Christmas in Chiba by kaoruhana
Christmas in Chiba
Title: Christmas in Chiba
Author: Kaoruhana
Recipient: Pyreite
Prompt(s): mistletoe, snowball, laughter
Word Count: 5,868
Disclaimers: I am not affiliated with Inuyasha and the Japanese place and city names mentioned in this story. I am also not affiliated with any Hawaiian place names mentioned in this story.
A/N: This was written for Dokuga's Holiday Exchange as a gift to Pyreite. Happy Holidays to her and to everyone on Dokuga!
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Kagome fidgeted with her ring as she and Sesshomaru took the taxi to his family’s ancestral home on the outskirts of Tokyo. She was nervous about this upcoming meeting with her fiancé’s family, and rightfully so, as she had never met them before. She and Sesshomaru had met while studying abroad together in England. He was pure Japanese, born and raised in the country, whereas she was a Sansei herself, the product of a marriage between two Nisei.
“Kagome,” Sesshomaru reached over and gave her hands a quick squeeze, “it will be fine. Stop worrying yourself.” She nodded, even as she bit her lip and sat stiffly in the cab.
The ride from the airport through some outer Narita streets had been amazing to see. As had the beautiful views of the countryside on the Shin-Kuko Expressway. However, the closer they got to Sakura, Chiba Prefecture, and the surrounding outskirts, the more she began to get nervous. They passed through the streets of the town of Sakura and then took a turn into what Kagome thought were woods. She chanced a glance at Sesshomaru to see him smiling at her.
“My family owns land near Lake Inba Numa. They gave some to build the park when I was born.” Kagome nodded and watched from the taxi’s window as they crested a hill and the waters of the lake began to appear. She was here at Sesshomaru’s house. She was going to meet his family.
Kagome was not normally intimidated by such things. But Sesshomaru’s family was different. His mother was the last of a long line of nobility from the Tokugawa era who had owned the land around the present day town of Sakura. In fact, an ancestor of Sesshomaru’s had been the one who constructed the now ruined Sakura Castle. His father hailed from a line of wealthy hospital industrialists who had brought the force of modern medicine to Japan in the Meiji era. And his stepmother, she couldn’t recall her history, but knew that his stepmother came from a long historical line as well. Not to mention the accomplished doctor who was his stepfather.
Compared to them, she felt out of place. She knew that her grandfather had been the heir to a shrine in Tokyo. It had burned in the Tokyo bombings of World War Two. A few years after the war, he had been invited to come to Hawaii to act as the priest for a shrine there which had been closed during the war. Her grandfather relocated to Honolulu where he met a young widow with a child, one of the many Japanese in need of spiritual guidance after the war and internment. They had married shortly thereafter, and to this day, her family still took care of the Honolulu Shinto shrine.
Her grandfather had instilled in her strong cultural values: she knew how to speak, read, and write Japanese, along with English and had been a practicing Shinto priestess in training since she was fifteen. Of course, it had just been something she had kept a part of her life until she had met Sesshomaru while studying in England. And it didn’t stop her mother from making sure she grew up understanding all the American holidays.
Still, she had no idea if that, and whatever information Sesshomaru had told her, was enough to get through this visit.
The car jolted to a stop in front of tall iron gates that obviously led to a large manor house. Sesshomaru let go of her hands and stepped out of the car to enter the code allowing the gates to open. When they did, he reentered the taxi, and the driver slowly ambled up the paved driveway leading up to the house. Trees covered Kagome’s view for a minute or so before they cleared to reveal the wide driveway and lawn that led up to the manor.
It was a traditional Japanese house—mansion really— but one that had obviously been fitted with western comforts and elegance. Trees flanked the backyard while a small gate on the right edge of the grounds led to what Kagome assumed was the garden. The wide driveway curved in front of the house, cutting through the lawn so that the cars would not be lined in front of the house’s main doors. It was stately, Kagome thought as the car ambled to a stop. It was large and beautifully built, but it was tasteful, almost as though it was made to blend into the surroundings.
“It’s beautiful.” She murmured her nervousness giving way to her awe for a moment.
“Thank you. My stepmother and mother will be happy to know that their renovations meet your approval.”
