Disclaimer: Same as always.
I'm back! Sorry that it took me soo long, but school go first. However I'm back now and I'm going to finish it as fast as possible.
Big thanks for my beta: Tsuki Ai and my kind reviewers: FLUFFY-MOMO-CHAN, Sarah's Love, llebreknit, Kitana18 and Cressent Moon.
Now enjoy!
3 days to Christmas-A warm wind of change
"And he's coming over your house for dinner?" Kagome smiled taking her phone to the other hand and leaning over the counter.
"Yeah I'm preparing it as we speak. Do you think they would like chicken with rice and vegetables?" On the other side, Amelia giggled.
"I think so. But besides that, tell me has your plan to not date him changed?" Kagome rolled her eyes, but knowing her friend couldn't see her, she replied.
"No. I don't think so. After all, we haven't known each other very long, and I doubt he likes me that much..." On the other side, an annoyed growl was heard.
"You're no fun Kagome! You should-" Kagome sighed and left her phone on the counter. She was in too good a mood to listen to speeches from her friend. She was, after all, too old to listen any speeches!
She started to hum some carol and chop vegetables when Mia's voice caught her attention again. "Kagome? Are you listening to me?"
"Sure Mia, what is it now?"
"You weren't listening, were you? Well... anyway can you help me in the shop tomorrow?" Kagome smiled.
"Sure Mia. No problem, but now can I finish the dinner?" On the other side woman sighed.
"Yeah, yeah. See ya tomorrow." And with that, the line went out. The woman chuckled lightly and returned to her work.
Quickly, she chopped all vegetables and meat, preparing it for cooking. When she was done, she looked at the clock. She still had around an hour before her guests arrive.
Kagome sighed. Since that morning, she had mixed feelings about the visit. Fear and happiness overwhelmed her and in the heart of that cyclone was him, Sesshoumaru Taisho. The man was giving her quite the headache and that wasn't good.
What do I really think about him? Why am I even thinking about him? I said myself he doesn't like me like that, so why am I still thinking about him? she asked herself around the hundredth time that day.
No Kagome, there is no time for this she decided after a few minutes later and went back to her work. She had guests coming and that put some things before others. Besides, if she couldn't find her answers before now, these few minutes wouldn't change anything, right?
Her answer was silence.
oOoOoOoOo
Sesshoumaru looked at his watch again and rolled his eyes. God, he was going insane, but he couldn't help it. It was just something he wasn't really prepared for. Sure, after Asami's death, he went on a few dates, but it never turned into more than two meetings and he never became close to those women like he did with Kagome.
Yes, Kagome Higurashi was the reason for all his troubles. She was the one that made him ask himself thousands of questions he couldn't find the answers to. Who truly is that girl? Can I let her be in my life for much longer? Should I make a move? And why in the seven hells do I let her enter my mind every ten seconds?
Sesshoumaru shook his head. Now it was official, he was going mad because of that little slip of a girl. A sad end for one like him, really pathetic.
Before he married, he had never problems with women. On the contrary, they literally threw themselves at his feet and none of them cost him such turmoil. Why can't it be like that now?
His eyes went to the picture on his desk. The one taken in the hospital after Rin's birth. His wife was so happy when she hugged her baby. The man sighed. It couldn't be like before, because of her.
He was snapped from his thoughts by male's voice. "You're alright Sesshoumaru?" the silver haired man looked at his co-worker.
"I'm fine I was thinking that's all. Go back to your work." With that, Sesshomaru once again looked at his papers. His life could never be the same again, but it still could be better, right?
He left that question without answer.
oOoOoOoOo
Some time later, Sesshoumaru was once again in his car with two grinning children in the back seat, driving to Kagome's apartment. Thankfully, he wasn't fidgeting this time, but his state was still far from calm. With one last turn, he parked before the building and came out from the vehicle, taking out both kids.
They grinned even wider and for the first time, Sesshoumaru noticed that this grin had little to do with simple joy and more with mischief. Why did they look like they were planning something? And why didn't he notice it earlier? The man shook his head. If those two really looked like this earlier, the reason why he didn't notice it was in the building before him. Damn that woman. She was literally turning his world upside down.
