AN: So, Yuki isn't taking off his shirt this chapter. Sorry. But, so many reviews already! Thank you!

In Which Gifts Are Acquired

Yuki returned to the Sunset Shrine three days later. The way his heart leapt at the sight of Kagome had him wondering at the unusual reaction. She looked remarkably better than she had when he'd last left her, but her eyes were somber and her shoulders stiff.

"The 'curse of the zodiac' doesn't happen to mean anything to you, does it?" she asked, watching him intently.

He couldn't help the flinch the question provoked, giving her the answer. Blowing out a sharp breath, she rubbed her face.

"Okay, that's a bigger ball of nasty than I'd anticipated. I only found a reference to it in one of our oldest scrolls, and it didn't provide a counter-curse. I'm going out on a limb and guessing there's the full set of spirit animals possessing people?"

A muscle ticked in his jaw as he inclined his head. He hadn't expected her to be so well informed. It shouldn't have surprised him, however. She lived on a shrine famous for its ancient scrolls and archaic knowledge.

"The full Chinese Zodiac and the cat," he admitted lowly.

Blinking, Kagome looked at him in bafflement. "The cat? That's…odd. Why would the cat be included?"

Yuki shrugged. "Legend has it that the cat was supposed to be at the feast, but didn't make it due to being tricked by the rat."

Scoffing with a flap of her wrist, Kagome dismissed that. "The cat wasn't included because cats hadn't been introduced to China yet when the Zodiac was developed. Nope, if the cat is included in the curse, there is a specific reason for it." She eyed him. "I'm willing to bet, though, that you don't get along with the cat, do you?"

His lips thinned. "He is a tasteless, crude idiot. We are not close."

One corner of her mouth hitched up as she shook her head. "Well, that's something to investigate later. Since I don't have the cat here to compare, I'll do what I can on the weak points specific to yours."

Complying, he watched as she held out her hands, palm up. At her motion, he placed his hands over hers and took in a breath as her powers flared around her. He could see the pink light that shimmered in the air before reaching for him. As if a warm blanket had been wrapped around him, he felt her power touch him. It made every bone in his body go limp with pleasure, his eyes falling closed and his breathing deepening.

Kagome made a soft, surprised noise as her fingers curled around the edges of his palms. As she did, Yuki was suddenly struck with what he could only describe as her essence. In his mind, he could see her unbound and true, all the deepest parts of her that shied away from his surprised attention. She was so bright, like a thousand candles illumining a moonless night.

What he'd felt when he'd first seen Akito was nothing to this. That had been tears born of fear and the overwhelming realization that the other boy held his life in his hands. That he was nothing unless Akito wished him to be.

This…this was wonder and belonging and something so right it made his throat close. All of the emotional baggage Kagome had helped soothe into faint scars instead of festering wounds was lightened again. Yuki once more found himself wanting. He wanted this feeling. It was his so completely even his normal reserve and isolation couldn't keep him from it.

When it finally ebbed, he nearly whimpered. Lids fluttering open, he found Kagome staring at him in amazement. Slowly, her face heated with a blush, her wide eyes filled with too many feelings for him to grasp. Licking her lips, she slid her hands from under his and cupped her elbows, that vulnerability she tried so hard to hide showing again.

"Maybe Mama should be in here for your appointments from now on," she suggested nervously.

Nodding quickly, Yuki tried to find his voice. "Th-that is a good idea. What…?"

He could almost see the moment she pulled on her professional mask. He ignored the pang of hurt at the distance she was trying to maintain. Still, wasn't he doing the same?

"Your curse is so dark, that I'm trying my hand at small doses of purity in its weak spots. I'm hoping that will fray it enough that I can begin unraveling it in earnest. I might be successful with a Containment Circle, but I'd feel better if I was able to loosen the curse some before attempting that," she said almost apologetically.

Yuki wondered if she actually thought spending more time with her would be a disappointment to him.

