Scents of Home by kaoruhana

Scents of Home

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Inuyasha.  Neither am I affiliated with any other items mentioned in the story as well.

Title: Scents of Home

Author: Kaoruhana 

Recipient: Madison

A/N: There are a few shoutouts to my giftee placed throughout the story; if you can spot them, great!  Hope you enjoy!  

* * * * * 

“Thanks, Miss H!”  The student stood, taking her still warm gingerbread latte with her.  “You’re much better at explaining this than Professor Nguyen.  I’ll surely ace his final tomorrow!”  With a smile, the student spun on her heels and took her leave, leaving the two occupants of the room with the warm scent of gingerbread. 

Kagome took a deep breath of it.  She had always liked the smell of gingerbread and fresh pine or of a warm, moist sponge cake just out from the oven.  When she happened upon the nearby KFC the week before, she couldn’t help it.  She went in and bought some fried chicken to take home with her; it was a reminder of what KFC’s in Japan were getting ready for in December.  As a Japanese college student living abroad, she craved some things that reminded her of her home culture.  Especially now, as the holiday season neared and most of her friends and coworkers made plans to celebrate with family for Christmas.  

She had never had a reason to be away from home during the holiday before.  Her schooling had always been in Tokyo or in the off semester she was in Kyoto, home had been a train ride away.  This year, if she wanted to go home, she had to get on a plane and those tickets were much more expensive.  With the income she made from working as a graduate-student teacher, she was able to send her family gifts home for Christmas.  Anything else had been out of the question. 

She shut down her laptop and looked around the room.  Most of her fellow TA’s had left leaving her all alone save for Mori.  Like her, he was Japanese, but unlike her, he was born and raised in the United States.  He also was a teacher for a different class: “Japan after World War II: Zaibatsu, Democracy, and Allied Occupation,” while she focused on teaching for the class called “The role of Governments and Monarchies in World War II.”  Both of them were post-doctoral students who had found a place here to complete their doctoral training.  The same professor looked over both their works and had gotten them into the post-doctoral program here.  He had also been the one who had found them their current employment.    

“Are you headed home soon, Mori?”  Kagome asked as she stood and grabbed her coat and scarf so that she could wear them. 

Mori turned to address her, his glasses sliding down his nose.  “I have some work left to do.”  He then narrowed his eyes in distaste as he ran a hand through his short hair.  “I thought I told you to call me Sesshomaru.” 

Kagome grinned as she buttoned up her coat after already having tied her scarf.  “I’m sorry, I forget sometimes when I’m so used to people calling you Mori all the time.”     

The nickname that he used had come about in school when Sesshomaru had gotten tired of classmates and teachers butchering his foreign name.  It had been easier to go by his last name—Mori—than to keep correcting them.  It also made him unique.  There weren’t many people growing up who shared the name.  That didn’t mean he had to like going by the name all the time, however.  Sometimes, it felt good to be acknowledged as Sesshomaru instead of Mori, especially by people who could say his first name correctly. 

“I’d appreciate you using my first name, especially since you are one of a few who can pronounce it.”  He watched her take her bag, having already packed her laptop and other materials away.  Finals were almost over and he and Kagome had given their end-of-course presentations today for Professor Nguyen and various History Department Heads to approve.  Excluding the essays that they both needed to look over for their respective classes, they didn’t have much else to do before the break. 

“I’ll remember that in the future,” Kagome replied as she turned to leave.  “I’ll see you tomorrow then?”  He nodded, watching her leave the room and emptying it save for his presence.  The silence was a little stifling, and so he moved to leave the room as well.  Grabbing his wallet, he shrugged into his coat and headed out to the campus dining hall.  They always served their best food right before break.  And it was cheap. 

The morning came too early for Kagome, but she nonetheless trudged her way across campus to the imposing building that housed the History and Political Science Departments.  The ground floor of the building was reserved for classes while the other two floors were divided up proportionally between the History and Political Science Departments.  The building was named Samuel Madison Hall after the University’s first student who had gone on to become a renowned author. It had been one of the additional buildings built in the first leg of the University’s expansion in the early 1800’s, and as such, was a beautiful work of architecture.  It encompassed a strong, red brick façade, pure white columns to support the tiny porches in front of doors, and thick granite stairs with beautiful cast iron railings.  A nearby wheelchair accessible ramp, only fifteen years old, was to the side. 