He was snapped from his thoughts when pair of small hands pulled him into motion.
"Come on daddy! We can't stay here!" Rin said. Before he could say anything, Shippou cut him off.
"Right Mr. Taisho. My mom always says it's a bad thing to make women wait. And if you are bad, you won't get your present from Santa!" Rin gasped with dread.
"That would be horrible! We must hurry daddy! Rin doesn't want Santa to get angry with you!" Sesshoumaru just shook his head and started to walk faster, this time gently pulling the children with him.
"Ah! I'm so glad you came! Dinner will be ready in a minute. Come inside and make yourselves at home," Kagome chirped, already running to the kitchen where Sesshoumaru could hear frying vegetables. He helped Rin with her coat and Shippou with his hat and took them to the living room.
Rin opened her mouth and looked around with admiration. "It's so beautiful! Look daddy, Kagome had gingerbreads stars on her Christmas tree! And on the window are ribbons!" Sesshoumaru nodded at every statement his little girl was making, and simply allowed her to enjoy their surroundings.
His attention was called to the other side of the room where he saw Shippou admiring Christmas tree. The man narrowed his eyes. That was suspicious.
"Shippou you can't eat gingerbread from the Christmas tree," he said stopping Shippou's little hand in midair. The child turned to him and smiled innocently.
"I wasn't planning to do so," the red-haired boy said. Sesshoumaru only narrowed his eyes.
"I'm sure you didn't." With a mental sigh, he turned around and went to the kitchen where he could hear their hostess.
"Do you need help?" he asked.
"Eek!" Kagome cried, jumping a good two feet into the air, turning around in the process.
Impressive-Sesshoumaru thought.
"You scared me!" the girl finally said, placing a hand over her heart. Sesshoumaru smirked.
"I've noticed," Kagome huffed before turning to her pots.
"Are you going to answer my question?" he asked after a moment. Kagome once again turned to him with lightly pink cheeks.
"Sorry. Um... No, I think I have everything done already so you can take your seats." The man nodded and went to the living room, leaving her alone. Kagome sighed with relief.
She didn't hear him come into the kitchen because she was once again thinking of him.
Damn that man the young woman thought. He can be two feet or two miles from me and he still manages to play with my mind. How can he do this?
With a little shake of her head, she took the prepared meal to her guests.
Dinner went smoothly with small talk, polite comments and the like. At least that was how it looked. If someone stole a few looks at the two adults, they would've seen their small glances, which only ended with one side blushing like mad and the other turning his head. Anyway, Rin and Shippou were too caught up with their food to actually notice that.
When everyone finished their meal, Kagome smiled at the children. "You know I think I have some movies here. Would you like to watch it while I make our dessert?" Both children nodded their heads sitting on the couch. Soon they were enchanted by the story and forgot about the rest of the world.
Sesshoumaru sent her little smile. "Good move. Would you like some help?" Kagome returned his smile.
"It would be nice. But I won't let you close to the cookies, is that clear?" Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes.
"I'm not a child Kagome. I can control myself," he said with a blank voice. Kagome huffed. 'Of course you can, just like three days ago.'
They went to the kitchen and Kagome took out her pink apron blushing lightly when Sesshoumaru arched his eyebrow at the bright color.
"What? I like pink," she announced.
"I haven't seen you wear anything that color nor is there anything in your home like this," Kagome blushed even more.
"Well I have things in this color, but you don't need to know about them," she said turning to the sink.
The man's curiosity was peaked when he looked at her blush. 'Why her own clothes should made her blush? Unless it is--'
"You have pink underwear?" Sesshoumaru asked before he could stop himself. In slow motion, he saw how her face turned a deep shade of red and the next thing he knew was he was feeling wet. Very wet.
"EEEEeeekkk! You pervert!" Kagome cried, splashing her guest with warm water. She was extremely mortified when he asked her question. How could he know about that? There was no chance he saw her underwear! At least she hoped so. Her train of thought was suddenly stopped when she looked up at the man before her. Sesshoumaru was still standing still, watching the water slowly run down from his silver tresses. His eyes were wide and he looked like he had never seen his hair wet.
