InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Christmas Gift ❯ The Christmas Gift ( One-Shot )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: bigbluemonkey555 
They say that Christmas Time is a time for Miracles...
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: One Shot | Uploaded On: 12.22.2007 | Updated On: 12.25.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 953 | Status: Completed
They say that Christmas Time is a time for Miracles...
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: One Shot | Uploaded On: 12.22.2007 | Updated On: 12.25.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 953 | Status: Completed
The Christmas Gift
Disclaimer: Inuyasha & co. belong to Rumiko Takahashi, not me!
Kagome shivered slightly as she wrapped the blanket tighter around herself. Outside her frosty window, she saw the small snowflakes that drifted majestically towards the ground. She found the whole scene somehow strangely depressing.
It seemed like no matter what she did to distract her attention she couldn’t take her mind off of him. Tears slid down her cheek as she recalled the last time she had talked to Inuyasha. He had seemed more upset and distant than usual. She wondered what was on his mind.
Then she chastised herself mentally. She knew that he wasn’t thinking about her at all. Ever since Kikyo had been put to rest once again, he had been nothing but distant and bitter. She only wished she had a way to reach him, to show him how much she really cared about him.
It was only a few days until Christmas. She knew that to Inuyasha it made little difference, but she couldn’t help but wish she could spend it with him. After all, Christmas was a time for miracles.
She pulled her curtains closed and reclined back onto her bed. She stared upwards at her bare roof. She imagined herself with Inuyasha, carefully tucked away in his arms, both of them sitting in front of a fire that glowed with comforting warmth. For the first time all night, she felt a smile sneak across her tear stricken face.
“Merry Christmas, Inuyasha,” she sighed before she drifted into sleep.
==============
Five hundred years in the past, a solitary Hanyo stared up into snowy night. Perched in his favorite tree, he watched as the snowflakes slowly fell. The tragedy of Kikyo’s death had still not completely passed from his mind, and it was still difficult to accept that she was gone forever. He knew that Kagome didn’t understand his mood, or the reason for his emotional distance.
There was cruel irony in the entire situation. Kagome was the person he wanted to entrust his secrets too, but some of his more intimate secrets were about her. Inuyasha had long before realized that the Kikyo that returned in the clay body was not the same woman he had loved. He wasn’t ignorant to that fact. But he had clung to that memory of her so dearly because she was the only woman, aside from his mother, who had ever admitted her love for him.
But he didn’t love Kikyo anymore, nor did he love her when she died again. To him, the real Kikyo had died fifty years ago. That was where his love for her would forever remain. His heart now belonged to another, but he could never admit it to her. He knew it was foolish to expect her to love him in return, especially after how badly he had treated her recently.
What was it Kagome was trying to tell him about the last time she was here? Something called Christmas. He hadn’t meant to be so quick to snap at her, but with everything on his mind, he couldn’t help it. She told him Christmas was a time when people in her era exchanged gifts with each-other that were placed under a tree and opened at the same time on a specific day.
But Kagome had gone home and threatened to not come back. Inuyasha knew that this time he was going to have to swallow his pride and apologize to her. He didn’t pretend that it was going to be easy, but he knew it had to be done.
He shivered slightly. Normally the cold didn’t bother him, but tonight the air chilled him to the core. He adjusted himself, pulling his legs closer to his body and crossing his arms to preserve warmth. Once he became comfortable, he slowly nodded off to sleep.
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The sun sneaked in through a crack Kagome had left in her curtains, and as it flashed across her eyes, it startled her awake. She brought her hand up to shield her eyes as she sat up. She stood up sleepily and opened her curtains. She half expected to see Inuyasha sitting a branch outside of her window, but when she saw the tree was empty aside from the snow that blanketed it, she felt her heart sink slightly.
Even if she wasn’t going to spend Christmas with Inuyasha, she still had to go out and buy gifts for her family and friends. With Christmas so few days away, she knew she couldn’t waste any time. She got dressed and headed downstairs.
Her mom was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast when she came down, and the house already smelled of eggs and bacon. She felt her stomach growl, and she was eager to grab breakfast.
“Hi mom!” she said, doing her best to mask the sadness that she felt regarding Inuyasha. It seemed as though nothing could get past her mother.
“What’s the matter dear?” she replied, offering a consoling smile.
“It’s… it’s nothing,” she said. She knew her mom didn’t buy that for a second, but was relieved by her response.
“Breakfast will be ready in a minute. Go get your brother up,” her mother stated.
Kagome nodded silently and retreated up the stairs to her brother’s room.
“Souta! It’s Kagome. Wake up sleepy head, breakfast is ready,” Kagome hollered. She heard rustling of sheets on the other side of the door and slow, sleepy footsteps that slowly approached the door. The door opened and her half asleep brother stood on the other side, his eyes still half closed.