It was these stairs that Kagome now went up before reaching the main set of stairs on the inside.  Maddie Hall (as it was called by the students) was one of the older buildings that could not structurally hold an elevator due to its age.  It just so happened that the History Department, where Kagome was headed, was housed on the third floor.  Normally, stairs weren’t that hard to climb.  However, due to wear and age and the fact that the University couldn’t repair these stairs without renovating the entire building, the actual steps had become uneven.  Kagome had learned the first day that holding the rail when climbing these set of stairs was a necessity. 

It took her five minute to reach the third floor and an additional one to navigate the walkways to her shared office space.  The lights—automatic, motion sensing ones that the university had recently installed in all the buildings to save electricity—weren’t on in the room as she walked in.  When they flickered on, she squeaked, placing a hand over her rapidly, beating heart at the sight of the figure hunched over a desk and sleeping.  She recognized the figure who stirred and was starting to wake up.  Sesshomaru, it seemed, had fallen asleep in the building last night. 

The post-doc student opened his eyes and blinked at the surroundings.  Pulling on the glasses he had discarded sometime during the night helped him establish that he was in the office.  Turning his head, he found Kagome there looking at him.  Sesshomaru looked away embarrassed and tried to tame his hair and fix his appearance.  He hadn’t fallen asleep in a building since his last year of doctoral research when he’d fallen asleep in the library while writing his final thesis.  Placing his hand over his mouth to cover a yawn, he noticed Kagome set her stuff down.  He had no idea what time it was since his phone had died during the night, and he hoped that he hadn’t missed the meeting he was supposed to attend. 

“Go home and clean up,” Kagome instructed, unpacking her materials for the day.  “You have an hour before we have to meet Professor Nguyen.” 

Eyes widening, the male decided that he didn’t need further hints.  He grabbed his keys and cellphone as he rushed out the door while shrugging into his jacket.  It wouldn’t take him long to shower, brush his teeth, and attain some semblance of order before the meeting.  He was grateful that it had been his fellow TA and not Professor Nguyen who had found him.  He could only imagine the professional repercussions that he would face as a result.  Hair askew and clothing completely wrinkled, he made his way to the parking deck nearby and then to his off-campus apartment. 

Forty minutes later, Sesshomaru’s short hair was still damp, but he was clean and wearing a freshly ironed dress shirt over wrinkle free khaki pants.  His phone charger and keys were in his hands while the phone itself sat in his pocket.  Wasting no time, he plugged in the phone and turned it on, grimacing at the buzz that indicated just how many texts and e-mails his smartphone had received during the time it had died.  Turning on the now sleeping laptop, he opened a blank word document. 

“The meeting today,” he began, addressing Kagome who had given him a quick greeting at his arrival, “what do you think will happen during it?” 

“We learn our fate here,” Kagome answered, turning to look at him. His face morphed into a frown. 

She and Sesshomaru were working separately on their own edited and final research that was due at the beginning of January to Professor Nguyen.  However, on top of that, they were also working to get a possible tenure teaching position at the University.  The History Department head, Professor Anni G. Wakelight, was looking towards expanding her Asian History faculty.  While much of the faculty focused on Chinese History, and they were lucky to have professors who extensively covered South Asia, they were actively looking for Japanese History teachers beyond Professor Nguyen.  She and Sesshomaru hoped to be filing those spots in the near future. 

In keeping with the policies of the E.D. Ruslot University, Professor Nguyen had given both of them classes to teach as graduate student teachers so that they could be considered possible candidates.  He was also trying to persuade the University to hire them as tenured faculty.  The man in question came to the door and gave a short knock. 

“Professor Nguyen!”  Kagome greeted.  “Good morning.”  The man smiled at her.

“Good morning, Kagome.”  It had taken her a while to get used to the informal style of address they used in America.   It was part of the reason she had such a hard time calling Mori by his first name.  To do so indicated a level of familiarity she wasn’t comfortable with.

“Professor Nguyen,” Sesshomaru greeted, standing with a notebook and pen in his arms.  “How are you?” 

