Crossover Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Entrap Me ❯ Christmas Wishes ( Chapter 1 )

A/n: Okay everyone, I decided to create a collection of one-shots, for special occasions or just when I feel like it. Any other One-Shot’s written before this however will remain there own separate stories. I will also probably have a collection off lemony one-shots in the future posted on AFF or MM. Welcome to the series of one-shots. Entrap Me---A collection of One-shots.

Title: Entrap Me--Christmas Wishes
Author: Kage Otome (Shadow Maiden)
Archived: Currently on Fanfiction (dot) net and Mediaminer (dot) org
Summary: It’s that time of the year, full of christmas cheer. However, not all are happy. One Kagome Higurashi in particular, still hurting both physically and emotionally from past events--and unable to return to the Feudal Era, she falls into despair, saved only by the need to protect what family she has left when Youkai attacks become more frequent. However when her mother decides to host a Christmas party, she meets someone who just may be able to help her and teach her to love again. Someone who’s just like her---Lonely, powerful---someone who protects the innocent and yearns for love. Maybe they can complete each other and find what they’ve been missing.
Rating: M--For profanity and extreme violence.
Crossover: Inuyasha and Yu Yu Hakusho
Pairings: Kagome/Kurama
Feedback: Preferred
Beta’s: None
Disclaimer: I don’t own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho and make no profit from this story.
A/n: If you don’t recognize any of the attacks, ask me and I’ll try and inform you. As for Tenseiga if you don’t remember in Chapter 400-something Meidou was introduced to the readers. I’m not sure if it’s the same in the anime. But Toutosai reforged Tenseiga to be both a bringer of life and being able to open a path of sorts straight to the afterlife in other words killing the enemy.

BTW: This is a freakishly long one-shot, however, I just wanted to put in background before the fluffy stuff--it will be explaining why a certain character is the way she is.

Dedications: This one fondly goes out to Kura-Kun’s-Lovr, hope you enjoy it darlin’!

*Entrap Me--1: Christmas Wishes *

By: Kage Otome

White.

Pure.

Untainted.

Th at’s what it was. It covered the area with a pure white blanket. Snow, it was both beautiful and deceiving. It coaxed excited squeals from bouncing young children who would like nothing more then to go sledding, make snowmen and women. It gave the impression of purity. But it also covered the dastardly deeds that others have committed. In the snow, it helped cover up crimes, murder. Chichi-ue had died in winter, he had been out in the forest surrounding their homes, getting some fresh air. He didn’t return, it took the police four days to find his body, hidden behind a tree, buried underneath the snow. In the snow, it didn’t matter if it was dark or light out, you could see the contrast of blood against the purity of the snow. Like a dark cloud of taint, spreading outwards.

The body was thankfully untouched by animals, however that didn’t take away from the brutality of the crime. Higurashi-dono had been murdered. Okahiki (detective)Keitaru had never found Higurashi-sama’s killer, in fact it was the suspicious lack of any evidence that hindered the investigation. Apparently the snow while it did preserve the body, also deleted any traces of physical evidence. No murder weapon, no murderer, nothing was ever found and to this day, even 13 years later, they had no lead. And every year on December 22nd Keitaru-san visited Higure Ichidou (Sunset Shrine). And every year it was the same thing, he would come pay his respects and tell the Higurashi family the same thing---they had no leads.

The eldest child of the house of Higurashi smiled bitterly as she thought about Keitaru and the policemen. They were really useless. She may have been too young to realize it then, but she knew what she saw and more importantly she knew they would never find her fathers killer. After all they were only mortals, they would never see what she saw, never hear what she heard--and eventually they would forget, at least she certainly hoped so. Didn’t that silly detective understand? He was only causing more pain for their family coming back year after year, telling them the same depressing news and right before Christmas as well. No matter how hard they tried to put the past behind him, he was there, as if mocking them all of their failure and stupidity for allowing him to walk out that door, on such a freezing night 13 years ago.

Never once, in all her years did she speak of what happened that night, what she saw. Not once did she tell the detectives she saw the murder in her mind, she knew who of should she say what killed him. Why that monster, which she now knew as a youkai would kill her father she had no clue--perhaps he just enjoyed the suffering of others. What she saw left her scarred, but eventually as the child matures so does the mind, and somewhere along the way she locked that memory up in a small dark corner of her mind entitled---”Bad” things she’d rather keep hidden.