Kagome turned and led him down the stairs, and the both took their respective places at the table.
“Where’s Grandpa?” she asked. She hadn’t noticed his absence when she came home crying the day before.
“He’s going to spend Christmas with some of your cousins,” Ms. Higurashi stated as she brought the food over to the table and sat down, “What are your plans for today Kagome?”
Kagome was caught off guard by her question and nearly dropped the spoonful of eggs she was putting on her plate. “I was just going to go shopping for some Christmas gifts. I haven’t gotten to since I’ve spent so much time in the Feudal Era.”
Her mother nodded, and that was the end of it.
After breakfast, Kagome cleaned up her dishes, and said her goodbyes before dashing out the door and to her bike. She climbed on board and hurried off to the shops. Shopping on Christmas Eve was already bad enough, so she wanted to have an early start.
==============
Inuyasha had spent little time actually asleep the night before, and he was awake well before the break of dawn. He had spent most of the night thinking of something he could bring to Kagome for Christmas; something that not only expressed his apology but also his continued desire to be emotionally close to Kagome. He didn’t think he was able to tell her that he loved her, but he needed her to know that he did still care.
But despite his continued thinking, he was running his brain in circles. He was no closer to deciding what to get Kagome for Christmas. He sighed. He knew he was going to have to consult the monk.
==============
Christmas shopping was going easier for Kagome then she had expected, and she was finding much of the items she was looking for with great ease. She was debating whether or not to get Inuyasha a gift, but after a short time, she knew he would likely be confused or even angered by the gift, and reasoned that he was better left off her Christmas list.
==============
“Miroku,” Inuyasha growled into the hut. He saw the monk shift and grumble, but then he lay still again. Sighing deeply, he walked into the hut and pulled the sleepy monk from his bed.
“Kami, Inuyasha, what is it this time?” the monk mumbled from his sleepy state.
“I…” Inuyasha swallowed hard. It wasn’t going to be easy to talk to the monk about this, “I need help getting a gift for Kagome,” he finished, though every word felt like bricks escaping his throat.
Miroku smiled at him in amusement. “A gift?” he seemed rather entertained with the idea, “And what sort of gift?”
Inuyasha was embarrassed for even telling Miroku, but now that it was out there, he might as well explain everything to him.
“Well in Kagome’s time, instead of celebrating the Winter Solstice, they celebrate something called Christmas. She told me it’s where people of her time exchange gifts with the people they care about by placing them under a tree in their house. Christmas is supposed to be tomorrow and I need something to give her. That’s why I asked for your help.”
Miroku stood there contemplating for a moment, and Inuyasha was certain he was going to ridicule him for this crazy idea. But soon Miroku spoke. “Only you know what you want to get for Kagome for Christmas, Inuyasha. But remember that whatever it is should come from the heart.”
Inuyasha was taken aback by Miroku’s words, yet as he sat there and fully appreciated what he had said, he knew he was right. Whatever it was he was going to get for Kagome needed to come from his heart. Anything less was not worthy.
Inuyasha was surprised by the simplicity of his advice, yet they were the words he needed to hear. “T…Thank you, Miroku.” And with that Inuyasha headed into the forest to find Kagome her gift.
==============
The sun was setting in Modern Japan, and Kagome had just finished her Christmas shopping. All that was left to do was to go home and wrap them all without her family seeing them. She smiled internally when she pictured how happy they were going to be tomorrow morning.
She hopped quickly onto her bike and pedaled home.
On her way home, she spotted a couple standing on a bridge over an icy river. The setting sun reflected against the icicles and frozen river and created a prism of light that glowed like a halo around them. Kagome’s heart warmed at the scene as she imagined that it was her and Inuyasha standing alone on that bridge together, where they would finally confess their hidden love for each other.
Kagome’s smile was beaming as she turned back to the road and began riding home.
She spotted the glowing lights of her family’s Christmas tree through the shrine window, and couldn’t help but admire its magnificence. She parked her bike and gathered the bags of gifts. She slowly began ascending the stairs to her shrine.
She opened the door and peaked inside; making sure that she could safely make it to her room without running into her mom or her brother especially. Once she was sure the coast was clear, she quickly darted into her room and closed the door.
==============
As Inuyasha ran through the forest, something caught his eye, and he slowed down to investigate. Carefully navigating his way through the bushes, he made his way to it. He inspected it closely, checking it for any flaws. Nothing short of absolute perfection would do for his Kagome. Once he was satisfied with its condition, which was surprisingly good considering the time of year, he noted its location and headed back to the hut to find a suitable transportation device for it.