“Good my boy, good.” The professor smiled and the corners of his eyes crinkled.  “Well, I have a good surprise for you.  So, why don’t we head out to the conference room?  Anni—Professor Wakelight—will be joining us.”  Both of the post-doc students shared a glance. Neither knew what it meant, but they hoped that the presence of the History Department Head, Professor Nguyen’s wife, meant good news. 

Kagome grabbed a notebook and pen as well before leaving the room behind Professor Nguyen with Sesshomaru behind her.  The conference room was nearby and consisted of transforming a large closet-like room into a conference room by adding a long table and various chairs.  When they entered, Anni G. Wakelight and the Dean—Crain Paton-Ink—were seated at the table.  They both grinned at the students and the professor accompanying them as the elder shut the door and everyone took their seats.  The post-doctoral candidates were surprised. It was rare that the Dean left Fragiin Hall.  

“Miss Higurashi, Mr. Mori, good morning.”  It was Anni who spoke.  “How are y’all today?” 

“Good,” Sesshomaru answered, watching Kagome nod along with him.  “How are you and Mr. Paton-Ink doing today?” 

The history department head’s eyes softened.  “Oh we’re doing well, aren’t we, Crain?” 

“Yes, we are,” the Dean agreed.  He waited for Mr. Nguyen to sit down comfortably before continuing.  “Now, as you all know we’re here to announce the future of you two post-doctoral students at the University today.”  The Dean was a no-nonsense man who liked to get to the point and address the issues of the meeting in a timely manner.  He was a busy man and his attitude helped him keep on top of things.  It also caused his colleagues a have a healthy dose of fear regarding him. 

At the moment though, the students in question just wanted to know what their fate was.  Seeing their expression, Professor Nguyen nodded towards the Dean. After getting permission to deliver the news instead, he addressed them. 

“What the Dean is trying to say,” Professor Nguyen started, a grin breaking out on his face, “is that the university has come to a decision.  They, and the History Department, have agreed that, so far, your teaching this year and the value of your doctoral research indicates that you two would be great additions to our faculty.”  He waited for their reactions before continuing.  “However, as per university policy, we can’t automatically grant you a job or tenure.  You have to prove yourself for another semester before that happens.”  He grinned wider.  “Congratulations you two.”    

Kagome couldn’t stop the gasp that left her mouth.  They had done it!  She and Sesshomaru had gotten what they wanted – jobs at E.D. Ruslot University!  Elated, she turned to her colleague, who had an expression of shock on his face.  Nudging him, she waited till he turned towards her, and then, she attacked him with a hug. 

“We did it!”  She exclaimed as his arms came up to wind around her back.  They tightened fractionally and she stiffened, realizing what she had done in her elation.  Hugs were common in America, and so his reaction was expected but hers not as much.  She pulled away, her embarrassment clear on her face.  And she pretended to not notice how bereft she felt at leaving his secure hold or the way his eyes lingered for a moment as if wanting to draw her back into his embrace. 

“Well,” the professor watching over them announced, realizing that someone had to break the odd tension that was threating to take over the room in the wake of their public display of affection, “how about we go to the celebration now?” 

"Celebration?”  Sesshomaru asked, adjusting his glasses.  “I was not informed of one.” 

“No, we wanted to surprise you and the other post-doctoral candidates who made it,” the Dean announced, standing and prompting the rest of them to do as well.  “We hold a Christmas Party luncheon every year for faculty in Blaione Hall.  You know the one next to Stodd Hall? We’ve taken to inviting the newer faculty members as well to welcome them into the fold, so to speak.” 

Kagome wanted to go, more so because it was free food less than the fact that it was a welcoming celebration.  But, that was a good thing, too.  Perhaps she’d meet some other University Professors or post-doctoral students who were unable to return home for Christmas as well.  Maybe they’d give her some information on things she could do to keep herself occupied during the holidays.  But she didn’t want to go alone and she silently turned towards Sesshomaru trying to gage whether or not he wanted to attend. 

“You should go,” Anni stated catching the gaze that the female post-doc threw at her male candidate.  “Matt and I can’t go this year but y’all will enjoy it.  Exams ran late and we have to leave tonight so that we can go visit our daughter in Charleston.  Lord, can you believe I’m a grandmother now?” 

