Sesshomaru rose from the couch and headed towards the kitchen, which lay across the foyer. Once inside, he retrieved a large pot from a cupboard, filling it with water up to a quarter before placing it on the stove.
From the cabinet above the sink, he took out a jar of cocoa mix and some peppermint sticks. Setting them on the counter, he briefly perused a newspaper, allowing the water a few minutes to heat up.
Soon, he noticed the water gently simmering. Into this, he added the cocoa mix, stirring it with a wooden spoon for a smooth consistency. He then returned to his newspaper, keeping an occasional eye on the pot.
As steam began to rise, indicating that the cocoa was nearing a boil, Sesshomaru reduced the heat and added the peppermint sticks, giving the mixture another thorough stir.
A few minutes later, the aromatic scent of peppermint filled the kitchen. Satisfied that the peppermint had melted into the cocoa, Sesshomaru turned off the stove. He then fetched a large bag of marshmallows from the pantry and a tray, setting them next to the pot.
After lining the tray with mugs, he ladled the peppermint cocoa into each, topping them off with marshmallows.
With the tray carefully balanced in his hands, he made his way back to the living room. The enticing aroma of peppermint cocoa wafted ahead of him, catching Shippou's attention. The young demon bounded over, snatching a mug off the tray with a playful wink.
"Apologies for the delay, everyone," Sesshomaru announced as he placed the tray on the coffee table.
Scott smiled, "Thank you, brother."
With a nod of acknowledgment, Sesshomaru distributed the mugs to Scott and Inuyasha, then took one for himself before settling back on the couch.
Liam, barely containing his anticipation, turned to Victoria. "Mom, can we start with the presents now?"
Victoria gave a nod of approval.
Liam's excitement was palpable as he handed his mug to Victoria and eagerly began distributing the presents from under the tree. Once everyone had their respective gifts, he took his seat beside his mother.
"Since you've been so patient, Liam, why not start?" Scott suggested.
Liam eagerly unwrapped books, action figures, a hoodie, and clothes.
Victoria was delighted with makeup, new attire, and salon gift cards.
Allison unveiled a bow with arrows, a Swiss army knife, and clothing.
The twins chuckled upon discovering matching outfits and books.
Shippou's artistic side appreciated a calligraphy set, oil pastels, and sketchbooks.
Peter and Chris both showcased motorcycle attachments and biker jackets, with Peter also receiving a katana.
Kate's gifts included car accessories and shopping gift cards.
Sesshomaru and Ethan each unwrapped history books, with the former getting historical robes and car keys, while the latter got clothing and truck keys.
Finally, Scott and Inuyasha, to their astonishment, received an array of baby essentials: clothes, diapers, bottles, wipes, formula, a multi-seat stroller, beds, cribs, maternity wear, and informative books.
"You guys really went above and beyond! You didn't have to provide everything we'll need later on," Scott exclaimed.
Victoria, Peter, Chris, and Kate spoke in unison, "We just wanted to ensure you're well-prepared when the time comes. This way, you won't have any last-minute concerns."
After the unwrapping frenzy, Peter and Chris tidied up, discarding the empty boxes and wrapping paper. Soon after, the group split up: some headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch, while others took their gifts to their rooms. The majority reconvened in the library, engrossed in a tale of their homeland's history, as narrated by Ethan.
The twins listened intently to the tales of their ancestors, who had fled an oppressive wolf king from the eastern countries. They reminisce about the stories Hojo once told them about their species, seeking freedom and creating civilizations in the new world, away from the tyranny they left behind.
Liam, however, succumbed to sleep, nestled in Scott's lap, before Ethan could delve deep into the narrative. Noticing her brother's slumber, Allison gently rose, "I'll be right back. Just need to put Liam down for his nap."
The others nodded in understanding.
Allison stepped out briefly, returning shortly to nestle between the twins. "Did I miss anything?" she inquired.
Ethan shook his head. "I waited for you," he replied. With her nod, he continued his reading.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Shippou and Sesshomaru were tidying up after preparing lunch. Soon, they transitioned to dinner preparations. Sesshomaru fetched a deer, hunted just days earlier, from the meat locker. With deft hands, he segmented and skinned it, reserving the heart and liver especially for Inuyasha.
Afterward, he moved to the cabinet, selecting an array of spices: garlic, salt, pepper, ginger, paprika, seasoning salt, bay leaf, basil, and parsley. With these, he crafted a robust rub in a processor. The deer sections were thoroughly coated with this mixture.
Efficiently, Sesshomaru lined baking sheets with foil, greasing them with melted butter. He laid out the meat, then turned his attention to vegetables. Corn cobs, potatoes, asparagus, and zucchini were halved or quartered and placed alongside the deer.
A quick seasoning with butter, salt, and pepper, and the sheets were ready. Lastly, he crafted a tangy glaze using citrus fruits, teriyaki marinade, and honey, intending it for the deer as it roasted.