After a short time, he returned to the location, and carefully placed his gift in the container. He hoped that Kagome would appreciate it as much as he did. Carefully cradling it in his arms, he headed for the hut. He would have to deliver his gift sometime during the night so that Kagome didn’t notice it. He nodded to himself and waited for night to fall.
==============
Kagome had finished wrapping all her gifts and brought them down to put them under the tree. She couldn’t help but notice the presents marked with her name, and she didn’t resist the urge to poke at them and fantasize what each one contained. She smiled. Even if she didn’t get to spend it with Inuyasha, it was still Christmas, and she was going to enjoy it. After several more minutes of speculating, she yawned sleepily and retired to her room.
==============
Once Inuyasha was satisfied that Kagome and her family would be sound asleep, he sat up in his tree branch, and hoped swiftly down to the ground. He swallowed roughly. He knew that he had to do this; whether Kagome liked the gift or not she had to know that he at least thought of her. He headed quickly to the Bone Eater’s Well, and hoped through the portal without hesitation.
When he exited the other side of the portal he was surprised at some of the things he saw. The first thing he noticed was the lights that were strung around the house. These lights were different than the ones he normally saw in Kagome’s house, which he already found bizarre. But if things couldn’t get stranger, these lights were all different colors.
“Must be some sort of Christmas ritual,” he concluded. He began climbing the stairs slowly, taking note of all the interesting things he saw. In Kagome’s front lawn there was a man made of snow that Inuyasha found interesting, and he couldn’t resist going over to it to investigate closer.
It had a carrot for its nose and stones making a cheery smile and eyes. Atop its head sat a hat. He had sticks for arms. After a moment of analysis and confusion, Inuyasha decided to forget about this snow man and continue his way to the Shrine.
Inuyasha tried the front door, but was surprised to find it locked. He wasn’t deterred; he just knew that going through Kagome’s window would require much more stealth and cunning. Then again, he was an Inu Hanyo and those things came naturally.
He vaulted into the tree outside her window, and then leapt over to the ledge on the outside of her window. He tried to open the window carefully, but was shocked to find her window locked as well.
After quick investigation, he realized that every entrance to the house was locked. He decided to head to the roof to see if it would give him a better vantage point.
Once on the roof, he was quick to notice a strange stone pylon that rose above the normal roof of the house. He moved closer to it to investigate it. Peering above the bricks, he noticed that it was a long tunnel, not unlike the Bone Eater’s Well. Determining he was out of options, he climbed on top of the chimney, and slid soundlessly down it. He knew that was the easy part. Getting back up would be the challenge.
He was now in the familiar living room of the Higurashi shrine, but it was very different than he remembered. The first thing he noticed was the smell of pine needles, and he scanned the room for the source. In one corner was a tree that was decorated with similar lights like the ones he had seen outside, but it also had strange painted figures hanging from some of the branches.
Curiosity getting the better of him, he slowly walked over to the tree to examine the figures more closely. One figure that he noticed was represented by a large number of the ornaments was some man in a red outfit with white hair. It took him a minute for it to set in.
“Wait a second,” he whispered, “That isn’t… me is it?” He quickly looked down at his clothes, and then back to the painted figure. He couldn’t deny that they were suspiciously similar.
He then turned his attention to the brightly colored packages that were sitting below the tree. He kneeled down, setting Kagome’s present carefully aside, and inspected one of the packages. On the top were a bright red bow and a small label that read “To: Kagome From: Mom.” Inuyasha realized that he needed one of these labels for his gift. He quickly scanned the room and spotted a piece of parchment and a pen. He wrote as neatly as possible, though he had terrible penmanship due to lack of practice. He was fortunate his mom had taught him how to read and write when he was a child.
He leaned back and inspected his work. It wasn’t the most perfectly written, but it was legible. He was satisfied and tucked it into the container next to Kagome’s gift.
He carefully placed Kagome’s gift in a place where he was sure it wouldn’t get knocked over but was still forward enough for her to notice when she came down in the morning. He stood back and admired his work. He was certain Kagome would at least appreciate his efforts.
It was then that his stomach growled angrily at him. He had barely eaten today because he had spent the majority of his time thinking about and getting Kagome’s gift. He was certain she wouldn’t mind if he grabbed a quick bite to eat before he left.
Heading towards the kitchen he stopped short when his nose picked up the scent of something sweet. Following his nose, he came to a plate of cookies sitting on a table near the chimney with a glass of milk sitting beside it. There was a note sitting next to the plate. It was written in sloppy lettering that could only be that of Souta. It read:
“Hey big man in the red suit, I hope you brought me all the things I wanted this year! Here are some cookies for you to enjoy. Merry Christmas! –Souta”
Inuyasha was alarmed. Souta hadn’t expected him to bring him a gift too did he? He had barely learned about this whole Christmas idea a few days before, and already Souta had expected presents from him? Inuyasha hoped Souta wouldn’t be upset when he found out the only present he had brought was for Kagome.
