Disclaimer: No, I don't own Inuyasha
Hi again.
Sorry for taking so long to get it done, but my teachers suddenly remembered I need marks and gave me so much exams I forgot about everything. So, big sorry again.
Now, big thanks for my beta: Tsuki Ai and my kind reviewers: inu-babe34, llebreknit,Dominant-Snowcone, and Roshana.
Now enjoy!
2 days to Christmas- Snow storm
Nervous. Yes, that was right word to use. He was nervous...again. Sesshoumaru shook his head, trying to clear every single thought he had. No such luck. The man sighed and resigned himself to his fate. If he had to be nervous, let it be. He couldn't fight with it anyway.
The lawyer slowly leaned back in his chair and looked across the window. Snow was finally starting to fall, promising a true white Christmas this year.
Rin will be pleased he decided with a light smile. Then his eyes wandered to the little package that was sitting silently on his desk wrapped in light gold paper and a red ribbon.
He bought it yesterday before taking the kids to Kagome. The bracelet. Even now, he wasn't really sure why he had brought her a present; they hadn't known each other for long and it was highly possible that she didn't even consider buying him anything. Still, he wanted to give her something, something that would remind her of him and possibly create the same turmoil in her mind that he had in his own.
It was finally time to agree with the fact that from the moment he met Kagome, she managed to destroy his calm life and turn him into something he couldn't name, but he was sure it was something between jellyfish and horny dog. God forbid he doesn't have inappropriate thoughts the young woman. Yes, Sesshoumaru nodded, it was official: he was screwed.
His eyes once again wandered over his desk and stopped to look at the face of his late wife. Perhaps it is just like she said. Perhaps Christmas really was a special time and this havoc in his life was a good thing. Perhaps, it was all happening for some reason, some kind of sign, or something. Well, time will reveal it eventually. For now, he needed to get back to reality and to do so, he looked at the face of his frowning co-worker.
"What?" Sesshoumaru asked with a bored tone.
"Did you heard even one word for what I was saying?" the man asked. Sesshoumaru shrugged.
"Isn't it obvious?" The man sighed heavily.
"Okay, I will let that go. We will talk after Christmas. Anyways, I'm glad you're happy. Have a nice Christmas!" And with that, the man left the office. Sesshoumaru watched him with a small frown. He had a deep sense of déjà vu. Didn't Rin say yesterday that he looked happy? Why was everyone telling him this? Did he really look so unhappy before?
With a small shake of his head, he turned to his briefcase putting his papers in there. It was 4 p.m, time to get Kagome, ask her if she would spend her Christmas Eve with him, and then take her to Rin. Perhaps they could go to some restaurant today. Yes, that sounds like good plan. With a pleased smirk, Sesshoumaru went to his car and started to drive to the mall.
oOoOoOoOoOo
"Oh dear! Are you okay? You look like a bus ran you over." Kagome smiled sadly at her friend and wiped sweat from her brow.
"You can say something like that. I had no idea so many people buy their presents the day before Christmas." Mia smiled at her friend, giving her cup of water. Kagome took it gratefully, watching the other woman return to her customers. She took a calming breath and looked inside the package she just bought. On the red velvet background was a silver pen.
Kagome smiled at the sight. At the moment she bought it, she wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing, but now she was sure she did. Sesshoumaru and she might not have known each other for long, but she really wanted to give him something. And that pen would be simply perfect.
The girl closed her eyes and smiled wider. Never before had buying a gift brought her so much happiness. She couldn't really say why she felt like this, but it didn't change the fact that she felt so giddy, like a little school girl who received her first valentine card.
She once again looked at the pen and then closed the box. She bought the one Sesshoumaru himself said he liked. She only hoped he spoke the truth or she is screwed.
I need to wrap it in some paper Kagome thought. She was planning to give it to him today when he comes for her. Perhaps in the car or just outside of the mall. Sure, the present should be given tomorrow on Christmas Eve, but how could she be sure if she would see him tomorrow? Sesshoumaru would probably have so much work to do before the Eve. He told her at some point that his family will be visiting him. After all, why should he lose his time for someone he's only known for five days?
With a little sigh, the young woman stood from her chair and went to the counter. She should at least try to help Mia with her shop before Sesshoumaru arrives. After all, it was the reason why she was here, right?
With a firm nod, Kagome went to the customers and once again started to work, even if her thoughts were far away from the people before her.