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Kagome hummed to herself as she hung up lanterns for the festival taking place that weekend. A gust of wind blew through, sending her hair into her face and her sleeves billowing. Brushing the loose ends back with annoyance, Kagome huffed and stretched to continue her task. As the purple lantern was secured, she thought of her newest friend. Yuki was unlike anyone she'd ever met and it wasn't just because of the magic he'd been caught in. Though he'd been dealt severe trauma-which he never spoke of and she never asked about-he was very kind. There was a frailty about him, but he possessed so much strength. She doubted even he was aware of how strong he was.

When the curse was finally dissolved, she wouldn't be surprised if he had spiritual powers himself. His soul was so pure and desperate for affection. It had nearly brought her to tears when it called to her. She'd wanted to wrap around it and fill it with all the love she could muster, but had managed to resist the impulse. He'd felt so wonderful she literally ached with it. His soul had opened to her completely, beckoning for her to nestle in and never leave. Kagome had never experienced anything even remotely as tempting. Her soul had screamed for his, had thrashed and strained and fought against her as it hadn't done since it'd been split. It terrified her, but even now she could feel a pull on her soul towards his.

Biting her lip, she pushed the thought of souls aside and instead allowed herself to appreciate how pretty he was. She'd gotten the notion from him over the weeks that he was less than pleased with his looks, that he valued her not reacting to him the way most did. Kagome, though, had seen the otherworldliness of Sesshōmaru and had been forced to get over it. She'd learned how to function around males that were too attractive for their own good. Still, she much preferred Yuki's soft, ethereal beauty to the demon lord's cold perfection.

Yuki's quiet voice was as smooth as honey and made her wonder what genuine laughter would sound like coming from him. She'd drawn out smiles and the occasional chuckle, but hadn't managed to make him truly laugh yet. Kagome was determined to do so. His jewel-like eyes always danced enchantingly when he was amused and she wanted to see how beautiful laughter would look on his face.

Wind blew her hair again, making her sigh and release the lantern as her mind turned to other things. She'd come back older, wiser, and just a bit less innocent from the Feudal Era. Though she was confident in her abilities now, sometimes she wondered if she'd been sent back because she just wasn't enough. And the thought that she hadn't been enough for the people who'd seen her at her truest fractured something inside her.

It was only exacerbated by Inuyasha choosing Kikyō in the end.

Sniffling, she wiped her eyes and pushed that thought aside. He'd been as good about it as possible. It wasn't his fault that he loved her as a best friend and not as anything more. She refused to let bitterness taint the memories of their friendship. It had, however, taught her that happy endings were the true fairy tales. After the adventure was over, you were only left with the shreds of your life and the loss of what to do with them.

"Miss Higurashi," a familiar voice called, nearly scaring her out of her wits.

Flailing, she barely grabbed the post as she sent the ladder rocking alarmingly. It abruptly stabilized, making her breathe a sigh of relief. Cautiously letting go of the post, Kagome released a breath and looked down. A wide-eyed Yuki was holding the bottom of the ladder steady.

"I apologize," he blurted, "I didn't mean to startle you."

Mortified at being caught so distracted, she quickly climbed down and brushed herself off. "I was lost in thought. Don't worry about it."

When his presence fully registered, she bit her lip. "Er…did I forget one of your appointments?"

She was almost positive she hadn't. Seeing him had become the highlights of her week, as pathetic as that was. When the curse was broken, Yuki would be free to find someone to answer his soul's call. She knew from experience that it wouldn't be her. People like Yuki just needed someone to show them true friendship-to prove that they mattered. After that, well…then the rest of the world saw how wonderful they really were.

An emotion she couldn't decipher flickered in his eyes. "No. I was wondering if you'd do me a favor, actually. That is, if you're not busy."

Holding back her hair when the wind swept through again, Kagome smiled. "I've just finished hanging the lanterns, so I'm free for the moment. What can I do for you?"

"My cousin, Kisa, is having a birthday tomorrow and I have yet to purchase her a gift." He looked uncomfortable. "I'm not sure what a twelve-year-old girl would like."