And up until then she’d succeeded. Up until she returned to her time, permanently with scars upon not only her body, but her mind, her hear and her soul. Although they may have won the final battle, all was not well in feudal japan. Even with all the training each member of their group had put themselves through it wasn’t enough. The physical and spiritual training they went through was trying. But in the end the only one’s who remained standing on the battlefield were Kagome, Miroku, and Sesshoumaru. Sango, Inuyasha, even Kirara had been struck down during the battle.

Kirara had been the first to fall, protecting her master--Sango from an attack brought upon by Naraku, who seeing Sango in not only emotional and mental pain, but also physical decided to lash out, taking down one of his opponents, unfortunately he hadn’t counted on Kirara taking the blow. Sango, the proud and headstrong taijiya fell near the end of the battle soon after Kirara. Ironically it was by her own weapon in which she was slain. She had released her mighty weapon in a bellow of “Hiraikotsu!” and drawn her sword, cutting through her enemy’s with experience and a deadly determination. However what she didn’t count on was Kagura, sending her attack “Fujin no Mai” (Dance of the Wind), sending the bone boomerang back at Sango faster and harder, slamming through the Taijiya faster then she could even think to duck. Sango lay cleaved in half, eyes staring blankly up as her intestines and organs could be seen spilling out. Sango’s had no doubt been the most brutal of deaths. Of course, no one had expected Kagura, after all she had been killed. After being released from Naraku, he killed her. Of course this was the new and improved version, who listened only to what Naraku said---one void of emotions.

Inuyasha however, didn’t die by the hands of anyone at least not in the way anyone expected. Not even Sesshoumaru could’ve been prepared for what Naraku had done. After breaking through Naraku’s barrier using “Kongousouha” (Diamond Spear Blast) he had attacked with vigor Naraku responded in kind, of course he then attempted to use Naraku’s own youki against him, with “Bakuryuuha” (Backlash Wave). Unfortunately it failed, seeing as Naraku created another barrier around himself. This time however, Naraku let Inuyasha get close to him, let him, and only him enter the barrier. Kagome, Miroku and Sesshoumaru seeing this knew whatever Naraku was planning couldn’t be good. Before they had time to warn him Kagura sent her attack “Ryuuja no mai” (Dance of the Dragon) straight towards both Naraku and Inuyasha. When Inuyasha was in Naraku’s grasp, the winds died down as per Kagura’s command. The three other warriors watched in barely concealed horror, or in Sesshoumaru’s case disgust as Naraku absorbed Inuyasha, making him a part of his ‘body’.

It had taken a combination of Sesshoumaru, Kagome and Miroku’s powers to take him down then. Shaking off the shock, they attacked while he was adjusting to the new presence. Sesshoumaru attacked with Tenseiga using “Meidou” (Path of Destruction), Miroku released a power charged ofuda and Kagome releasing a very powerful “Hama-ya” (Purifying Arrow). Miroku’s ofuda made Naraku even more susceptible to the attacks coming from both Sesshoumaru and Kagome. Sesshoumaru’s attack cut a void through Naraku’s body killing it, sending him directly into the afterlife the same time Kagome’s hama-ya tore through the vile creatures body. And with Naraku all of his detachments were brought down with him.

Bloody and beaten Sesshoumaru took his leave with a mere nod in the direction of both Kagome and Miroku. He did have after all more important matters to deal with. Both had stumbled back to Kaede’s village, half-dead themselves, yet still they managed to bring along Sango and Kirara’s bodies--for a proper burial. Since Inuyasha’s body was not found among the remains they could only pray for him and hope he reached the afterlife as peacefully as possible, being stuck within Naraku and all.

However after a two-week recovery it was time to merge the pieces of the jewel. No one knew what would happen once the jewel was complete---they could only hope for the best. Kaede, Miroku, Shippo, and Kagome sat around the fire in the middle of the hut. Her hands shook with apprehension, she looked into each of their eyes and the jewel began to rise up off her hands merging in one brilliant flare of pink light. It slowly began it’s descent into Kagome’s open hands, once it touched her she began to fade, slowly. Shocked she said nothing until she was almost completely gone from sight.