Kagome giggled lightly thinking of how Sesshoumaru remind her of wet puppy. She giggled louder and shook Sesshoumaru from his thoughts. He looked at her, narrowing his eyes. Kagome blinked innocently.
"What? You asked for this. No one told you it's dangerous to ask about someone's underwear?" Sesshoumaru took step closer to her and she took a step away from him.
"You splashed me," he said dangerously.
"A ha ha... um yeah?" Kagome said trying to get away from him. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes.
"You're going to be punished." Before Kagome could blink, he was a few inches from her. He swept her from her feet to land on one nicely shaped shoulder.
"What are you doing? Let me go!" Kagome cried, trying to squirm from his grasp. The man paid her no mind, making his way through the kitchen until he was standing before the sink. Kagome's eyes went wide.
"Don't you dare! Sesshoumaru I mean it! Don't even tryyyyy iii--eeeekkk!" Kagome cried again feeling cold water run down her back. She didn't even think about how it got under her shirt; she was to cold to think about that.
Suddenly the children, who heard screams, burst into the kitchen and blinked at seeing Kagome struggling on Sesshoumaru's shoulder. Shippou turned to his friend.
"You know Rin, I never thought your dad like to play in water." Rin nodded.
"Rin didn't know that either. He didn't do that at our house. Perhaps he likes Kagome's water more?" Shippou thought about it for a moment.
"That must be it. She probably has cleaner water," he said knowingly. Rin just smiled and took boy's hand, leading him back to the living room. He arched his eyebrow.
"Are we not going to watch them?" he asked. Rin smiled widely.
"Daddy was doing very well. He was supposed to kiss Kagome and carry her in his arms today, but Rin thinks that the shoulder is okay as well." Shippou nodded.
"Yeah, it's still carrying, but it makes Kagome looks like potato sack." Rin giggled.
Well, as long as her daddy was happy and with Kagome, she didn't need to worry about anything. She smiled at her thought. Yes, daddy definitely proves to be the smartest boy Rin ever heard of.
(In the kitchen)
"You are crazy Sesshoumaru." Kagome said with an unhappy face. Sesshoumaru shrugged.
"It's your own fault. You shouldn't have started it." Kagome narrowed her eyes.
"You shouldn't have asked about my…err…wardrobe." Sesshoumaru smirked.
"By the way, you still didn't answer my question." Kagome looked at him dumbly.
"Huh?" Sesshoumaru's smirk grew wilder.
"You have pink underwear, don't you?" Kagome squeaked before turning pink and taking a few steps from him.
"It's not your business."
"Come on! I really want to know. Now girl, don't be so mean. I'm a single, lonely father. Give me something pleasurable to think about!" the man whined.
"No! And if you continue to talk about this, I won't give you single cookie."
"Now, that was really mean." The girl stuck her tongue at him, and the man chuckled. Really, she was so fun to tease. However, he decided it was enough for today. Perhaps he could continue it tomorrow, which reminded him…
"Kagome what are you doing on the Christmas Eve?" Kagome looked at him, before shrugging.
"I don't have plans. I suppose I will eat, lay on my couch, listen to some carols, and then I watch some nice movies, and perhaps I will catch Santa when he comes to my apartment to leave me presents." The man frowned.
"You are not going to see your family?" Kagome gave him a sad smile.
"Not this time, we had a hard year, but I think we will see each other in the spring. Why?" Sesshoumaru shrugged.
"Just curious," he answered seeing her nod from the corner of his eye. He was quiet for a moment looking how she prepared their dessert. In his mind, he was beginning the war. 'Should I ask her? But it would be too forward. We haven't known each other very long, but... I like her company...err... Rin and I like her company and it will only be our family. They won't mind more guests. Besides, it's my house. I can ask whomever I wish. Yes, this Sesshoumaru will ask her'
Sesshoumaru opened his mouth to speak, but his words were caught in his throat. He closed his mouth and tried again but unfortunately, he got the same result. The man shook his head, clearing his mind. 'You can do this Sesshoumaru' he reassured himself. He tried once again and... failed miserably.