Pleased that he thought enough of her to ask her advice, Kagome mulled over the trends she'd seen recently.

"Well, there's…" and she rattled off a list of things she knew were 'in' with the pre-teens. "…Or, you could just go with a gift card to the bath-soap shop in the mall. That's always a good idea."

Yuki was staring at her, his mouth slightly open. Arching a brow, he gave a rueful smile. Kagome was surprised to see a faint hue of pink in his cheeks as he shook his head. She had to hastily collar her powers as they surged to embrace him.

"I'm embarrassed to admit I have no idea what any of those are," he said. "I'm unsure if Kisa would like scented soaps; her sense of smell is very strong, being the tiger of the zodiac. She is shy, but has a tendency to bite when she's stressed."

Covering her mouth, Kagome giggled. "Well, we're having a festival here this weekend. I've been writing talismans in preparation. Would she like one for serenity or strength, maybe?"

Brightening, Yuki thought on that. "Could you make one for protection or confidence? I think her classmates have been picking on her."

That had her sobering. "Of course. Come on inside and I'll make you something appropriate. Excuse the mess. Like I said, we're having a festival this weekend and it's kind of crazy around here until it's over."

Glancing to her, he shook his head. "I'm a rather poor housekeeper and cook. I try not to be a hypocrite."

"Well, what about the other two who live with you? Who does the cooking and cleaning?" she asked as she led him into the house.

"We've built up a tolerance to burnt things," he stated bluntly. "As for everything else, it's a haphazard team effort, I suppose."

"Hello, Yuki," Mrs. Higurashi greeted as she carried a box of candles down the stairs.

Immediately, he moved to help her with it, earning a grateful smile from the woman.

"You're such a sweet boy. Just put it beside the door, if you don't mind. Are you staying for supper? It's Kagome's night and she's making tempura."

Taken aback by the offer, Yuki looked to Kagome, who was blushing.

"You're welcome to," she agreed. "I can pack up some for your cousins, too, if you like."

The softening of his expression made her heart pound. Uneasy at her reaction, she dropped her eyes.

"That is most generous, Miss Higurashi. Thank you."

Peeking at him through her bangs, she smiled and then turned her attention to her mother. "Mama, I'm making some talismans for Yuki's cousin. Is it alright if I take him to the office?"

"Just leave the door open," she agreed.

Motioning for him to follow her, Kagome led him to the office where she'd been preparing the talismans. Kneeling at the table, she checked that several were dry before neatly stacking them aside. Then, she brought out her materials.

Grinding down the inkstick, she mixed it with just the right amount of water. That had been hard for her to learn, but she was proud of herself for finally managing it. Making sure her cloth was still correctly placed, she spread out a sheet of mulberry paper and weighted it carefully. Despite the lengthy process, when she glanced up, she found Yuki watching her with fascination. A twisting, pleasant but shy feeling sprung to life in her stomach.

"Now, for a girl being bullied…"

Quietly trailing off, she centered herself and began making very precise strokes. In the silence, Kagome let herself remember Miroku's instruction-something he'd been delighted to give her. For all that he was a con artist, the monk had been a gifted calligrapher and a very good teacher.

When she was done, she inspected the talismans, satisfied to see that they were as good as she could get them. Relaxing, Kagome cleaned her things and put them away before meeting Yuki's eyes. He'd slid to the end of the desk so that he could see them better and his expression was once more unreadable.

"Love and security?" he asked softly.

Blushing, Kagome shrugged. "She'll have to learn to deal with bullies eventually, but she can face them secure in herself and that someone loves her."

"That is perfect," Yuki decided.

"They'll be dry after supper and I can charge them for you."

Rolling easily to his feet with a grace she envied, he surprised her by offering his hand. Tucking her hair behind her ear, Kagome shyly slid her hand into his, feeling that familiar spark of invitation his soul offered. When she was standing, he tipped his head to the side and the corner of his lips hitched up.