“Congratulations!”  Kagome stated, having not heard the news of the birth.  She had known that Professor Nguyen’s daughter was pregnant; however, she hadn’t realized that she had been due so soon.  “Was it a girl or boy?” 

The new grandmother couldn’t stop the smile breaking on her face.  “It’s a girl.  She was born two days ago.  They named her Meredith.  Isn’t that just the most beautiful name?”  Not really knowing how to answer that, Kagome nodded while Sesshomaru extended a hand towards Professor Nguyen. 

“Congratulations.”  He cast a glance at Professor Wakelight before turning back to the male.  “That is indeed a nice name.”  The elder male nodded, taking the hand and shaking it.

“Thank you, Mori.”    

The Dean opened the door to the conference room and everyone filed out, wishing the new grandparents a safe flight and hearty congratulations on the newest addition to their family.  The couple walked away, leaving the Dean and the post-docs in the hall. 

“I assume you’ll be staying here, Ms. Higurashi, but what about you, Mr. Mori?  Are you going back to California to visit family?”  His tone was warm and soft-hearted, reminding Kagome of Santa Clause of all people. 

“No,” Sesshomaru answered, his eyes glinting behind his glasses. “I planned on spending time with someone here.”  The Dean quickly averted eyes to Kagome who didn’t notice his gaze.  Kagome meanwhile felt a little embarrassed.  To think Sesshomaru had just told her that he had a girlfriend, and she had practically thrown herself at him in the conference room. 

“Well then, I hope you enjoy it.  The luncheon starts at eleven so feel free to stop by whenever you want.”  He held out his hand again to the both of them.  “And congratulations you two. I can’t wait until you become part of our faculty.” 

“Thank you,” Mori replied. 

“Have a good holiday,” Kagome stated as she let his hand go.  The Dean nodded and turned away, walking down the hall towards the stairs.  Standing alone there made Kagome feel awkward.  She turned eyes to Sesshomaru who looked down at his watch. 

“The luncheon starts in twenty minutes.  What if we locked up the room and started on our way there in a bit?” 

She hesitated as she followed him to their room.  “I don’t want to be too early.”  Sesshomaru shrugged as he let her inside the room first before entering. 

“We can leave at eleven if you prefer.  That way we will be late, so to speak.”  His voice was playful and she realized that he was teasing her, something he had done only a few times since he had become her colleague.  A little miffed, she turned to scold him for it.  Except he had moved closer to her as he spoke, and she found herself bumping into his chest when she turned. 

Warm hands on her shoulders steadied her and then gently guided her back so that she could look into his face.  She knew there was a blush on her cheeks now.  First she had hugged him in the conference room, then it seemed like she was practically throwing herself at him right after he told her he had a girlfriend.  He must think that she was yet another female attempting to flirt with him. 

Kagome wasn’t naïve.  She knew that her colleague was quite attractive and that she wasn’t the only person in the department, let alone the University to realize that.  And to say that she was not unaffected by his physical charms would be a lie.  For her, it wasn’t just that though.  She had seen him interact in friendly terms with his students, and she knew how much he loved the subject that he taught.  All those qualities succeeded in making her fall for the man.  Except, he had a girlfriend and it was best she forget those feelings, she reminded herself.    

“I’m sorry,” Sesshomaru finally announced, taking his hands away and breaking the silence that had descended on them.  She rubbed her hands, nodded, and pretended that she was cold due to the room not because he had moved his hands away. 

“No, it’s fine.  I should have just noticed that you were there.”  She began to pack up knowing that any further work she wanted to get done would probably be done at home.  And the University closed at five p.m. today for Winter Break.  It made no sense to stay here anymore.

He hesitated but then moved away to his own desk.  “Right.”  He moved to pack up as well. 

Thirty minutes later, he found himself standing with in line with Kagome to get food at the luncheon.  Quite a few professors were already there.  He recognized Professor Oates from the Political Science Department talking with Professor Dobbs from the European Studies Department.  And in another corner was Professor Nishimura from the Japanese Studies Department with Professor Gupta from the South Asian Studies Department.  Apparently, it didn’t matter if they arrived early.  Professors who had the unlucky last exam time slot from 1-4 were here trying to get in a small lunch before they went to their examination room to give the exam. 