'Okay, breathe in, breathe out, in and out. Good Sesshoumaru, I have to say, you're doing wonderful job in making an idiot of yourself' Sesshoumaru thought, shaking his head. God help him, but he was so nervous only one time before, and then he was about to ask Asami to become his wife. Now he was like this again, but all he had to say was, 'Kagome would you like to spend Christmas Eve with me and my family?' Was it really so hard?
His current state of mind seemed to answer his question. No, I won't become a slave of my own stupidity. I feel comfortable around Kagome and she seems to know me and understand my feelings. I'm going to get grip on myself and ask her when I see her.' With that firm decision, Sesshoumaru went inside the market.
Okay now, second floor, third shop, cosmetics... ah there... His eyes widened slightly as he recognized the shop. It was the place his sister-in-law owned. Why had Kagome never told him she worked with her? Perhaps, she worked on the other side of the floor. That must be it.
But even after his conclusion, Sesshoumaru found himself going to 'that' shop. Slowly, checking to not be seen he looked inside to see Inuyasha's wife talking cheerfully with a woman with long dark hair and blue eyes. Kagome. He froze for a moment listening to their conversation.
"So Kagome tell me what's going between you and Sesshoumaru?" Amelia asked with a big grin on her face. The other girl blushed lightly before smiling.
"He's very nice and Rin is simply adorable. I think we are similar on some way. I hope he feels like me." Amelia smiled. If she knew anything about her brother-in-law, he should be already taken with the girl before her. Kagome was simply everything he could want or need. She gave a little wave with her hand.
"I'm sure he does. Now did they like the dinner?" Kagome nodded shyly.
"I think so. At least they weren't complaining when I was around so I took it as good sign." Amelia laughed, taking sip of her tea.
"If he hadn't complained, it meant he liked it. Believe me. He would tell you such a thing in face," the woman said with thoughtful look. Kagome arched her eyebrow.
"How do you know that?" she asked suspiciously. The other woman laughed nervously.
"A-ha ha umm... I think he's just that type. Yeah... um... anyway, I think you two will make a wonderful pair." Kagome just rolled her eyes. After all, Mia hasn't even met Sesshoumaru. Why her friend insisted to pair them up was a deep mystery for her. She shrugged.
"Perhaps. Anyways, he's coming to pick me up any moment now. You won't mind if I leave you, right?" Mia's head snapped up and her eyes widened.
"He's coming here?" she asked. Please Kagome say no. He can't find out, not now!
"Yep. Mia, are you okay? You look pale; do you want to sit down?" Kagome said with concern seeing how the other woman's face suddenly turned white.
Mia just shook her head, her thoughts running ten miles a second. What should she do now? She didn't have a chance to come up with an answer because into the shop came a tall man with long silver hair.
Both women turned to him and Kagome smiled widely.
"Hello Sesshoumaru. Wait a minute, I'll only grab my stuff," she said disappearing in the back. Mia looked at the man pleadingly while he silently glared at her.
"It's not what you think," she said quietly.
"I told you to mind your own life and don't try to change mine. It seems you failed to understand that," he said coldly and the blonde cringed at his tone. She had forgotten how intimidating that man could be. She shook her head.
"Sesshoumaru, I swear Kagome-"
"I'm ready," Kagome said, putting on her coat. The man only nodded, already turning to the door while Kagome quickly said her goodbye, leaving before Amelia could stop her.
When Kagome was out of the shop, Mia quickly grabbed her phone and dialed Sesshoumaru's number praying he would listen to her. His cold eyes was enough that she needed to guess what was he thinking, but for once he was mistaken and if she doesn't do anything, Kagome will pay for it. With a startled breath, she waited for Sesshoumaru to pick up.
Please kami, please he needs to know, Kagome doesn't deserve to be hurt nor does he. Please just pick up that damned phone! She almost fainted when she heard his voicemail.
The woman closed her eyes in defeat. She was too late.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
Sesshoumaru was furious. Everything was just another matchmaker plan his sister-in-law made for him. And what was worse, she did this after so many times he told her to leave him alone. It seems she was just as stubborn as his brother, unable to understand simple commands. But he could forgive that. However, there was thing he couldn't. Rin. She dared to use his six-year old little daughter to match him. She used Rin's innocent and trusting nature to make believe that his meeting with Kagome was just coincidence. It was disgusting and he wouldn't allow this to continue.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
They were quickly approaching Sesshoumaru's car and Kagome grew nervous. For the last 10 minutes, she was trying to decide how to give Sesshoumaru his Christmas present and not make fool of herself. Being so deep in her thoughts, she didn't notice the man's silence or his growing scowl.