“Right.” Kagome replied as the taxi driver unlocked her door.
Stepping out of the car, she thanked him as the doors to the manor opened. A short, stout man stepped out wearing a crisp white shirt and black pants. Behind him, another two men stepped out, these two taller, and seemingly stronger, than the man who had opened the door. They were servants she realized as they descended the stairs and she recognized their outfits to be the same. Approaching the car, they greeted Sesshomaru with deep bows and picked up the suitcases now sitting outside the car. She watched them take the valises inside.
“Kagome?” Sesshomaru asked as the taxi drove away. “Are you ready to go inside?”
Kagome didn’t reply, and Sesshomaru sighed, putting his arm around her and leading her up to the house. When they approached the shorter servant’s eyes lit up in happiness. He bowed lowly and spoke softly to Sesshomaru in Japanese. Kagome missed what was said but followed Sesshomaru into the house and to a room on the left of the foyer. A staircase stood in the room, off to the right and Kagome smiled a little at the old tradition that the original builders of the house had incorporated into the design. The room seemed to serve as a library with tall bookshelves lining the walls and comfortable armchairs spaced throughout.
They were led up one flight of stairs and then another until they came to a third floor hallway with two large rooms. A small hallway connected the area they were in to the other side of the house. The short servant led them to that hallway and to a door set across from the hallway directly across from the railing which looked down into a large sitting room. Kagome heard noise coming from downstairs and assumed that Sesshomaru’s family was currently assembled there.
“Your rooms have been prepared Sesshomaru-sama. We have provided rooms for the mistress near Rin-san’s rooms. Is that acceptable?” Sesshomaru nodded, asking the man where the rooms were and then dismissing him. He led Kagome to the hallway she had first seen and pointed to a door on the right.
“This is where you will stay. Rin, my little sister, is in the room across from you.” She nodded as she opened the door. “Each set of rooms has its own bathroom. Why don’t you freshen up, and then, we will go meet my family?”
Kagome smiled softly at Sesshomaru. He was obviously attempting to help her adjust to the situation and she was grateful to him. She entered her rooms, hearing him walk away to his own and took a look at the place that was to be hers for the next two and a half weeks.
The first room she entered was actually a sitting room. To the right, there was a large window which overlooked the driveway and directly in front of her were a series of sliding glass doors that offered her a view of the lake. The room she was in had a balcony off of it which the doors opened onto. To her left was an archway which she learned led into her bedroom. The room was tasteful with warm tatami mats, a bed that she just knew she would sink into soon, and another set of sliding glass doors which she realized likely lead to a wraparound balcony.
Her valises sat next to a door which she realized was likely the closet. The door immediately across from her was open however and she walked towards it, taking a peek inside. A tastefully styled Japanese-style bathroom greeted her, with a large tub that was filled to the brim with steaming water. The enticing scene was enough to lure her in to indulge her travel weary body. And indulge she did.
A half-hour later, Kagome stepped out of the bathroom, clad in a simple cotton yukata she found on a bathroom shelf. She was toweling her hair dry when movement caught her eye. Holding a breath, she turned to see Sesshomaru lounging on her bed. Scowling at him, she proceeded to her suitcase.
“Did I scare you?” He teased. Kagome replied by aiming a towel at his face as she rooted through her suitcase. Pulling out a burgundy sweater dress and a pair of black leggings along with her essentials she stepped into the still open-doored bathroom.
Sesshomaru came in as she was tugging the leggings up her legs. He tossed the towel into the basket of laundry and held out his arm for her to hold onto as she limped around in her attempt to pull her clothes on. He and Kagome had long since crossed into being lovers and it was not uncommon for her to spend more time at his place than hers as of late. She had even agreed to move into his apartment shortly after they returned to England.
“I just need to do something to my hair.” Kagome announced, her voice muffled as she tugged her dress on. She pulled a necklace out from under the dress and Sesshomaru’s eyes softened as he saw it. It had been a gift he had given her for her birthday the year before. She never took it off.
“Just leave it down.” He answered for her as he moved to give her space in front of the vanity. She rolled her eyes, but did follow his suggestion and a few minutes later, a still damp haired, but refreshed Kagome was led down the stairs by her fiancé.