“I Love You, All of you.”

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Mrs. Higurashi watched her daughter with sad eyes, she had been like that since her return from Sengoku Jidai over three months ago. Sighing, she brushed a stray piece of hair behind her ears before closing her eyes as a gust of icy wind brushed her cheek. She couldn’t imagine how on earth Kagome could stand being out there in the snow, with only a fighting gi on. It was freezing.

“Honey, why don’t you come inside, you’ll freeze to death out here.”

“In a little while, mama. I like it out here.” Her voice was soft and mature, her baby had grown up while in the feudal era. Her baby had been forced to grow up to fast, she had suffered enough, with the loss of her father but now this. The details were sketchy as to what had happened in the past, before she had been sent back here. All she had been told was “It’s over---I’m never going back.”

Knowing her daughter, she wouldn’t choose to stay in this era at least not willingly, she’d want to go back between them. Knowing her Kagome, she had only an inkling of an idea as to how much she missed for, how much she loved the people that she left behind. But Mrs. Higurashi also knew her daughter was a fighter, a true warrior, in more ways then one. She’d pull through this---it would just take time.

And maybe a nudge in the right direction.

It was time to do what mothers do best.

Meddle.

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Dodge.

Kick, Punch, Dodge.

Uppercut, Roundhouse Kick, Block, Head butt.

Really these fights were getting to monotonous. Honestly could these fools come up with no better tactics then to just charge head first into a fight, it really was no challenge, it was almost pathetically easy. Kagome performed these moves easily, without thinking about it---she fought instinctively, after all she really had no reason to fight as she would’ve in the feudal era, methodically, calculatingly. These demons were no match for the other one’s she had fought. It was almost pathetic, she was sure Souta could take them down with a well placed kick.

Leaping over the ugly brute she landed behind him. Placing her hand against his back she released a powerful blast of miko energy “Hama no Reiryoku” (Purifying Spirit Power) . The demon disintegrated instantly under the blast of purifying energy. It had become one of Kagome’s favorite attacks, ever since she finally honed it to perfection under harsh training. Sighing she brushed excess dirt from her hakama’s.

Her life was really becoming monotone.

She wanted....She wanted...

Something.

She just didn’t know what.

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“S o you’ll be here at six?”

“Yes.”

“That’s great, we’ll be waiting.”

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Kagome eyed her mother suspiciously as she hung up the phone, turning to stare at her daughter innocently. Cautiously moving out of the ‘danger zone’ that was her mother in ‘scheming mode’ she knew that look. Very well---it couldn’t mean anything good for her. She shivered, she didn’t care what anyone said her mother could be just as scary as Naraku.

“I’ll just be going...” Kagome muttered, darting out of the door before her mother could reply. Mrs. Higurashi’s eyes gleamed as her mind reeled, working out the kinks of her ‘plans’. Kagome wouldn’t know what hit her, and maybe---maybe she would finally begin to move on. If all went well her daughter would soon find the happiness she deserved. But right now---she needed to meet someone.

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She walked down the streets, towards the nearby park where Souta went to meet some friends. He had grown much in three years, he was now an adorable 11 year old. He had however matured greatly over the past three years, while Kagome was traveling back and forth between era’s. Regret filled the young woman as she thought of all the lost time between them---how much he’d grown---without her, how she wished she had been there for him during the important events of his life, like his soccer tournament, his tenth birthday....But duty called, and she had to go and attempt to keep another world, from falling apart, while her own crumbled around her. Yuka, Ayumi, Eri, even Hojo had eventually moved on from her, her chances of getting into a decent college were shot to all hell.

Loneliness was like an acquired taste, you have to get used to it.

It didn’t mean she liked it, but it was something she had accepted. Besides she didn’t want anyone involved more then they had to be, it would just put them in danger. Again a bitter taste of regret filled her as she thought of what happened a few days ago, while she was picking up some groceries. Souta had been attacked, he was unharmed so he could be used as bait---for her. Or rather for the jewel she possessed. Killing her would be an added bonus--after all she was the natural enemy of youkai. Nothing would change the natural instinct most demons are born with---to eliminate the threat to their lives. Especially miko’s.