Inuyasha turned his attention back to the cookies. Souta had said they were for him. Seeing no harm, he devoured both the cookies and the milk rapidly.
With his stomach settled, he realized that it was time for him to leave. Making his way back to the chimney, he climbed inside. He positioned himself, and jumped up, grabbing the top edge, and pulling himself out. Instead of taking his normal residence in the tree outside Kagome’s window, he instead found a tree on the front side of the shrine that gave him a better view of the living room. He wanted to see Kagome’s reaction when she got his present.
He smiled to himself and eased into sleep.
==============
Kagome awoke at the break of dawn, and she was already excited. She quickly jumped up, and ran out of her room and banged on Souta’s door.
“Souta! It’s Christmas! Wake up!” she could hardly contain herself. She heard that similar rustling sound and the shuffling footsteps approach the door. He opened the door slowly and looked at her with that similar sleepy expression.
He yawned and drudged slowly down the stairs, his sister hot at his heels.
==============
Inuyasha was again awake before the break of dawn, and he better positioned himself to observe the activities that were going to take place in the shrine before him. He made sure to keep himself hidden from view. He would hate for Kagome to spot him and ruin the surprise.
==============
“MOM!” Kagome called upstairs.
Kagome’s mother came out of her room smiling, with her camera in hand. “You two are up mighty early aren’t you?”
“I couldn’t sleep in on Christmas morning,” Kagome beamed. She was more than excited.
“Hey look!” Souta exclaimed, “The cookies are all gone! Santa must have come last night!”
“Isn’t that something, Souta?” Ms. Higurashi said with a smile.
“What present am I go…” Kagome stopped suddenly when she noticed something beautiful sitting in the corner tucked behind the tree.
“Mom… you didn’t…” Kagome started.
“I didn’t” Ms. Higurashi said with a smile.
Kagome couldn’t tear her eyes off it. She walked slowly over to it, admiring its flawlessness.
It was the most beautiful Red Rose Kagome had ever seen in her life. She tentatively reached her hand out and picked it up. Inside its vase she found a card that was written on with sloppy kanji. It said “To: Kagome From: Inuyasha.”
The well of emotion that was building inside Kagome could not be contained any longer. She began crying. It was the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for her, and it came from the least likely of persons at the least likely of times.
She was startled when there was a knock at the door. Her mom motioned for her to get it. Kagome nodded and walked over to the door.
==============
When Inuyasha saw Kagome start crying, he knew he had to go down to her and apologize to her. She hated his gift, and she hated him for getting it for her.
==============
Kagome opened the door slowly, not caring that her cheeks were still streaked with tears. On the other side stood Inuyasha, and seeing him standing there made her cry even harder.
“Please don’t cry Kagome. I’m sorry that I got you the wrong gift… I was just trying to say I was sorry for being so distant before,” he explained.
“Why would you be sorry for giving me the best present of my life?” she smiled at him through the tears, “I love you too, Inuyasha.”
Inuyasha was confused. He hadn’t told her that he loved her had he? “Wait… what? You love me?”
Suddenly Kagome was hurt. Inuyasha had not known the meaning behind the Red Rose. He didn’t love her after all, and how she was embarrassed beyond belief for admitting it to him.
“You don’t love me do you? You didn’t know that a red rose meant love did you? How could I be so…. Stupid,” Kagome was sobbing madly and she ran into her room, slamming the door behind her.
Inuyasha was overwhelmed by everything that had just happened. First Kagome had told him she loved him, and then she angrily ran upstairs. And what was she talking about when she said the red rose meant love? Inuyasha wasn’t going to ruin this chance.
He quickly dashed up the stairs behind her. He opened her door slowly, and he could hear her soft sobs and could smell her tears.
“Kagome?” he questioned.
“Go away! I don’t want to see you right now!”
He was hurt by her words, but now might be the only time he was able to tell her the truth.
“I love you Kagome. I have for so long…” he said, barely audible.
“I don’t care wh… wait… what did you say?” she said, sounding hopeful.
Inuyasha pushed the door open all the way and stepped inside, closing it gently behind him. “I said ‘I love you Kagome’.” He sat down next to her on the bed.
“Do you really mean that?” she asked him.
“I’ve wanted to tell you for so long… I was just afraid you didn’t return my feelings.”
“Oh Inuyasha… I’ve dreamed and waited for this moment for so long. I can’t believe this is real,” she smiled at him.
“I’m glad you enjoy your gift…” he said, nervously biting his lip.