He led them back into the room Kagome dubbed the library and then into the foyer they had entered. Kagome hadn’t noticed it before but there was a set of painted shoji which were closed placed directly across from the main door. Sesshomaru took her hand and squeezed it before he opened the shoji and led Kagome into the family room she had seen from the upstairs railing. It was huge, though she wondered how much of that had to do with the height, and a set of tasteful, sleek leather furniture added warmth to the room.
She recognized his family from the pictures he had shown her. His father and stepmother sat in the sofa with their son lounged across it and resting his feet on a nearby ottoman. A young teenage girl sat in front of a table, which Kagome realized was a kotatsu, next to Sesshomaru’s mother. His stepfather sat in an armchair near them. It seemed they were having tea and eating sweets when the two entered. But at their entrance, all eyes turned on them.
“Nii-san!” Rin screamed leaving her coveted kotatsu spot and running to greet him. “I missed you!”
Sesshomaru let go of Kagome’s hand to hug Rin and twirl her around before setting her down. Kagome now realized why he seemed so at ease doing that to her. He’d probably had tons of practice with Rin. Rin let him go and turned to Kagome, not sure how to greet her. Kagome solved the problem.
“Hello Rin-chan.” Rin looked at her brother who nodded and moment later Kagome found herself engulfed in a hug which she returned as Rin greeted her in the same way she had greeted her beloved older half-brother.
The rest of the family had stood to greet them during the reunion with Rin, and Sesshomaru gently shooed his sister away to introduce everyone formally.
“Kagome, I’d like to introduce you to my family. You’ve already met Rin- those are her parents, my mother and stepfather.” He then nudged her to look to her right. “This is my father and stepmother. And my half-brother Inuyasha.” Kagome bowed in introduction and when she stood, Sesshomaru surprised her by wrapping his arm around her waist. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Kagome- my fiancé.”
It was as if those were the magic words. Before Kagome knew what was happening she was surrounded by Sesshomaru’s family. His mother and stepmother dragged her away to sit her down at the kotatsu and offered her a plate heaped with sweets. Sesshomaru she saw was dragged off to the bar where he was thumped on the back. He looked back over his shoulder at her and smiled. She grinned back. So far, this visit was turning out to be better than she had hoped.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Three days later found Kagome in the kitchen with Sesshomaru’s mother. His family had been extremely nice and friendly to her, though it was quite obvious they were eager to know more about the girl Sesshomaru had brought home. She’d been regaled with stories of his childhood and had told them her engagement story (and the story of how she ended up with Sesshomaru in the first place) more times than she could count.
Now, his mother had finally secreted her away under the pretense of having someone help her with the cooking.
“I know you’ve noticed the other servants by now.” His mother stated as she arranged some vegetables and meat to chop. “Jaken, Jinenji, Rumiko, Ah, and Un are their names. They help upkeep the grounds and house. Cooking and cleaning the kitchen is something we do on our own though.”
“How big are the grounds?” Kagome asked as the elder woman handed her a knife, cutting board, and the vegetables.
“Sesshomaru didn’t tell you?” His mother, Fusako, sighed. “That boy, never tells anyone anything! Cut those for a nabe hmm?”
“Oh, of course.” Kagome then grinned. “I haven’t had nabe in a while. My mother rarely makes it.”
Fusako diced some meat as she spoke. “Does she now? Sesshomaru hasn’t told me much about you. You speak Japanese so well that I wasn’t sure how much Japanese culture you were used to.”
“Oh!” Kagome cut some daikon as she thought of how to answer. “Well, my mother is a Nisei, you know?” At Fusako’s nod, she continued. “So is my father. My grandfather though, he immigrated to the US to be a Shinto Priest. My grandmother was a widow with a ten year old child who ended up marrying him. The shrine that my grandfather took care of, takes care of really, is still with my family, and my mother made sure that my brother and I were educated about what it meant.”
“You are a priestess then?” Fusako mused throwing the meat into a pot. She moved her cutting board to the sink and began washing it.
“According to my grandfather.” Kagome answered placing her vegetables to the side. “He’s the one who made sure we knew how to read, speak, and write Japanese as well.”