How is that I can stand and talk before a jury and court making everyone cover with fear, but I panic when it comes to this small female. I am really pathetic, who would've guessed?
"Are you alright Sesshoumaru?" Kagome suddenly asked with concern in her voice. Sesshoumaru growled in his head.
"Yes, thank you I was only thinking. Would you like to meet tomorrow?" Way to go man, baby steps. I will ask her the bigger question tomorrow, right? The raven-haired woman smiled.
"Sure. I would love to, but I have work tomorrow. Perhaps after that?" The man nodded. He too still has to work tomorrow.
"Very well, I will pick you up on my way back. Where are you working?"
"The market where we were buying Christmas gifts for Rin. The second floor, third store. We are selling cosmetics and such things." Sesshoumaru nodded memorizing the information. The woman smiled.
"Okay, I'm finished, would you help me to carry it?" she asked pointing at the glasses of milk. The man stood taking the tray with the drinks.
"I would prefer to carry the cookies," he said quietly. Kagome giggled.
"Of that I'm sure. Cookie monster."
The time went quickly and after a few hours, Kagome's guests were standing in the hall, ready to leave. Rin and Shippou were in a bad mood. They had tried to make Mr. Taisho kiss Kagome, but unfortunately, all attempts failed miserably, even their masterpiece with mistletoe. Shippou shook his head.
Mr. Taisho is just dense when it's come to kissing he decided. How could he kiss a girl's cheek standing under mistletoe? Even he, a child, knew that if you're standing under mistletoe, you needed to kiss a girl on her lips. It was why he was running from it. No Mr. Taisho was really dense.
"Thank you all for coming. I was happy to have you here. I hope you will visit me again." Kagome said smiling. Shippou was first to answer.
"If my mom agrees, I will. I liked your cookies. They were delicious." Kagome smiled at the boy.
"I'm glad you liked it," she said, giving him little hug. Rin was next. She threw her arms around Kagome's neck holding her tightly.
"Rin is happy she will see you tomorrow. Rin can't wait," the girl said. Oh yes, she was very happy her daddy invited Kagome. Tomorrow, she will have another plan to make him kiss her. And this time, Kagome won't leave their house until she achieves her goal.
Kagome returned her embrace giving her little kiss on the forehead. "I'm happy to. See you tomorrow munchkin!" Rin giggled happily and Kagome turned to Sesshoumaru.
"I will see you tomorrow," she said softly. He nodded.
"You will," he said bending down and kissing her cheek.
"Thank you for nice evening and Shippou was right. The cookies were simply delicious." Kagome giggled.
"You monster," she teased. The three of them once again said their good-byes and went to the car.
They took Shippo to his house and after another ten minutes, they were back in their apartment. Sesshoumaru smiled tucking his daughter in her bed.
"Did you have fun Rin?" he asked. The child gave him a toothy grin.
"Rin had big fun today! Rin likes Kagome very much. And you daddy?" Sesshoumaru patted her head.
"Yes sweetheart. I had nice time as well." Rin nodded at him.
"Rin knew. Rin knew you like Kagome too!" The man smiled softly.
"How did you know?"
"Because daddy was finally happy!" Sesshoumaru's eyes widened. Happy? What did she mean he was finally happy?
Rin turned on her side and yawned. The man shook his head. Not the best time for this kind of talk with his little daughter. He will need to ask her tomorrow.
"Good night princess," he said, kissing her forehead and leaving her room. Rin waited until she heard the doors to her father's bedroom close before turning her lamp on and looking at her list. She frowned lightly.
Make daddy carry Kagome. Check
Make daddy meet Kagome tomorrow. Check
Make daddy kiss Kagome. Half-check.
The girl shook her head. Her dad still hadn't kissed Kagome the way she wanted him to and she was loosing her patience. Perhaps she would take Shippou's advice. She grinned happily at that thought.
Yes, Rin will tell her daddy that he needs to kiss Kagome on the lips or Rin will cry. That will certainly work! And with that, she fell asleep.
AN: Thank you for reading, I hope you liked it. If so please leave me review.
Bye!