Seeing that he wasn’t going to make the move here, she turned him to face her and pressed her lips against his. It took him a moment to comprehend the situation and respond. It was a passionate kiss, and after they broke apart, it took them a moment to catch their breaths.
“Merry Christmas, Kagome,” he said with a smile.
“Merry Christmas, Inuyasha.”
Disclaimer: Inuyasha & co. belong to Rumiko Takahashi, not me!
Kagome shivered slightly as she wrapped the blanket tighter around herself. Outside her frosty window, she saw the small snowflakes that drifted majestically towards the ground. She found the whole scene somehow strangely depressing.
It seemed like no matter what she did to distract her attention she couldn’t take her mind off of him. Tears slid down her cheek as she recalled the last time she had talked to Inuyasha. He had seemed more upset and distant than usual. She wondered what was on his mind.
Then she chastised herself mentally. She knew that he wasn’t thinking about her at all. Ever since Kikyo had been put to rest once again, he had been nothing but distant and bitter. She only wished she had a way to reach him, to show him how much she really cared about him.
It was only a few days until Christmas. She knew that to Inuyasha it made little difference, but she couldn’t help but wish she could spend it with him. After all, Christmas was a time for miracles.
She pulled her curtains closed and reclined back onto her bed. She stared upwards at her bare roof. She imagined herself with Inuyasha, carefully tucked away in his arms, both of them sitting in front of a fire that glowed with comforting warmth. For the first time all night, she felt a smile sneak across her tear stricken face.
“Merry Christmas, Inuyasha,” she sighed before she drifted into sleep.
==============
Five hundred years in the past, a solitary Hanyo stared up into snowy night. Perched in his favorite tree, he watched as the snowflakes slowly fell. The tragedy of Kikyo’s death had still not completely passed from his mind, and it was still difficult to accept that she was gone forever. He knew that Kagome didn’t understand his mood, or the reason for his emotional distance.
There was cruel irony in the entire situation. Kagome was the person he wanted to entrust his secrets too, but some of his more intimate secrets were about her. Inuyasha had long before realized that the Kikyo that returned in the clay body was not the same woman he had loved. He wasn’t ignorant to that fact. But he had clung to that memory of her so dearly because she was the only woman, aside from his mother, who had ever admitted her love for him.
But he didn’t love Kikyo anymore, nor did he love her when she died again. To him, the real Kikyo had died fifty years ago. That was where his love for her would forever remain. His heart now belonged to another, but he could never admit it to her. He knew it was foolish to expect her to love him in return, especially after how badly he had treated her recently.
What was it Kagome was trying to tell him about the last time she was here? Something called Christmas. He hadn’t meant to be so quick to snap at her, but with everything on his mind, he couldn’t help it. She told him Christmas was a time when people in her era exchanged gifts with each-other that were placed under a tree and opened at the same time on a specific day.
But Kagome had gone home and threatened to not come back. Inuyasha knew that this time he was going to have to swallow his pride and apologize to her. He didn’t pretend that it was going to be easy, but he knew it had to be done.
He shivered slightly. Normally the cold didn’t bother him, but tonight the air chilled him to the core. He adjusted himself, pulling his legs closer to his body and crossing his arms to preserve warmth. Once he became comfortable, he slowly nodded off to sleep.
==============
The sun sneaked in through a crack Kagome had left in her curtains, and as it flashed across her eyes, it startled her awake. She brought her hand up to shield her eyes as she sat up. She stood up sleepily and opened her curtains. She half expected to see Inuyasha sitting a branch outside of her window, but when she saw the tree was empty aside from the snow that blanketed it, she felt her heart sink slightly.
Even if she wasn’t going to spend Christmas with Inuyasha, she still had to go out and buy gifts for her family and friends. With Christmas so few days away, she knew she couldn’t waste any time. She got dressed and headed downstairs.
Her mom was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast when she came down, and the house already smelled of eggs and bacon. She felt her stomach growl, and she was eager to grab breakfast.
“Hi mom!” she said, doing her best to mask the sadness that she felt regarding Inuyasha. It seemed as though nothing could get past her mother.
“What’s the matter dear?” she replied, offering a consoling smile.
“It’s… it’s nothing,” she said. She knew her mom didn’t buy that for a second, but was relieved by her response.
“Breakfast will be ready in a minute. Go get your brother up,” her mother stated.
Kagome nodded silently and retreated up the stairs to her brother’s room.
“Souta! It’s Kagome. Wake up sleepy head, breakfast is ready,” Kagome hollered. She heard rustling of sheets on the other side of the door and slow, sleepy footsteps that slowly approached the door. The door opened and her half asleep brother stood on the other side, his eyes still half closed.
Kagome turned and led him down the stairs, and the both took their respective places at the table.