Fusako turned to look at her over her shoulder. “I like this grandfather of yours very much.” She handed Kagome a large pot she kept on another counter. “Tell me though, what about your father and your other grandparents?”
“My other grandparents live in California which is where I lived until I was six. After my father died, my mom moved us back to Hawaii.” Kagome put the vegetables in a pot. “Now that I think of it, I don’t ever remember them complaining about what I was learning. In fact, I think they were happy about it.”
Fusako took the pot from her when she finished and led her out of the kitchen informing her that Izayoi was amazing with the sauces and always made them for nabe. Kagome nodded at that as she followed the elder woman to the family room. Kagome liked this room, but she also very much liked the room she had seen the first day—the library. Sesshomaru had shown it to her and she often spent her time there with his stepfather, Kazuo-san.
“Nee-san!” Rin, still clad in her school uniform, exclaimed as soon as they entered. “I need to talk to you.” Fusako made a face and seemed to want to reprimand her daughter when Kazuo-san came to them.
“Let her go Fusako. She’s been waiting to speak to her ever since she got home.”
Fusako didn’t get to acquiesce verbally to her daughter. Instead, Rin had already grabbed Kagome’s arm and marched her to the library for a private talk. Kagome turned to Sesshomaru as she left. She’d been ambushed by three people today: Kazuo-san in the morning, Fusako-san in the kitchen, and now Rin. Was she to expect this from his father’s family tomorrow? He didn’t meet her glance though as he was engaged in a conversation with his father. Hopefully, Kagome thought, this was to the last of her private encounters for the time being.
When they arrived at the library Rin let go of her and sat down in a chair prompting Kagome to do the same.
“Nee-san, what are you doing for Kurisumasu?” It took Kagome a moment to understand what Rin meant. To her, Christmas always meant crowding around the table for oden and barbecued pig with her family. In Japan though, it was a romantic holiday wasn’t it?
“Erm, I’m not sure.” Kagome fidgeted as she regarded Rin, suddenly having a feeling she knew why Rin had dragged her. Either she had a date and she didn’t want her brothers intervening, or she was being used by Sesshomaru to schedule a date. She distinctly hoped it was the latter as she did not want to get involved in any secretive schemes.
“Well, I...” Rin blushed and looked at the floor, “I’ve been going out with somebody. Don’t tell nii-san or Inu-nii. It’s…new. But um,” the fifteen year old now looked up at Kagome, “he asked me to spend Christmas with him. We were going to go to lunch and then catch a movie.”
“Rin.” Kagome began not sure what to do. “I’m really happy for you, but why are you telling me?”
“It’s so embarrassing. Nii-san and Inu-nii still think of me as a ten year old. I love them, but they’re so protective. I don’t want you to lie to nii-san tomorrow, but I…I just want to go see Kohaku-kun without being harassed about it beforehand you know?”
Kagome sighed as she thought of a way out of the situation. “Rin, I can’t guarantee anything, but I can try to get him to understand.” She then paused as she thought of the situation. “Wait, are you telling me Sesshomaru is a guard dog?”
Rin grinned and leaned closer realizing just how much ammunition she could give Kagome to butter her half-brother up. “Oh yes! Let me tell you all about it.”
The next day as Kagome got ready for the morning, Sesshomaru sat on her bed as he usually did. She had been told she was going to an evening dinner event with his parents at a ritzy restaurant in Tokyo and was debating her choice of dress. Fusako and Izayoi had been kind enough to lend her some dresses after she had informed them that Sesshomaru had not notified her of this event beforehand. She was admiring how a sleeveless, off-white knee length cocktail dress looked on her when Sesshomaru spoke.
“My sister has a date today.”
“Oh?” Kagome asked as she placed the ink blue dress of a same design next to the white. “How do you know?”
“She is going to Tokyo with Inuyasha and was texting someone. She also has a gift for this person.” Kagome turned to him, modeling the off-white and getting his approval.
Unzipping it, she stepped out of it as she spoke. “It could be a friend Sesshomaru. Besides, if she has a date, I’m quite excited for her. It must be serious if he’s asking her out for Christmas.”