"You have ink, right there," he pointed to her temple.

Sighing, she pulled out a handkerchief and rubbed at the area he'd indicated. Stepping forward, Yuki caught her fingers and gently guided her to the spot. Her breathing deepened as this close she could feel the warmth of his aura and smell the crispness of his scent. His soul flexed, as if to greet her bashfully…as if it wanted her attention, but was afraid of rejection. Kagome could no more ignore that than she could have ignored him in the alley that day. Hesitantly, she let her powers spark happily back, watching as his eyes widened in surprise. It wasn't acceptance, but she wasn't declining, either.

"Thanks," she murmured in the silence of the moment.

He wetted his lips and-almost reluctantly-let his hand fall away from her. "I would have it all over me if I'd been the one painting."

Folding the handkerchief, Kagome led him out of the room, determined not to throw herself at him. She'd learned her lesson about chasing boys out of her league.

"When I first started learning, that was exactly what happened to me. Miroku was a really good teacher, though, and his sutras were an art themselves."

Coming to the kitchen, they found Mrs. Higurashi having already cleaned the shrimp and fish. Relieved that she didn't have to do that, Kagome took over the cooking. Sōta and Gramps drifted in and joined Mrs. Higurashi in her conversation with Yuki. Sōta had started to really look up to the older boy the more he came around.

When Kagome had finished supper and presented it to them, they had an enjoyable meal together. Seeing Yuki relax and fit in so seamlessly with her family gave her a warm feeling. Too soon it was over and she'd packed up the uneaten portions to send home with Yuki.

Retrieving the talismans, Kagome brought them back to Yuki and concentrated. Her powers flared and infused them, making the ink flash pink before settling. Mrs. Higurashi carefully placed them in a decorative box and tied it with a red ribbon before presenting it to Yuki.

Bowing deeply, he thanked them for it.

"You're very welcome, dear. If you're free, do swing by Saturday," Mrs. Higurashi invited. "Kagome's going to dance a Kagura dance."

Scowling, Kagome looked away. "Great heifer is laughing that up somewhere."

Gramps huffed. "Those dances predate a trumped-up demon, Kagome."

Before the conversation could venture into uncomfortable territory, Kagome rolled her shoulders. "But, yeah, you and your family might enjoy it. No laughing if I mess up, though."

Yuki smirked. "Perhaps you'll take pity on the rest of us and not be good at everything."

"I can put an arrow in you at a hundred yards, mister," she informed him archly.

And for the first time, she heard him laugh. It flowed out of him like music and illuminated his eyes until they sparkled like amethysts under the sun. Breath catching, Kagome had to forcefully swallow her heart. With a happy wave, Yuki left them.

Mrs. Higurashi closed the door and turned back to her daughter. Holding her elbows, she felt relief bloom at the expression on Kagome's face. For the first time, the shadows of the past were nowhere to be found. There was only a very recognizable longing beginning to spark.

"He is a good boy, Kagome. I like him very much."

The girl's ears turned red and her blush travelled the full length of her neck, letting her mother know her instincts were correct.

"I-I like him, too, Mama. I just wish I could do more for him."

Brows up, Mrs. Higurashi wrapped an arm around her and guided her to the kitchen. "A curse, I'm guessing. You don't have to say anything, but even ignorant of the specifics, I can tell a difference in him over the past two months. Unraveling the curse or not, you are very much helping him."

Grateful for the reassurance, she helped clean up the dishes.

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"Man, where'd you get all of this food?" Shigure asked when Yuki came in the door bearing delicious-smelling packages.

Even Kyo had drifted in from wherever he'd been, following his nose.

"The Sunset Shrine. I went there to get Kisa talismans for her birthday and was invited to stay for supper. Miss Higurashi sent this home with me when she took pity on our inability to cook," Yuki replied, passing over the food.

Kyo practically drooled when he opened the box and found shrimp tempura. "She gave you this just because you can't cook?"