When they arrived, Kagome took all her courage and decided to speak. "Umm... Sesshoumaru I-" she was cut off when he turned to her and she noticed how angry he looked. What's wrong? she asked herself.
"Why have you done this?" Kagome blinked, slightly disoriented.
"Eh?" The man just gritted his teeth.
"Was it your idea? Or my sister-in-law?" Once again, Kagome had the feeling she was in fog.
"Sister-in-law? What are you talking about?" That was enough for Sesshoumaru. He could have thought about giving her a chance if she just was honest with him, but if she decided to play, he was going to finish everything right now, without being gentle. He pushed her lightly on his car and trapped her with his arms.
"You think I'm that stupid Kagome? I know what the two of you were planning and I have to say that you were good. I almost fell into your plan, but now it's finished, so you better tell me who's idea it was," Kagome only continued to stare at him with disbelief in her eyes. "NOW!" he almost yelled.
That snapped her from her thoughts. "I have no idea what are you talking about! I haven't met your sister-in-law! And I don't know what plan you are asking about! What's wrong with you?" she said trying to push him from her. She was angry, how dare he yell at her?
Sesshoumaru took deep breath trying to calm himself. So she wanted to pretend? Very well. "So you're saying you never met Amelia and her husband Inuyasha?"
Kagome blinked. Inuyasha? He's... he's... and Amelia..., but... If you think of it, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru have few things in common especially that silver hair. Why I didn't notice this earlier?
"B-but they have different surnames," she said weakly. Sesshoumaru just turned his face. He didn't have more energy for this. If she wanted to stay that way, let her be, he was finished.
"I'm not going to play with you anymore. I'm just... disappointed. I thought you were different. Too bad, I was mistaken. I have no more need of you," with that, he turned from her and slowly walked to his car. Before he could sit down, Kagome's hand stopped him.
"Sesshoumaru, please, I--" he took his arm from her and opened the door.
"I don't want you near Rin ever again. I will tell her goodbye from you," he said without turning back. He quickly started the engine and drove away. He never heard Kagome's plea for him to wait, or saw how tears fell from her cheeks.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
The man silently made his way to his apartment. He wasn't angry anymore. His anger was long forgotten leaving him with far more unpleasant feelings. Disappointment, fatigue, hurt... He wasn't sure why he felt like that. She wasn't anything to him, just some girl he met few days ago. With a deep sigh, he opened the door, Christmas decoration she made taunting him mercilessly.
"Rin, I'm home," he said. In few seconds, he felt the little body of his daughter attach to his leg, squeezing it with all her power.
"Hello daddy! Rin misses you! Rin is very happy you came back!" the child chirped happily looking behind him. Confusion evident on her childish face.
"Daddy where is Kagome?" she asked. Sesshoumaru almost sighed again. That would be probably the worst part. He took the little girl in his arms and went with her to the living room, sitting them both on the couch.
"Is something wrong daddy? Daddy looks very sad," Sesshoumaru patted girl's head before speaking.
"Rin, Kagome won't visit us again."
"Why? Has Rin done something bad? Rin will apologize!" That is horrible the girl thought. What could've happen? Kagome is never angry! How Rin is going to give her as daddy's Christmas present?
Sesshoumaru gently calmed his little girl before continuing. "Tell me Rin who told you to say Kagome was your friend?" The child looked at him confused, forgetting for a moment about her troubles.
"Was it Aunt Mia or Kagome?" he questioned. Rin frowned a bit. It was strange question.
"Rin thinks she doesn't understand daddy."
"When you brought Kagome here, who told you to do that?" The frown on Rin's face deepened.
"Rin asked Kagome to teach her skating and she came back to get her skates. Then Rin saw daddy and introduced him to Kagome." The man sighed. Somehow, he couldn't believe her words. He supposed the women made Rin promise she wouldn't tell anyone about their plan and he knew his daughter would never break her promise.
Rin looked at her father again. "Can Kagome visit us now?" she asked with hope. The man felt a large weight on his shoulders seeing her hopeful gaze.