Sesshomaru watched her bend over appreciatively as he considered his words. “I worry for her. This boy, do you think Rin will be okay?”
Kagome hung up the white dress and turned to him. He was looking out towards the lake. She had heard this tone of voice from him before, when he had been worried about something. Hearing it now, as he so obviously worried about his sister, she couldn’t help but find it endearing.
“Hey,” approaching him, she placed her hands on his shoulders, “you can always check in on her you know? I’m sure she wouldn’t mind. And you’d know she’s fine.”
“Hn.” Sesshomaru leaned back and nuzzled the hand he could reach. “I suppose I can. Have you chosen a dress yet?”
“I was thinking the white.” Kagome announced as she moved away from him and grabbed the hoodie she was wearing earlier. “I hope your mother doesn’t mind.”
Sesshomaru caught up to her before she could finish wearing her jeans and placed his arms around her. “I don’t think she will. But, I am afraid I might have a problem with it.” Kagome stifled a giggle as she realized Sesshomaru was feeling better already based on his current behavior.
“Do you know that I think you look gorgeous in that dress Kagome? And every time I see it on you, I’ll picture you like this or see you bending over to remove it?”
Kagome wiggled out of his arms and winked at him. “Too bad. You’re not going to see it again till tonight. Now, let me wear my clothes in peace before we head down hmm?” Sesshomaru moved to kiss her before doing as she asked when Rin’s voice sounded in the sitting room.
“I’ll see what she wants.” Sesshomaru murmured as she finished getting dressed.
When she arrived in the sitting room a few minutes later, Rin was pouting but then sighed and gave her nii-san a long glance. “Once an hour got it?”
“Yes.”
“And when I get home, you stop texting.”
“No.”
“Nii-san!” Rin whined. “I’ll be with Inu-nii for the rest of the night!”
“You’ll be with a bunch of undergrads. They will all be drinking or getting drunk. I don’t care. You will text me.”
Rin turned to Kagome with pleading eyes, but Kagome looked away. She’d done a favor for Rin once, but she was going to let Sesshomaru handle this. Seeing that she was going to lose, Rin finally relented and sighed, though it was quite easy to tell she was unhappy.
“Fine. I might text from Inu-nii’s phone if mine dies though.”
“That is fine.” Sesshomaru stated his voice brokering no argument. Rin gave her brother another pout before leaving the room. Kagome watched her go before heading down herself. Sesshomaru rose with a sigh and followed her soon after.
Later that night, Kagome giggled as they entered the dance floor at the restaurant. Strategic mistletoe had been placed all over the corner of the dance floor so that any couple dancing, and wanting to uphold Christmas tradition, would have to kiss. Sesshomaru grinned at her, pulling her close and planting a kiss on her lips as tradition indicated. Kagome had to admit that she found the night fun. It was different compared to what she was used to, but it was fun. They had enjoyed a nice dinner with the adult couples and indulged in a creamy dessert before Sesshomaru led her to the dance floor. It was turning out to be a good night.
“You know,” Sesshomaru murmured as they danced, “I think no one would mind if we left early.”
“And what about Rin?” Kagome asked remembering the afternoon’s conversation.
“Inuyasha will bring her home.” He placed a soft kiss on her neck and gently moved his hands up and down her back. “So shall we?”
Kagome glanced at the table where his parents were sitting. She felt an embarrassed flush creep up when she noticed that they were looking at her and Sesshomaru with looks of affection and amusement. Fusako waved a hand and grinned. Confused, Kagome raised a brow at the woman. It was Izayoi who shook her head and pointed to the keys on the table: the car keys to the SUV Sesshomaru had driven her here in.
Turning back to her date, she grinned up at him. “I have it on good authority that we can leave.”
No sooner had she said that did Sesshomaru act on it. And the rest of the night was magical as well.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Laughter resounded on the grounds as the siblings and Kagome engaged in an all-out snowball fight. So far, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were winning, but not without a hard fight. Kagome crouched behind a set of trees with Rin as they formed an effective strategy. Rin nearly cried with glee at the idea but found herself agreeing with Kagome, and the two girls acted. Stepping out from the trees they waited for the ambush.