Others, like Professors Wakelight and Nguyen who had flights to catch, were there as well to wish their colleagues goodbye before heading home.  And then there were the two of them, Kagome and Sesshomaru, post-doctoral candidates who were hoping for tenure.  They reached the end of the line near the corner where the two Asian Studies Professors sat.  Nishimura-sensei, as she was fondly called by her students, waved them over to take a seat at her table. 

Kagome took a seat next to her leaving him to take the seat next to Professor Gupta. 

“It’s nice to see some new faces here,” Nishimura-sensei began.  “My name’s Nishimura-sensei and that’s Professor Gupta.  You can call us Yumi and Neal.” 

“My name is Kagome Higurashi,” Kagome stated, turning to Sesshomaru.

"Mori Sesshomaru.” 

Nishimura-sensei’s eyes widened.  “Mori? As in Rin’s older brother?”  Sesshomaru nodded as he took a bite of pasta.  “Oh, she always talks about you.  She wants to be an English teacher in Japan, doesn’t she?  Well, at the rate she’s learning Japanese, I’m quite sure she’ll get into our study-abroad program and get that dream job of hers.” 

“Thank you, I will pass on your sentiments to her.”  Nishimura-sensei seemed a little shocked by his formal words but shrugged, turning to address Kagome. 

“I haven’t seen you around campus Kagome.  If I may ask, what department do you work in again?” 

“History,” Kagome answered, feeling like she was being scrutinized.  Her answer seemed to be the one Nishimura-sensei was looking for. 

“That’s good.  Be sure to drop by my office sometime if you ever need a friend to talk to.”  The last part was said in Japanese and Kagome turned startled eyes to her.  “I know what it’s like to be a stranger in a foreign country as Christmas draws near.  I have my husband now, but back when I first got here, it was a bit of a challenge.”

Kagome averted her eyes, a little bashful in her presence.  “Thank you,” she replied back in Japanese before turning her attention to the conversation that Professor Gupta and Sesshomaru were having.  It felt normal to be here, like she belonged at this table.  And while Nishimura-sensei hadn’t offered her a home for the Holidays, she had given Kagome something: a friendly face to talk to when she needed.  She appreciated that quite a bit. 

By the time they finished their meal, both the Professors bid them goodbye and Happy Holidays as they raced to gather exam materials.  Alone at the table with the other post-doc, she wondered what to do. 

“Do you have any plans for Christmas?”  Sesshomaru finally asked without looking at her but at the scraps on his plate. 

“No.”  She hesitated but continued, needing to know who this mysterious girlfriend of his was.  “What about you?” 

He looked up at her and opened his mouth to speak but hesitated.  She waited, wanting to know if he would answer her question.  Shaking his head, he tried to clear his thoughts.  The action caused his glasses to slip down his nose and he carefully pushed them up.  She was still waiting. 

“I wanted to ask… do you want to come over for Christmas?  I hadn’t planned on going home, and I thought…”  He looked away again and flushed. “I thought we could spend it together.” 

The implications of his words were not lost on Kagome.  And suddenly it all made sense.  He had planned on spending time with her on Christmas?  While it was normal for friends to celebrate holidays together, she knew that in inviting her, he was not inviting her as a friend.  She fumbled with her plastic fork sending it falling to the floor.  Bending to pick it up gave her a moment to think on her answer.  And to hide her face from him. 

“Are you sure?” Kagome finally asked, straightening up and placing the fork in her empty paper plate.  “Just me for company?”  She tried to make the situation a little light-hearted to make her feel better. 

“Yes, I’m sure.”  He cleared his throat.  “Will you come?”  Kagome didn’t know what to say.  She wanted to go, but a part of her was scared.  Christmas in Japan was a highly romantic holiday.  She had a feeling Sesshomaru knew that.  But even if it wasn’t, even if he had just invited her over as a friend, it was the thought that counted right?  And it beat staying home alone. 

“Okay.”  Reaching into her bag, she pulled out her cellphone.  “Why don’t you give me your address?” 

