, dangerous if crossed quickly, very unemotional. It was the only thing to keep him in her mind on this lonely and new holiday.

But more unknowing is what he was doing at that moment. It had been an awkward departure that morning as Rin had ran off by herself to seek her friends. The way she left him with his gift, Jaken with his own. Telling them the ways of the wishing bracelet and how special it was. Then leaving as they only stared at her with curious thoughts. Of why she was so damn happy about a bracelet. Or of why she really thought wishes existed. But the human ignored her glares and headed off. She was positive the dog and imp were still sitting there even now as she kept watching the snow.

"Rin come join us."

"Huh?"

She turned back to look at the monk beckoning to her. His slayer lover also calling for her to come sit with them. Secretly she wanted to stay and watch, to see if maybe he'd come over the hills and join the party. Yet she didn't want to deny her friends just because she didn't get her lord to come.

Slowly she got up and walked to their circle, sitting between Kagome and the monk. The gang greeted her before returning to their laughing. Only hoping the young girl would start talking and telling them of funny stories. Her acts and personality always seemed to make the mood more enjoyable…along with Shippou's newfound cheer.

"So Rin…Did Sesshomaru like the gift?"

"I-I'm not sure. I left it with him this morning but…well I didn't see him put it on or anything."

"It's not anything to worry about. I'm sure he'll come around and put it on."

Or slice it to a million pieces.

"Yeah I bet he will….Kagome?"

"Hmm?"

"So what is Christmas all about? You didn't explain it much yesterday." Her prayers to get off topic seemed to work.

Kagome smiled, "Well most people think it's about receiving gifts but it's more of a day when family comes together. When we all thank each other for making our lives more enjoyable. For bringing happiness to us or for just saying thanks for being there."

"…Do you think I can thank Lord Sesshomaru even though he's not here?"

"Sure."

Rin nodded as she closed her eyes, "Lord Sesshomaru, thank you for giving me life and for letting me stay with you. If it wasn't for your kindness I wouldn't be here. Thank you so much."

Her usual smile came across as her heart warmed. It felt good to give praise to the person whom she cared for. It made her feel a little more secure with being away from him.

"That was sweet Rin. I'm sure Sesshomaru would thank you if he was here."

"Or he'd just glare at you."

"InuYasha sit!"

'Crash!'

The dog's face crashed into the icy snow as he screamed. The mortal however just laughed at his stupid comments. She had been waiting so long to unleash the rage! Rudely insulting her mother's cooking, being a jerk on a happy holiday, and then ruining Rin's fun! He needed to be a taught a lesson!

"Rin ignore him. He's a jerk."

"…But InuYasha is probably right…"

"Oh Rin don't be silly, Sesshomaru wouldn't just glare at you…Let's talk about the other fun things about Christmas." Miroku laughed.

"Yes," Sango mentioned, "Kagome has told us about a lot of nice things to do today. Right?"

The black haired girl nodded, "There's more then just food, family and gifts. Like telling stories, mistletoe hangings, saying our thanks, and having fun overall."

"Wait…What's a mistletoe?"

"Ah," the monk wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "that is my favorite part of Christmas. See Kagome has spoken of a fabled plant that forces all who stand beneath it to kiss."

"It doesn't force them you idiot." The dog etched the snow and dirt from his face as he finally began talking again.

"Right! It just means that you have to kiss who ever is under it with you. It's only a friendly thing though."

"Oh really? Sango would you care to friendly stand with me?"

She blushed, "Keep your mind clean, monk."

"Hate to disappoint you, Sango but you may end up kissing him. I uh well I hid mistletoe in random places so beware." She laughed.

"Oh great." She grunted.

"I think it sounds fun."

They looked to the now laughing Rin. Her cute smile and pink tint in her cheeks brought life to the stone cold party. Perhaps she had forgotten about her lord not being there…or maybe she was just ignoring the thought. Either way her usual expressions returned.

"Fun Rin?" The monk smirked.

"Don't even think about it." Sango warned.

The teen laughed, "No I just think it sounds fun. I mean for people who really love each other, getting caught under a mistletoe must be the best…."

Her eyes slowly shifted to InuYasha and Kagome. A blush stained the woman's face as she nervously giggled. The dog wasn't exactly embarrassed, ashamed or even happy. No he wasn't showing to much interest in the conversation at all. For he wasn't looking at his friends any longer. All his attention was directed at the woods near by. His eyes narrowed as he gently sniffed the air.

"InuYasha?"

His ears tuned the young girl but his eyes remained focused on the darkened area.

"What is it, kid?"

"I was just wondering if you're okay…."

The rest of the gang watched their dog comrade with concern. Even for him it was odd to just stop being sarcastic and putting his thoughts in. His whole attitude changed as he kept watching the forest.

"I'm fine…"

He blinked before turning back to his friends. Still he didn't bother to tell Rin off about how he wouldn't even dream of kissing Kagome. Or of how it was a dumb holiday. Nothing. He just quietly began picking at the semi-warm turkey as they rest watched in curiosity. All wondering what was wrong.

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Hmm. Looks like something is bothering the all powerful doggy.

You'll have to keep reading to find out what it is!

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