“Where’s Grandpa?” she asked. She hadn’t noticed his absence when she came home crying the day before.
“He’s going to spend Christmas with some of your cousins,” Ms. Higurashi stated as she brought the food over to the table and sat down, “What are your plans for today Kagome?”
Kagome was caught off guard by her question and nearly dropped the spoonful of eggs she was putting on her plate. “I was just going to go shopping for some Christmas gifts. I haven’t gotten to since I’ve spent so much time in the Feudal Era.”
Her mother nodded, and that was the end of it.
After breakfast, Kagome cleaned up her dishes, and said her goodbyes before dashing out the door and to her bike. She climbed on board and hurried off to the shops. Shopping on Christmas Eve was already bad enough, so she wanted to have an early start.
==============
Inuyasha had spent little time actually asleep the night before, and he was awake well before the break of dawn. He had spent most of the night thinking of something he could bring to Kagome for Christmas; something that not only expressed his apology but also his continued desire to be emotionally close to Kagome. He didn’t think he was able to tell her that he loved her, but he needed her to know that he did still care.
But despite his continued thinking, he was running his brain in circles. He was no closer to deciding what to get Kagome for Christmas. He sighed. He knew he was going to have to consult the monk.
==============
Christmas shopping was going easier for Kagome then she had expected, and she was finding much of the items she was looking for with great ease. She was debating whether or not to get Inuyasha a gift, but after a short time, she knew he would likely be confused or even angered by the gift, and reasoned that he was better left off her Christmas list.
==============
“Miroku,” Inuyasha growled into the hut. He saw the monk shift and grumble, but then he lay still again. Sighing deeply, he walked into the hut and pulled the sleepy monk from his bed.
“Kami, Inuyasha, what is it this time?” the monk mumbled from his sleepy state.
“I…” Inuyasha swallowed hard. It wasn’t going to be easy to talk to the monk about this, “I need help getting a gift for Kagome,” he finished, though every word felt like bricks escaping his throat.
Miroku smiled at him in amusement. “A gift?” he seemed rather entertained with the idea, “And what sort of gift?”
Inuyasha was embarrassed for even telling Miroku, but now that it was out there, he might as well explain everything to him.
“Well in Kagome’s time, instead of celebrating the Winter Solstice, they celebrate something called Christmas. She told me it’s where people of her time exchange gifts with the people they care about by placing them under a tree in their house. Christmas is supposed to be tomorrow and I need something to give her. That’s why I asked for your help.”
Miroku stood there contemplating for a moment, and Inuyasha was certain he was going to ridicule him for this crazy idea. But soon Miroku spoke. “Only you know what you want to get for Kagome for Christmas, Inuyasha. But remember that whatever it is should come from the heart.”
Inuyasha was taken aback by Miroku’s words, yet as he sat there and fully appreciated what he had said, he knew he was right. Whatever it was he was going to get for Kagome needed to come from his heart. Anything less was not worthy.
Inuyasha was surprised by the simplicity of his advice, yet they were the words he needed to hear. “T…Thank you, Miroku.” And with that Inuyasha headed into the forest to find Kagome her gift.
==============
The sun was setting in Modern Japan, and Kagome had just finished her Christmas shopping. All that was left to do was to go home and wrap them all without her family seeing them. She smiled internally when she pictured how happy they were going to be tomorrow morning.
She hopped quickly onto her bike and pedaled home.
On her way home, she spotted a couple standing on a bridge over an icy river. The setting sun reflected against the icicles and frozen river and created a prism of light that glowed like a halo around them. Kagome’s heart warmed at the scene as she imagined that it was her and Inuyasha standing alone on that bridge together, where they would finally confess their hidden love for each other.
Kagome’s smile was beaming as she turned back to the road and began riding home.
She spotted the glowing lights of her family’s Christmas tree through the shrine window, and couldn’t help but admire its magnificence. She parked her bike and gathered the bags of gifts. She slowly began ascending the stairs to her shrine.
She opened the door and peaked inside; making sure that she could safely make it to her room without running into her mom or her brother especially. Once she was sure the coast was clear, she quickly darted into her room and closed the door.
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As Inuyasha ran through the forest, something caught his eye, and he slowed down to investigate. Carefully navigating his way through the bushes, he made his way to it. He inspected it closely, checking it for any flaws. Nothing short of absolute perfection would do for his Kagome. Once he was satisfied with its condition, which was surprisingly good considering the time of year, he noted its location and headed back to the hut to find a suitable transportation device for it.
After a short time, he returned to the location, and carefully placed his gift in the container. He hoped that Kagome would appreciate it as much as he did. Carefully cradling it in his arms, he headed for the hut. He would have to deliver his gift sometime during the night so that Kagome didn’t notice it. He nodded to himself and waited for night to fall.