Not wishing to reveal his friendship with Kagome yet, Yuki made a noncommittal noise. Shigure didn't even bother with a plate, eating right out of the box.

"We have got to go there more often if she'll feed us," he declared. "That's the shrine about four blocks east, right?"

Tensing, Yuki inclined his head. "Yes."

Kyo was busy stuffing his face, but Shigure's gaze sharpened. Washing down his bite, he leaned an elbow on the table to get in Yuki's personal bubble.

"This 'Miss Higurashi,' how old is she?"

Gritting his teeth, Yuki knew he'd been cornered. Shigure wouldn't stop digging until he was satisfied.

"Sixteen, I believe," he replied, keeping his voice carefully blank.

Kyo paused and licked his fingers, a sly look in his eyes. "You charmed food out of a shrine maiden? You sneaky bastard."

Narrowing his eyes, Yuki shot Kyo a warning look. "Watch your mouth. Her family was there and her mother was the one who offered the invitation." Scooping up Kisa's gift, he glared at both of his housemates. "The Higurashi family is highly respected. I won't stand for you slandering them, even privately."

Disappointed and frustrated, he turned and left the room. "I don't know why I tried to share anything with you two."

Kyo shoved a piece of shrimp in his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. "Something's up his ass."

"No, I think Yuki was honestly trying to do something nice for us," Shigure countered, rolling his chopsticks as he stared after the teen. "But for him to get so defensive of the family means that he's closer to them than one meeting would indicate."

Smirking, Shigure rolled his shoulders. "We might have to pay a visit to this shrine if little Yuki is keeping secrets."

Huffing, Kyo rolled his eyes. "Whatever, you perv."

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Little Kisa had been surprised to receive a gift from Yuki on her birthday. He hadn't the heart to tell her that he'd originally just been using the necessity of her gift as a way to get Kagome to spend time with him. When he saw the way Kisa reverently touched the talismans and how she'd cried grateful tears, he felt ashamed that he hadn't gotten her anything before.

"Thank you, Yuki," she rasped, hugging the talismans to her. "I've never felt anything like them."

"I spoke to a shrine maiden specifically to have something tailored to you," he told her softly. "Miss Higurashi created these and charged them with her power. She wanted you to have something that would bolster your own abilities, not give you false feelings."

Smiling, she threw her arms around him, drawing the attention of the rest of the family. Awkwardly, he patted her back and then quickly disentangled himself.

"You've got other presents to open," he pointed out.

Happily turning to do so, Kisa nevertheless made certain her two talismans were secure against her.

"Charged them herself, huh?" Shigure asked him that evening. "That's quite impressive. I look forward to meeting her."

Freezing, Yuki slowly turned to look at him. "What are you talking about?"

"Ah, she fed us wonderfully, Yuki! We have to show her our appreciation! This weekend might be a good time."

Scowling, Yuki got in his face. "Leave her alone, Shigure."

The older man arched a brow. "And let you have all the fun? I think not! Come on, are you ashamed of me?" He turned large, watery eyes to him, bringing his fists to his mouth.

Yuki wasn't fooled. He also heard the implied threat. If he didn't take Shigure, the dog would go himself. No way in hell he was letting the pervert anywhere near Kagome alone.

"Fine, I'll take you. Just not this weekend."

"Why not? You going to use it to warn her?" he prodded. "I'm hurt."

Taking a breath to calm himself, he still felt his muscles tense. "No-because the shrine is having a festival this weekend. The last thing she needs is you messing that up for her."

Straightening at the genuine protectiveness in Yuki's words, Shigure smiled. "I wouldn't, promise. Besides, I haven't been to a festival in ages."

Knowing that he was well and truly stuck, Yuki punched him in the face and left. Kyo was laughing hysterically in the background, for once not the source of unexpected violence. Shigure laid on the floor and felt his intrigue multiply by about a thousand.

The kid was definitely keeping secrets.

Next Chapter: Trees and festivals!