Of course it was an instinct she too had picked up after her years in the feudal era, training with a Taijiya, Monk, Miko and Hanyou can do that to a person not to mention the whole fighting for your life. Lost in her thoughts she almost missed the park entrance. Turning down the paved pathway she made her way towards the soccer field where her brother was no doubt waiting for her. However when she got there her eyes were met with the most unexpected sight. Four men, around her age were fending off a group of attacking demons, Souta was behind them near a tree trying to make himself as small as possible. He didn’t want to hinder the fighters. It was obvious to Kagome they were protecting her brother, why she didn’t know, but she wouldn’t let them fight alone. Before she could take action a large bird youkai of sorts swooped down grabbing Souta.

Luckily for her they hadn’t spotted her yet, it would work to her advantage--surprise. Creeping low to the ground she used a bit of her energy to create her bow and arrows, after all she couldn’t fly or jump that high, she’d have to shoot the youkai down first. Her blue-gray eyes narrowed and flared white slightly around the pupil. She wouldn’t lose him. Releasing a well timed arrow she struck the bird down with swift accuracy, darting across, under, above other youkai. Kicking off one particularly large youkai she used the extra boost to leap into the air, catching Souta mid-fall.

“Kagome...” He whispered, happiness filling him.

She landed with a grace that came easy thanks to Sango. Running across the large playing field she stopped in front of the four men and looked each one over carefully. The first one with slicked backed hair and chocolate brown eyes stared at her startled. The other was to busy gaping to do much of anything, he wasn’t at all appealing to the eyes but she knew looks weren’t everything. The youkai with spiky hair and crimson eyes stood glaring at her and the last one simply examined her curiously. Placing Souta in front of them she spoke in a soft, authoritative voice that hinted at a deadly promise.

“Watch him, if he is injured by either them or you, I will personally send you to the seventh level of hell.”

Turning she began to glow, her energy both blue and white-silver whirled around her a large kitsune began to form of her energy surrounding her, extending her hand she released the energy in the form of a large kitsune that consumed, destroyed and purified the opposing youkai. Only one thought went through her mind, ‘I won’t let him be hurt---Not now, not ever.’

When the energy receded nothing, not one trace was left of any demon. Souta’s eyes were wide and bright with admiration, he watched as the blue and white-silver energy receded into his sisters body. He ran forward, throwing himself towards her. Kagome caught him, swinging him around with a smirk on her beautiful features. She turned back towards the four young men, nodding toward them.

“Thank you.”

“Who are you...?”

“Just your everyday, save-the-day super miko.”

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T he Reikai Tantei had been surprised, no not surprised more like astounded, they had arrived at the park in time to see a young boy no more then 11 years old about to be attacked, he dodged surprisingly and backed up into a tree. He was screaming for someone...”Kagome.” Whoever it was, either couldn’t hear or wasn't’ there. Immediately the four reikai tantei leapt into action. After all there job was to protect the innocent, the humans from rogue demons. That boy certainly counted as innocent. What was odd about it all was that they seemed to be targeting the boy in particular.

Yusuke charged forward using his Rei Gun (Spirit Gun) to take a chunk out of the attacking youkai.

“How the fuck did Koenma let all these bastards pass the barrier.” Yusuke muttered annoyed. And Koenma called him incompetent. He snorted at that, it was the other way around. The Reikai Tantei were a tad uncomfortable having a child around where they were fighting, they didn't’ want to put him in any unnecessary danger. Together the group fought with great ease, comfortable in each others presence, completely trusting each other. Such a rare thing that was.

Kurama lashed out using Kagon Retsuzanshi (Rose Whiplash) when there was an opening great enough for such a fatal attack, it took out great numbers of the attacking demons, the question was, where were they all coming from? And why did they seem so determined to get to this particular boy. While Kurama worked on the defensive/offense, the rest attacked from other sides, making sure to cover each others backs.

Neither had been prepared for the youkai that swept the boy off his feet and into the air. And none had dared to attack as long as the youkai held the boy in it’s sharp talons. And more importantly none had expected the silvery arrow cutting through the air and disintegrating the youkai sending the boy falling to the earth. They glimpsed a figure shrouded in black dart through the mass and leap into the air, obviously saving the boy. This figure must’ve been the “Kagome” the boy had called for. She landed with ease, much like a feline. Dodging attacks she made her way to stand in front of them. And they stared.