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Kagome had finished wrapping all her gifts and brought them down to put them under the tree. She couldn’t help but notice the presents marked with her name, and she didn’t resist the urge to poke at them and fantasize what each one contained. She smiled. Even if she didn’t get to spend it with Inuyasha, it was still Christmas, and she was going to enjoy it. After several more minutes of speculating, she yawned sleepily and retired to her room.
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Once Inuyasha was satisfied that Kagome and her family would be sound asleep, he sat up in his tree branch, and hoped swiftly down to the ground. He swallowed roughly. He knew that he had to do this; whether Kagome liked the gift or not she had to know that he at least thought of her. He headed quickly to the Bone Eater’s Well, and hoped through the portal without hesitation.
When he exited the other side of the portal he was surprised at some of the things he saw. The first thing he noticed was the lights that were strung around the house. These lights were different than the ones he normally saw in Kagome’s house, which he already found bizarre. But if things couldn’t get stranger, these lights were all different colors.
“Must be some sort of Christmas ritual,” he concluded. He began climbing the stairs slowly, taking note of all the interesting things he saw. In Kagome’s front lawn there was a man made of snow that Inuyasha found interesting, and he couldn’t resist going over to it to investigate closer.
It had a carrot for its nose and stones making a cheery smile and eyes. Atop its head sat a hat. He had sticks for arms. After a moment of analysis and confusion, Inuyasha decided to forget about this snow man and continue his way to the Shrine.
Inuyasha tried the front door, but was surprised to find it locked. He wasn’t deterred; he just knew that going through Kagome’s window would require much more stealth and cunning. Then again, he was an Inu Hanyo and those things came naturally.
He vaulted into the tree outside her window, and then leapt over to the ledge on the outside of her window. He tried to open the window carefully, but was shocked to find her window locked as well.
After quick investigation, he realized that every entrance to the house was locked. He decided to head to the roof to see if it would give him a better vantage point.
Once on the roof, he was quick to notice a strange stone pylon that rose above the normal roof of the house. He moved closer to it to investigate it. Peering above the bricks, he noticed that it was a long tunnel, not unlike the Bone Eater’s Well. Determining he was out of options, he climbed on top of the chimney, and slid soundlessly down it. He knew that was the easy part. Getting back up would be the challenge.
He was now in the familiar living room of the Higurashi shrine, but it was very different than he remembered. The first thing he noticed was the smell of pine needles, and he scanned the room for the source. In one corner was a tree that was decorated with similar lights like the ones he had seen outside, but it also had strange painted figures hanging from some of the branches.
Curiosity getting the better of him, he slowly walked over to the tree to examine the figures more closely. One figure that he noticed was represented by a large number of the ornaments was some man in a red outfit with white hair. It took him a minute for it to set in.
“Wait a second,” he whispered, “That isn’t… me is it?” He quickly looked down at his clothes, and then back to the painted figure. He couldn’t deny that they were suspiciously similar.
He then turned his attention to the brightly colored packages that were sitting below the tree. He kneeled down, setting Kagome’s present carefully aside, and inspected one of the packages. On the top were a bright red bow and a small label that read “To: Kagome From: Mom.” Inuyasha realized that he needed one of these labels for his gift. He quickly scanned the room and spotted a piece of parchment and a pen. He wrote as neatly as possible, though he had terrible penmanship due to lack of practice. He was fortunate his mom had taught him how to read and write when he was a child.
He leaned back and inspected his work. It wasn’t the most perfectly written, but it was legible. He was satisfied and tucked it into the container next to Kagome’s gift.
He carefully placed Kagome’s gift in a place where he was sure it wouldn’t get knocked over but was still forward enough for her to notice when she came down in the morning. He stood back and admired his work. He was certain Kagome would at least appreciate his efforts.
It was then that his stomach growled angrily at him. He had barely eaten today because he had spent the majority of his time thinking about and getting Kagome’s gift. He was certain she wouldn’t mind if he grabbed a quick bite to eat before he left.
Heading towards the kitchen he stopped short when his nose picked up the scent of something sweet. Following his nose, he came to a plate of cookies sitting on a table near the chimney with a glass of milk sitting beside it. There was a note sitting next to the plate. It was written in sloppy lettering that could only be that of Souta. It read:
“Hey big man in the red suit, I hope you brought me all the things I wanted this year! Here are some cookies for you to enjoy. Merry Christmas! –Souta”
Inuyasha was alarmed. Souta hadn’t expected him to bring him a gift too did he? He had barely learned about this whole Christmas idea a few days before, and already Souta had expected presents from him? Inuyasha hoped Souta wouldn’t be upset when he found out the only present he had brought was for Kagome.