Sesshomaru let out a whoosh of air and grinned in relief.  She had said yes!  Elated, he eagerly punched in his address on her smart phone and handed it back to her.  Now, all that was left was making sure he used the recipes Rin had left for him.  And of course, he had to take care to make sure everything was perfect when she arrived. 

Kagome stood, taking her trash with her.  “I’ll see you later,” she murmured softly, moving away.  He nodded, watching her go.  And it was only after she had disappeared from his sight that he remembered it would have been better if he had asked to walk her home. 

* * * * *

Kagome hesitated as she looked at her clock.  It was an hour before the time she was supposed to go to Sesshomaru’s house.  She should be getting ready but she didn’t want to.  She had no idea what to expect from Sesshomaru.  She was quite certain that he knew Japanese customs, despite growing up in the US, and thus, he knew that Christmas was considered a romantic holiday in Japan.  However, she also knew that she might be overthinking things and that he had just invited her over as a friend because he felt bad that she was alone on Christmas. 

Getting up from the couch, she made her way to the bedroom and started going through her closet.  Despite arguing that it wasn’t a date, she found herself purposefully picking out the sweater dress that she not only felt comfortable in but that she looked good in.  Pairing it with black leggings and then a warm pashmina, she then paused.  It was not a date, she reminded herself as she brushed her hair, put on some make-up, and wore her favorite pieces of jewelry. 

By the time she finished, she looked at the clock and noted she had twenty minutes left.  Sesshomaru’s apartment was in the same complex as hers; it was a few streets down, however.  Walking out of her room, she hummed as she made her way to the kitchen and pulled out the soba she had made earlier from the fridge.  She had made extra this morning as she got ready; it didn’t feel right to go to Sesshomaru’s house empty handed.  After placing the bowl in the bag she used when she went grocery shopping, she walked back into the living room.  It took her a few minutes to pack her keys, wallet, and cellphone, and when all was put away, she decided to leave after donning her coat.   

It was a ten minute walk to Sesshomaru’s apartment, also in Politary Place, and once she got there, she debated walking away and walking back.  It was cold, however, and a few flurries fell from the sky.  Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door and waited with baited breath for the door to open.  When it opened, there stood Sesshomaru, dressed in jeans and a dress shirt, obviously expecting her.  And from the looks of his clothing, a date as well.  She tried not to panic. 

“Good evening and Merry Christmas,” Sesshomaru stated, opening the door wider and moving away so that she could enter.  She went inside and stood awkwardly by the door waiting for Sesshomaru to say something.  Clearing his throat, Sesshomaru spoke. 

“You didn’t have to bring anything.” 

That managed to break her out of her panic a little.  “Oh no.” Kagome thrust the bag at him.  “I wanted to!  And um… Merry Christmas to you too.”  She was quite sure her voice was squeaking now.  Feeling more than a little flustered, she didn’t say anything more as Sesshomaru took the bag from her and headed towards the kitchen.  Not knowing what to do, she shed her jacket, placing it on the back of his sofa and then went to find him in the kitchen.  Perhaps she could help with some last minute preparations?  

A sweet smell permeated the air as she walked towards the area he had gone towards.  Hesitating, she peeked in from the threshold between the dining room and kitchen to see if what she was scenting was really what she thought.  A cake sat on the counter closest to the stove: a sponge cake.  Quickly, her eyes moved over the rest of the kitchen.  A box of KFC fried chicken and an electric rice cooker still letting out steam sat on another counter.  Starting to piece things together and curious to see what he was doing on the stove, she moved to see him taking kurokke out of a frying pan and place them on paper towels. 

“What are you doing?”  Kagome asked, unable to believe it.

The scents, the food, the atmosphere - it all reminded her of home.  This was what she would be eating in Japan with her family around the dining table.  One year, her friends back in Japan had hosted a Christmas Party, and it had been like this as well.  But what Sesshomaru was doing, what he did, touched her more than those dinners she had back in Japan.  That he would do this for her, knowing that she would miss the festivities back home made her let out a shaky smile as tears misted her eyes.  He made her feel like she was home, he helped take away some of the sadness she felt on the holiday. 

“Kagome?”  Sesshomaru asked when he noticed her tears.  He turned off the stove and slowly, hesitantly reached a hand up to brush a few stray tears from her face.  She shook her head as he did so causing his hand to falter in fear that he had overstepped some bounds.    