She was beautiful, but her eyes so cold so ruthless.

Deadly.

They knew this was not a woman to be trifled with.

“Watch him, if he is injured by either them or you, I will personally send you to the seventh level of hell.”

She leapt away then, after leaving the young boy in their charge. They watched amazed and astounded as her energy both white-silver and blue swirled around her before forming into a large kitsune, extending her hand she released the energy, which she formed to take the shape of a fox and demolished the last amount of demons left, there wasn’t any sign a battle ever took place there. She approached them, just as the boy leapt away from them towards her. It was obvious they knew each other, she spun him around before setting him down, keeping him close to her body.

“Thank you.”

“Who are you?”

“Just your everyday, save-the-day super miko.” It would take a fool not to realize the sarcasm laced through her words. They watched silent and stunned as she walked away and each wondered.

Will we ever see her again?

After all there were many questions they wanted to ask. Unfortunately the chances of seeing or meeting her again were slim to none.
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Kurama sighed deeply wondering how he was roped into Christmas Eve dinner at a shrine with people he didn’t know. Glancing at the glowing face of his mother he was reminded as to how he was ‘roped into it’ after all he couldn’t say no to his mother. Besides it’s not like he had anything better to do, the whole family was going---Shiori (Mother), Hatanaka and Shuichi. He didn’t want to disappoint her.

“Oh you’ll love them Shuuichi darling.” Shiori said with flourish. Kurama smiled at her exuberance, she must care about these people dearly.

They arrived at the base of a large flight of stairs. Exiting the car they stared up the stairs and began the long trek up. Kurama mused, that the people who lived there couldn’t possibly be bad, evil or otherwise demonic. After all they did live on a shrine. The place was covered with a blanket of security, purity, it was almost as if a barrier surrounded the area---but how could that be.

“Shiori-san, it’s good to see you well.” Came a soft, neutral voice.

“Ah, Kagome!” Shiori said grasping a hand to her heart. “You startled me!”

“Terribly sorry Shiori-san.”

The figure stepped out from beneath the shadows of the Goshinboku. Kurama barely held his surprise as his eyes beheld the same woman from the park. He caught a glimpse of a small, curious face, peaking out from behind her. She seemed completely unfazed at seeing him and briefly he wondered why.

“Welcome to our home.” Kagome said to the awe struck family.

“This is my younger brother Souta, I am Kagome.”

“This is my husband Hatanaka, my son’s Shuichi and Shuuichi.”

Kagome cocked a brow at the names before shaking it off, she’s seen weirder. However she wasn’t exactly prepared for the vision of elegance that met her sight. He sure cleaned up well, it didn’t even matter if he was covered in demon guts, he was still attractive that she had to admit. He looked damn near delectable dressed in black slacks and a white-long sleeved dress shirt underneath a black winter coat. If she were younger, she’d probably be drooling over him. Good thing she learned how to mask emotions.

As Kagome led them into the house, her eyes stayed glued to the kitsune. She knew he had some kitsune or something similar. She couldn’t exactly place what he was a hanyou, but he seemed completely human. What a confusing puzzle, as long as he meant no harm to her or hers she would leave him be, but the moment he made a move otherwise, he was toast.

“Kagome, get changed.”

Kagome frowned softly before turning toward Souta.

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

Souta looked at his sisters attire and shivered. How she stood the cold was beyond him. The top she wore was a simple halter that cut off, showing her flat stomach. The hakama’s she wore had a tear from where an attacking demon slashed through the cloth, she had yet to fix it. Souta grinned up at his sister before pulling her upstairs, past the guests.

Locking them in her room he grinned evilly as only children can. Grabbing some items from her closet he noticed the wary look he was receiving. He saw her eyeing the window. Slamming it shut with a click he locked it and grinned up at her.

“Now....Where were we?”

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 220;Have I told you how much I despise you?” Kagome growled, eyes flashing with not only annoyance but apprehension. She really hated this.