Inuyasha turned his attention back to the cookies. Souta had said they were for him. Seeing no harm, he devoured both the cookies and the milk rapidly.
With his stomach settled, he realized that it was time for him to leave. Making his way back to the chimney, he climbed inside. He positioned himself, and jumped up, grabbing the top edge, and pulling himself out. Instead of taking his normal residence in the tree outside Kagome’s window, he instead found a tree on the front side of the shrine that gave him a better view of the living room. He wanted to see Kagome’s reaction when she got his present.
He smiled to himself and eased into sleep.
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Kagome awoke at the break of dawn, and she was already excited. She quickly jumped up, and ran out of her room and banged on Souta’s door.
“Souta! It’s Christmas! Wake up!” she could hardly contain herself. She heard that similar rustling sound and the shuffling footsteps approach the door. He opened the door slowly and looked at her with that similar sleepy expression.
He yawned and drudged slowly down the stairs, his sister hot at his heels.
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Inuyasha was again awake before the break of dawn, and he better positioned himself to observe the activities that were going to take place in the shrine before him. He made sure to keep himself hidden from view. He would hate for Kagome to spot him and ruin the surprise.
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“MOM!” Kagome called upstairs.
Kagome’s mother came out of her room smiling, with her camera in hand. “You two are up mighty early aren’t you?”
“I couldn’t sleep in on Christmas morning,” Kagome beamed. She was more than excited.
“Hey look!” Souta exclaimed, “The cookies are all gone! Santa must have come last night!”
“Isn’t that something, Souta?” Ms. Higurashi said with a smile.
“What present am I go…” Kagome stopped suddenly when she noticed something beautiful sitting in the corner tucked behind the tree.
“Mom… you didn’t…” Kagome started.
“I didn’t” Ms. Higurashi said with a smile.
Kagome couldn’t tear her eyes off it. She walked slowly over to it, admiring its flawlessness.
It was the most beautiful Red Rose Kagome had ever seen in her life. She tentatively reached her hand out and picked it up. Inside its vase she found a card that was written on with sloppy kanji. It said “To: Kagome From: Inuyasha.”
The well of emotion that was building inside Kagome could not be contained any longer. She began crying. It was the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for her, and it came from the least likely of persons at the least likely of times.
She was startled when there was a knock at the door. Her mom motioned for her to get it. Kagome nodded and walked over to the door.
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When Inuyasha saw Kagome start crying, he knew he had to go down to her and apologize to her. She hated his gift, and she hated him for getting it for her.
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Kagome opened the door slowly, not caring that her cheeks were still streaked with tears. On the other side stood Inuyasha, and seeing him standing there made her cry even harder.
“Please don’t cry Kagome. I’m sorry that I got you the wrong gift… I was just trying to say I was sorry for being so distant before,” he explained.
“Why would you be sorry for giving me the best present of my life?” she smiled at him through the tears, “I love you too, Inuyasha.”
Inuyasha was confused. He hadn’t told her that he loved her had he? “Wait… what? You love me?”
Suddenly Kagome was hurt. Inuyasha had not known the meaning behind the Red Rose. He didn’t love her after all, and how she was embarrassed beyond belief for admitting it to him.
“You don’t love me do you? You didn’t know that a red rose meant love did you? How could I be so…. Stupid,” Kagome was sobbing madly and she ran into her room, slamming the door behind her.
Inuyasha was overwhelmed by everything that had just happened. First Kagome had told him she loved him, and then she angrily ran upstairs. And what was she talking about when she said the red rose meant love? Inuyasha wasn’t going to ruin this chance.
He quickly dashed up the stairs behind her. He opened her door slowly, and he could hear her soft sobs and could smell her tears.
“Kagome?” he questioned.
“Go away! I don’t want to see you right now!”
He was hurt by her words, but now might be the only time he was able to tell her the truth.
“I love you Kagome. I have for so long…” he said, barely audible.
“I don’t care wh… wait… what did you say?” she said, sounding hopeful.
Inuyasha pushed the door open all the way and stepped inside, closing it gently behind him. “I said ‘I love you Kagome’.” He sat down next to her on the bed.
“Do you really mean that?” she asked him.
“I’ve wanted to tell you for so long… I was just afraid you didn’t return my feelings.”
“Oh Inuyasha… I’ve dreamed and waited for this moment for so long. I can’t believe this is real,” she smiled at him.
“I’m glad you enjoy your gift…” he said, nervously biting his lip.
Seeing that he wasn’t going to make the move here, she turned him to face her and pressed her lips against his. It took him a moment to comprehend the situation and respond. It was a passionate kiss, and after they broke apart, it took them a moment to catch their breaths.
“Merry Christmas, Kagome,” he said with a smile.
“Merry Christmas, Inuyasha.”