"Rin, Kagome won't visit us again."
"Never?"
"Never." At this word, brown eyes filled with tears, which quickly started to fall down the girl's cheeks.
"But Rin was good! And Kagome liked us! Why did she leave?" she asked as she jumped from her father's arms and ran to her room.
Sesshoumaru leaned his head on his arms and sighed. Kami help him. Why did this have to happen?
Slowly he stood up and went to his own bedroom. It was probably better to leave Rin for now and let her cry. He just wished to lie in bed and fall asleep. He took out his phone and found he had two messages from Inuyasha's wife. With a snort, he threw the phone on the desk and lied down. He knew that sleep wouldn't come, but he could try. He closed his eyes and listened to the silence.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
Kagome decided that crying when it is very cold outside was bad idea. Her cheeks stung and her eyes couldn't possibly be redder. Great, she thought to herself entering her house. In her mind, her confrontation with Sesshoumaru was still playing again and again.
What happened? Why did he say all that to me? What had I done? Those questions were troubling her from the moment he left her in the parking lot, but now she thought she found her answers. She just needed to make sure of one thing.
Quickly, she took her phone and dialed right number.
"What the hell?" asked a voice from the other side.
"Hi Inuyasha, do you have a moment?" Kagome asked quietly.
"Hi Kagome! Sure, what's up?"
"Inuyasha, what's your brother name?" she asked bluntly.
"Eh? Why do you want to know?" Inuyasha asked, obviously confused. Kagome took deep breath.
"Please Inuyasha, just tell me," She heard some murmuring before the man decided to answer.
"Sesshoumaru Taisho," Kagome bit her lip. So it was him. How could she be so stupid!
"Oi Kagome are you okay? You sound upset. Can I help?" She smiled a sad smile at her friend's concern. Help? she thought It's too late for help.
"No I'm fine. Thanks Inuyasha. Merry Christmas."
"Yeah. For you too. Bye!" And with that, the line went out.
Kagome closed her eyes. Now, everything was so clear, so obvious: Mia's attempts to match her with a man she had 'never' met, her panic when she told her that Sesshoumaru was going to pick her up from the shop, his anger when he found out where she was working.
With a deep sigh, Kagome decided she actually understood him. He was probably thinking that she used her acquaintance with Mia to meet him, and what's worse, that she used Rin in process. If it were her child, she would go ballistic. But understanding didn't make it less painful.
Slowly Kagome went to her bedroom deciding she wasn't in mood to eat dinner. She just wanted to sleep and hopefully, forget about the rest of the world.
For the first time in the last week, Kagome closed her eyes thinking how much she wished that tomorrow's Christmas just wouldn't come.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
It was well after ten p.m when Sesshoumaru saw his daughter again. Rin silently went to his bedroom holding something white in her hand. Her eyes were red and puffy from her tears.
"Daddy?" she asked quietly.
"Yes sweetheart?" She gave him a letter she was holding and he looked at her questioningly.
"Could you send it for Rin?" He nodded looking at the envelope. The letter was addressed to the North Pole.
"Rin, you said you sent your letter to Santa."
"Yes, but she needs to ask him for something before Christmas." The man nodded again, setting the letter on his desk.
"I will send it in the morning okay? Now go to sleep princess." The child gave him small smile before going out. He waited until he was sure Rin was sleeping and opened the letter. Perhaps he would be able to buy Rin whatever she wished to have. Silently he started to read.
Dear Santa,
Rin is sorry she is writing again, but Rin needs your help.
Rin told you that Rin is going to give Kagome as her Christmas present to daddy so he could be happy again and Rin would get new mommy. And Rin almost made it! Rin saw that daddy liked Kagome and he was finally happy. He even kissed her! Well, daddy kissed her only on the cheek, but Rin had plan how to make him kiss her on the lips. But today daddy said Kagome wouldn't visit us again! Rin doesn't know what to do, that's why she's asking you for help. Could you bring Kagome back? Perhaps Rin should have told her about her plan so she couldn't go away-
At this moment, Sesshoumaru stopped reading. He couldn't do this anymore without loosing his sanity. So all of this was Rin's idea? She wanted to match him with Kagome so he could be happy and she could have new mother?
"Oh good God!" the man groaned painfully, "What have I done?"
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AN: Don't eat me, curse me or hate, please? Anyway, please be so kind and leave me review!