Kagome walked down the stairs awkwardly, unaware of the stares she was receiving. She made quite the site, after all she too cleaned up well. She wore a long skirt in a soft cream, it had a split on the right side to mid-thing. Her top was a simple white, long-sleeved, turtleneck. Around her neck she wore the Shikon No Tama, no demon would feel it’s power though, after all what kind of guardian would she be if she just broadcasted it to the world that she held one of the most sought after jewels?

Kurama let out a nearly silent gasp as his eyes traced down every feminine curve and dip. She really was a beautiful woman, sure he’d seen some who could match, even surpass her beauty. But something about her called to him. His green eyes narrowed in contemplation before returning to the vision of beauty walking awkwardly down the steps, it was almost endearingly cute---how someone who was so graceful on the battlefield was hindered by heels. Of course he’d never worn them, so he had no idea how they inhibited one’s movement.

Kagome grumbled mentally thinking of ways to torture her brother. Sighing she was glad she had managed to make it down the stairs without falling and breaking her ankle. It wouldn’t be a demon, a sorcerer, a human, a car crash or old age that would kill her. Heels would be the death of her---she was sure of it. How on earth people manage to wear those creations of mass destruction would forever remain a mystery to her.

She smirked as she walked across the living room, down the hallway rather easily. Maybe she was finally getting the hang of this. Hell, it wasn’t so bad once she really thought about it. Her heel got caught in the carpet and her ankle twisted, Kagome’s eyes widened and she went plunging face first into the floor.

Spoke to soon.

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The Christmas Eve dinner party went rather well. Of course there were a few incidents when Souta ‘accidentally’ flicked some of his rice into Kagome’s eye. She had to forcibly restrain herself from reaching across the table and strangling him. It was around 9:00 PM, everyone was sitting around the fire, enjoying hot chocolate, sparkling cider and egg nog. Except for Kagome, she stood in the corner thinking of easier times, thinking of Sango and Miroku, of Inuyasha and Shippo. Of Kirara and Kaede, even Sesshoumaru and Rin. She wondered what they’re lives would’ve been like or are now that Naraku was dead. Would Sango and Miroku have married, Inuyasha and Kikyo mated, Shippo--her poor kit, would he be living happily with Miroku and Sango? Or Kaede...Kirara protecting Sango and Miroku, Shippo and any children they may have. Was Sesshoumaru still keeping Rin safe?

Souta’s eyes landed sadly on his sister’s impassive form before sighing. He only had one wish for christmas. That his sister be happy, that she leave this depression, that she find something worth fighting for, besides family. That she find someone to live for, someone to love---and someone who would love her. He didn’t want anything else, if anyone deserved it, it was her. She had sacrificed so much of herself, there was barely anything left. Sometimes he couldn’t help but wonder if she only continued living out of duty.

Catching her eye he smiled and waved happily. Kagome couldn’t stop the soft affectionate smile from breaking across her face. Kurama who had been watching the two siblings almost forgot to breathe. She was very pretty when she smiled. At least when it wasn’t malicious, evil or otherwise promising some being death. Very pretty, a part of him wondered absently if she was always so guarded, but he knew she wasn’t after all the smiling girl in the picture atop the fireplace was full of youthful exuberance, innocence. She was carefree without a tint of sorrow in those bright blue eyes---or maybe they couldn’t see it? Of course the smile he saw moments ago was nothing compared to the 100 watt smile in the picture, she must’ve been 14-15 when that picture was taken. Now her smile was dimmed with pain, with sadness, with the knowledge of how cold the world could be. And for some reason, he was drawn to her.

Kurama had found a mystery in this woman.

He had no intention of giving up.

Not until his curiosity was satiated.

After all he was a kitsune.

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She was annoyed. The fox just wouldn’t stop staring at her, did she have something on her face? Doing a quick check with a compact she found nothing, not so much as a hair on her head out of place. So what was his problem. Stalking out towards the door, she had longed discarded the dreaded heels for going bare feet. After nearly spraining her ankle and face planting, turning her nose a nice shade of red, her mother decided she’d suffered enough.

“Kagome, I wouldn’t go there.” Souta said cautiously.

“Why?”