They didn’t have to wait long as the brothers tackled the girls to the ground. Sharing a look with Rin, the girls proceeded to grab the snow and pull the back of the brothers’ coats before they knew what was happening. The horrified looks on their faces, and the retaliation that followed was worth it as the afternoon dissolved into laughter and games. It was only when Toga and Kazuo-san came to tell them to come back to the house that the four trooped in cold, wet, and rosy-cheeked.
Fusako and Izayoi shooed them to their rooms to get changed and warmed as they busied themselves with making hot tea. The mothers made sure to call out to them to wear the proper clothes for a shrine visit in the evening. Kagome trudged up to her room, peeling off layers as she went and unceremoniously dumped her jacket on the floor in her bedroom only to hear another thump. Turning, she saw Sesshomaru begin to take off his layers and add them to the pile of clothes now taking residence on her floor.
“Your bathroom is down another hall.” Kagome informed him.
“Hn.” Sesshomaru paused in the act of undoing his jeans. “That is true.” His hands made quick work of the button and zipper. “My fiancé is in this room however, and I intend to take every advantage of the opportunity presented to me.”
Kagome couldn’t help it. She had become engaged to a handsome man, and her eyes followed his movements greedily. Sesshomaru grinned as he walked to the bathroom clad in just his underwear. He stopped at the door and looked back at her.
“I’ll get the bath started. Hurry up will you?” Kagome didn’t need to be told twice.
Hours later, she sat huddled with Sesshomaru on the terrace that spanned a portion of the second floor of the house. Rin had greedily dragged Inuyasha over so that the four formed a cozy square and leaned back against Kagome’s legs. Kagome stifled a yawn, and Sesshomaru looked down at her in concern.
“You don’t have to stay up Kagome.” He told her tightening his hold. “I know you’re not used to it.” Kagome shook her head as Rin leaned back to look at her from an upside down position.
“You don’t do this in America?” She asked catching Inuyasha’s attention. “What do you guys do then?”
“Well, there’s the ball drop in New York, but most places I know have fireworks.” At Rin’s grin, she continued. “In Honolulu, my family usually goes to Waikiki beach near our house to watch the fireworks. Then we go home and cut a cake before welcoming anyone who wants to visit the shrine. A few times, my brother and I have gone to parties.”
“What kind of parties?” Inuyasha asked causing his sister to roll her eyes.
“It depends really.” Kagome laid her head on Sesshomaru’s shoulder. “There are black tie events and regular ones.”
“What’s a black tie event?” Rin asked curiously as the darkness began to slowly fade from the sky. To Kagome, it seemed like sunrise was never going to arrive.
“Oh,” Kagome yawned again and Sesshomaru placed a kiss on her forehead, “it’s a formal party. You know the kind you wear gowns to.” She blinked her eyes to force herself to stay awake, and Fusako called over to them.
“Kagome-chan, are you sure you don’t want to sleep? We wouldn’t mind.” Kagome adamantly shook her head and looked at Rin.
“What time is it?” She asked the teenager.
Rin glanced at her glow in the dark watch. “It says its 4:40. Can you stay awake for another two hours nee-san? The weatherman said the sun will rise around 6:45.”
Kagome wasn’t sure what to answer. On the one hand, she really wanted to stay up and join the family in this tradition. On the other hand, she was bone tired. The idea of sleep seemed extremely appealing right now. Sensing this, Sesshomaru decided to act. Her fiancé sighed and gently nudged his siblings until they moved away from him and Kagome. Standing, he encouraged his fiancé to rise with him.
“I’m taking her inside. I’ll give her something to keep her awake. We might not join you on the terrace.” The parents nodded, though his father looked at him in amusement, and the two of them took their leave of the others.
Two hours later, as Kagome sat with Sesshomaru on the balcony off her room, ensconced in a tight blanket, the sun rose over the horizon. She leaned back against his naked chest and closed her eyes as his arms tightened around hers. The sun had risen, and she had seen the first sunrise of the year with Sesshomaru. Everything else could wait.
“Sleepy.” She mumbled getting comfortable.
“Yes, so am I.” Sesshomaru answered back picking her up. He laid her on her bed and climbed in himself, bringing the comforter over them.