“Thank you.”  Her right hand reached up and pulled his left one away from her face to rest by her side.  Her other hand waved around the kitchen.  “When you invited me to dinner, I was expecting something but not this… thank you.”  Her appreciation was heartfelt, her voice sincere, but it was her eyes that he looked at.  Sesshomaru knew that her eyes were windows into her thoughts and right now, they were reflecting joy.  He gave their joined hands a squeeze. 

“It’s for you,” he replied before floundering as he looked away.  How could he tell her this without sounding like an idiot?  “I - I wanted our first Christmas together to be memorable.”  He blushed now in embarrassment, hoping that she wouldn’t find this presumptuous as well.  He had liked her for a while, but he had never acted on his feelings.  Running a hand through his hair, he nervously finished speaking.  “Um that… it’s only if you don’t mind going out with someone… like me.” 

Eyes widening, Kagome processed what he had said.  She had been trying to convince herself all evening that this dinner wasn’t a date and that things weren’t going to change between her and Sesshomaru during the course of the evening.  But, truthfully, she knew that she was lying to herself.  She’d known that she liked her fellow post-doctoral colleague when she had accepted his invitation.  And, she had readied herself extensively for tonight before coming here.  She wasn’t as assertive as Sesshomaru was, but she couldn’t deny what she wanted any longer.  All those excuses that she had made before were brushed away in the wake of his present actions. 

Realizing she hadn’t responded, she put her other hand on his shoulder to brace herself.  It brought her closer to him, to the point that she could feel the heat of his body through their clothes.  It was reassuring.  A scent of sugar and fried food wafted to her as well.  The scents were comforting, homey.  She relaxed in his presence and felt the blush on her cheeks threatening to overtake her.   

“Are you going to cook again next year, too?”  Kagome asked, trying to stop the giddy smile from taking over and realizing it wouldn’t.  He seemed to realize what her answer meant as his own eyes widened and his breath expelled from his mouth harshly. 

Sesshomaru smirked, unable to believe his luck.  “Perhaps,” he began in answer, “I was hoping that someone would help me cook next year.” 

Her eyes glimmered with happiness while his own reflected that happiness back.  They moved nearer together as he used their joint hands to tug her closer.  Her breaths of air fogged his glasses slightly and he moved to push them up his nose.  Before he could though, Kagome took them off him and set them on the counter. 

“I’ve always wanted to do this,” she replied when he looked at her oddly.  He found his new position a little odd, especially when she moved closer to his face.  As their lips met in a kiss though, he found that he couldn’t complain. 

And if their first Christmas began this way, he could only imagine how the rest would play out. 

Hours later, the two lay cuddled in his bed.  They had shared dinner and dessert but had never gotten around to cleaning.  Sometime while she had been eating dessert, he had found it impossible to keep his hands to himself.  His actions, and the subsequent consequences, led them to the bedroom where they now lay, her ensconced within his embrace. 

A creamy expanse of skin was revealed to him as the comforter slipped when she moved.  It was her shoulder, her hair having been pushed up and away to expose it.  Warm lips ghosted over it.  They were both sweaty, their breaths and heartbeats just calming in the aftermath of their actions, but he couldn’t help it.  He wanted to touch her, to kiss her, to show her just how happy he was.  A part of him still felt that this was all a dream – a Christmas fantasy that he had yet to wake up from. 

The warm, naked body of the woman next to him, though, seemed to indicate that it wasn’t.  Especially when it moved and the woman turned to face him. 

“We have an hour of Christmas left,” Kagome stated softly, her voice slightly hoarse.  “What do you want to do?” 

Sesshomaru’s answer was to bring her close and nuzzle his face into the place where her neck met her shoulder, a spot of her body he was coming to adore.  Placing a kiss there, his hands started wandering to caress her body again.  As they dipped lower, Kagome decided she wanted something more.  Pushing his face away, she moved forward to kiss him.  They had an hour left to celebrate Christmas.  She was going to make the most of it. 

* * * * * 

A/N: Have a wonderful New Year's Eve (of if you're in a place where it's already occured: Happy New Year!)