Feminine squeals erupted from Shiori and Mrs. Higurashi. Kagome quirked a brow at the odd women one of which was her own mother before glancing at the red head who had come up beside her. She shot him a questioning look, he returned a shrug. Souta sighed before pointing up, and up and---crap. Mistletoe. Just her cursed luck. Eyeing the handsome red head warily she was tempted to break ‘tradition’ and run. However the look in his eyes held her in place--curious, determined and filled with something that looked suspiciously like attraction otherwise known as lust.

Kurama for his part, did his best to keep his cheeks from turning red, his heartbeat from speeding and his erection from rising. The light caught her face perfectly illuminating the refined features of her face and the pale, unblemished complexion of her face. Leaning forward he tilted her chin up and their lips met. What was supposed to be a brief kiss ended up being long and passionate. The flashing of camera’s never even registered as Kurama’s tongue sought entrance into her heavenly cavern. It was granted and a broken moan made its way from her throat. This kiss---it was so...Shiori and Mrs. Higurashi exchanged devious smiles before turning back to their children, they made quite the pretty picture. Snapping more photos of them they grinned. Their plan had worked to utter perfection!

Kagome broke apart flushed and wide eyed. ‘This feeling---I haven’t...He makes me want to feel---he makes me want to feel something, he draws me to him...And with a mere kiss? If I let him get close to me...’ Kagome thought bringing a shaky hand to her lips. ‘I won’t. I can’t...’

She raced out of the house, her mind jumbled and confused. She didn’t understand, she had perfected masking all emotions. How come he elicited such a reaction from her, he made her want, yearn for more of what he could offer. She spent much of the evening meal speaking with him about this and that, most of their conversation had been full of double meanings. But that kiss---how could he draw such a passionate response from her? It wasn’t logical.

He’d followed her, when she ran out of the house. It confused him too---after all as attractive as she was, no other girl in this life or his past as Yoko had ever drawn such passion from him. He wanted to kiss her again and again, he wanted to worship her body, but more importantly he wanted to know the story behind her guarded, sad eyes. He wanted to know the woman behind the mask of cool composure and small smirks. Coming up behind her he placed his hands on her shoulders and whispered into her ear.

“I’m scared too. Your not the only one feeling these things for the first time.”

“I...”

“Let’s risk it---together.”

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She was glad they had taken that risk those three years ago. If they hadn’t---they may have never fallen in love, they may have never opened up and shared their deepest, darkest secrets. They may have lost their chance at finding their soul mate. Because that’s what they were---soul mates. Both of them believed that with every fiber of their being, sure they may get jealous of admiring looks sent each others way, but they trusted each other. Completely.

If they had let that chance slip them by---they would’ve both went on, living their lives incomplete and alone. Now they had each other, to depend on, to love, to cherish, hold and keep. They had what they never knew they were missing, maybe fairy tale endings do come true. Now, sure they had both suffered before their happiness was found, but perhaps that’s the true test of love. They knew their lives would be filled with bumps and dips, but they’d get through it together. After all that’s what mates were for.

“What are you thinking about, love?” Kurama’s voice purred from behind her as he wrapped his arms around his slender wife’s waist.

“Us.”

“Oh?” Kurama raised a thin red eyebrow, a tint of gold in his eyes signaling Yoko was close to the surface.

“Ai shiteru, Yoko, Shuuichi---Kurama.” She whispered his names into her mates ear, further softening his expression. He for one had never believed someone could ever come to love him as Yoko, Shuuichi and himself the combination of the two---Kurama. He’d always thought he’d be alone for the rest of his life. After all any woman he’d married/mated would have to accept him for who he was in his entirety. Kagome had been a complete surprise, then they kissed under the mistletoe and something between them sparked.

He never believed in love at first sight.

Now---love at first kiss was an entirely different story.

After all Christmas was the time for miracles.

Leaning down, he whispered softly in her ear.

“Ai shiteru, Kagome. Merry Christmas.” And with that he kissed her, his lips a sweet caress.

Neither noticed the twinkling brown eyes.

‘I guess wishes really do come true...’

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A/n: Yes, it was a freakishly long one-shot with very little fluff. But I must bid adieu for now. It wasn’t my best work, but hopefully the next one will have more fluff. Hope you all enjoyed it---at least a little. Don’t expect something this long for the next installment. This took me a long time, I will probably be revising it later on, to work out all the kinks, make it smoother.

Hope you all liked it! Especially you Kura-Kun’s-lovr.