Leaning over he gave her brow a kiss before settling down to sleep himself. “Happy New Year Kaomge."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Five Years Later
“Do you think we should save him?” Kagome asked as Inuyasha tried to fend off his parents’ questions about his fiancé. Shiori was extremely sweet, and it hadn’t taken long for Kagome and Sesshomaru to like her.
“From what?” Sesshomaru asked as he held her in his arms. “Let him see what it’s like.” Kagome swatted the arms that were around her playfully.
“You know what I mean. They were never this bad with us.” She titled her face up to his. “Do you think it’s because of Fusako-san?”
“My mother?” Sesshomaru asked as the woman in question sat down to talk with Shiori. “Why? I don’t recall her acting different when I brought you here for the first time.”
“No, but you missed the day in the kitchen. And the days you left me to plan a wedding with her, Izayoi-san, and my mother. Those women sometimes don’t know when to quit.”
Sesshomaru leaned his head down to nuzzle her. “All the more reason we should keep it quiet.” He whispered as the family continued to talk around them.
“Sesshomaru-kun,” Fusako called from across the room, “come here for a moment. Shiori-san tells me that she is planning on studying law. You might have some information for her.” Sesshomaru sighed as he dropped his arms from around his wife to walk across the room to his mother. Rin quickly came over to fill her brother’s vacated spot.
“He’s possessive this year.” The young woman remarked.
Kagome raised a brow at her. “Is he? I didn’t think you’d notice since you were pining for your boyfriend in Kyoto.”
“Shippo and I agreed that we should not rush into things.” Rin announced. “But I kind of wish he was here. I feel like the odd one out.”
“Oh, Rin!” Kagome hugged her close and grinned at her. “Sesshomaru was saying that he thinks you can sneak off for a few days in between Christmas and New Year’s. With my family here this year too, it’s quite a large gathering. It’ll be easy for you to slip out.”
“I suppose.” Rin then narrowed her eyes speculatively. “Speaking of, why is your family here? I mean, I love the cakes your grandmothers make, but they haven’t come by to visit since the year you two got married.”
“Sesshomaru and I thought it’d be nice to have everyone here this year.” Kagome answered with a smile. “It’s been a while anyway. And, we didn’t know Inuyasha-kun’s plans at the time.”
“Inu-nii is so last minute.” Rin complained. “But yes, you are right, it has been a while.” They caught Sesshomaru’s eye and the two made their way over to him intercepting and taking with them Kagome’s mother.
“Kagome-chan.” Fusako greeted. “Here sit, drink some tea.”
Kagome took a cup and then grimaced handing it to Sesshomaru. He whispered something in her ear and then left to go to the kitchen with the teacup in his hand. Fusako and her mother shared a long look while Rin and Shiori seemed puzzled. Kagome for her part was disappointed. She and Sesshomaru had wanted to tell the family over dinner tonight, but it seemed the cat was out of the bag now. Then again, they should have been prepared for something like this.
“Here.” Sesshomaru handed her orange juice in the cup he had refilled which she greedily drank down.
“Kagome,” her mother began noting the change in her drink, “You’re drinking orange juice.” She shared a sly grin with Fusako. “You hate orange juice. But I know that it’s good for women in certain situations. Do you know that?”
“Yes, I do.” Kagome looked to Sesshomaru who smiled at her and leaned closer.
“I suppose it’s safe to say you two know then?” He asked addressing his mother and mother in-law.
Fusako gasped placing a hand over her mouth as tears formed in her eyes. Meanwhile, Kagome’s mother sank down into an armchair before leaning over and throwing her arms around them both. Rin grew impatient and tugged on her brother’s arm.
“What is it?” She asked loudly gaining the attention of everyone in the room. Sesshomaru glanced around, noting that all eyes were on him and Kagome now. Tugging Kagome up, he placed his arm around her waist.
“Kagome and I called everyone here this year for a special reason.” He looked down at his wife. “Two months ago we found out some good news. Kagome’s pregnant; we’re going to be parents.”
As the cheers, tears, and congratulations flooded them, Kagome and Sesshomaru couldn’t help but keep the smiles on their faces. This was going to be a good Christmas indeed.
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A/N: Forgive any formatting errors. Posted using IPAD.