InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Not Another High School Fanfic ❯ Meriikurisumasu! ( Chapter 15 )

Chapter 15: Meriikurisumasu!

 

(AN: Don't you just love these holiday chapters?)

 

Aoi's POV

 

“Ohh...that is so cute!” Hana said for what seemed like the hundredth time.

 

“Yes that's a cute dress Hana but remember we're not shopping for us.” I reminded her.

 

“I know I know, but can't I just buy one thing? I mean you really can't beat these holiday sales!” she said still admiring the dress.

 

I admit I had to agree with her. The sales were very tempting. Although we had done most of our Christmas shopping a little while ago both of us still had some last minute shopping to do. But then again…who said we couldn't shop for ourselves too? I mean with all the money we'd saved up from our paychecks, I was more than positive that we would have some leftover money after shopping for everyone else.

 

“Well, I guess one thing wouldn't hurt.” I said grabbing a cute blue miniskirt off of a clothing rack near me.

 

“Yay!” Hana exclaimed grabbing the dress she'd had her eyes on.

 

After we picked our selections from the clothing section we went on to finish the shopping we had first intended to do. When we were done we went into the checkout line. We both groaned in agony when we saw how long it was.

 

Hana sighed and said “Well it's to be expected. This is what all last minute shoppers have to go through.”

 

I nodded in agreement.

 

While we continued to wait, Hana had the audacity to ask me “So…any chance you'll tell me what you got me?”

 

“Girl please! As if...!” I said looking at her like she was crazy. She made a false sad face at me.

 

“However, it is a possibility if you tell me what you got for me…” I said with a devious grin.

 

“Nope! Never!” she said shaking her head.

 

“Then I'm not saying anything.”

 

“Oh man! I wish Christmas would hurry up and come!”

 

“Just be patient Hana, Christmas is only a week away. Besides it's not like Santa will be leaving you tons of toys under the Christmas tree.”

 

“I know that! But still…Christmas is my favorite time of year other than my birthday! The presents, the lights, the joy...!” Hana said twirling with happiness

 

“And don't forget the Christmas songs!” I added on.

 

Suddenly Hana broke out into song with “Baby all I want for Christmas is y-!”

 

Before she could finish I covered her mouth and said “Not in the store, woman!”

 

Hana just giggled and said “Gomen.”

 

When we finally got to the front of the line and paid for our things we left the store. Hana gasped when we got outside.

 

“Yuki!” She exclaimed.

 

I was mad at the fact she was having random outbursts. “Come on now Hana, I love `Fruits Basket' just as much as the next person...but for you to just randomly yell out the characters' names like that...”

 

“Not that Yuki you genius!” she said hitting me in the arm.

 

“Ohh, you literally mean Yuki....” I said looking at the sky.

 

Snow was slowly falling to the ground and was already beginning to stick.

 

“So it finally decided to snow, eh?” I said.

 

Hana nodded and said “Yeah, it looks like we'll definitely be having a white Christmas!”

 

While Hana was still being mesmerized by the snow, I managed to gather up enough snow to make a snow ball and I threw it at her. When she looked at me I just whistled and looked around like I had done nothing wrong.

“Aoi I know that was you!”

 

I laughed and ran as Hana attacked me with an onslaught of snowballs.

 

Hana's POV

 

A week later…

 

I woke up early that morning feeling completely refreshed and full of Christmas spirit! Normally I'm not really a morning person, but on Christmas I was always the first one up. Feeling like a little kid, I ran into each of my brothers' rooms and jumped on the bed and shouted “Meriikurisumasu!” to wake them up. The only one I didn't wake up was my dad. That was my brothers' job.

 

After everyone was up I ran downstairs. When the boys got downstairs they were just as pepped up as I was. When Dad got downstairs, he of course acted like I didn't exist. While the boys and Dad exchanged gifts I just sat back and smiled. From time to time one of them would glance at me but I just shook my head to show them that I was okay. It was like that every Christmas. Dad would get gifts for all my brothers, but of course he never got me anything. The gifts my brothers and I got for each other would be exchanged later on. That's how it always was and I was used to it.

 

Suddenly Kazuya picked up a gift and said “Dad aren't you going to open your gift from Hana?”

Everyone got quiet and Dad didn't even spare me a passing glance. “Hmph, no, she probably just got me something stupid.” He said.

 

He then went on saying something to Kyo and the chatter slowly built back up. Kazuya sighed and handed me his gift. “I'm sorry…” he whispered.

I shook my head, trying to act as cheery as possible. “No problem. I mean it's nothing new, right?”

I suddenly remembered a moment when Aoi and I were at the store…

 

I had picked up something that I thought would be perfect for Dad. When Aoi asked who it was for I told her. She shook her head and said “You know he might not accept that right?”

“Well…most likely. But maybe he'll accept my gift this year.” I said sounding hopeful though the feelings in my heart conflicted with my words.

“Yeah…maybe…” Aoi said.

But of course, both of us knew there was no maybe…

 

I sighed and decided to go ahead and let them have their fun. I went upstairs to shower and get dressed. After doing so, I put everyone else's gifts in a trash bag and I prepared myself to leave. But before I left I looked down at my dad's gift one last time and I let a teardrop fall. But I refused to let any more fall, there was no room for sadness on Christmas. So I left and smiled as I glanced at dad and my brothers, who were enjoying their little Christmas brunch. “Meriikurisumasu minna…” I whispered.

 

Aoi's POV

 

“Aoi! Aoi! Wake up sweetie, it's Christmas!” Aunt Risa yelled over and over while jumping on my bed in an attempt to wake me up.

I sat up and stretched, “Is it just me or are the roles being switched?” I said hugging my sky blue pillow.

“Ah not really, you know I'm a child at heart!” she said hitting me with a pillow.

“Auntie!”

“Get your little hindquarters downstairs so we can open these presents, missy!” She said running downstairs like a sugar-crazed child. I pulled my robe on and followed after her.

 

“Presents, presents, presents...!” Aunt Risa yelled while jumping up and down like a bunny.

I just sat on the floor in front of the Christmas tree, looking at her like she was crazy.

“I swear kids these days have no holiday spirit!” she said throwing her arms up in the air melodramatically. She then picked up a long, narrow wrapped box from under the tree and threw it at me. “Open that one first...I think you'll like it the most.”

I took the wrapping off the box in a lazy manner.

“Hanamori Aoi, if you don't open that present faster...!” She yelled at me.

“Okay...don't cut me!” I said jokingly. I hastened up the unwrapping and opened the box. Lying inside it was a brand new flute with blue acrylic.

“I figured that since your last one broke, you'd probably like a new one. I even found one that was painted blue, as you can see.”

“Arigatou Auntie Risa!” I said giving her a big hug.

“No!” She said pushing me away, “Wait `til you've opened everything!”

Along with my new flute I received a really cute, fuzzy, white teddy bear, some perfume, a pair of new jeans (Massara Blue Jeans, Haha!) and some earrings.

“Now can I hug you?” I asked.

She tapped her head with her finger, like she was really thinking about it, “Oh sure, why not?”

That being said I jump-hugged her and we both fell to the floor laughing. When she finally got herself together she stood up and said, “Well angel face, I'm going to go make some breakfast. Later...”

“But Auntie you didn't open your presents yet!” I called after her.

“I get presents too??? YAY!” She exclaimed diving back in front of the Christmas tree.

I smiled as I handed Aunt Risa her presents. I only got her a new set of scrubs (AN: Those are the outfits that nurses have to wear, in case you didn't know) and a mug that says `#1 Aunt'.

 

“I'm sorry I couldn't get you anything more extravagant.” I said.

She looked at me, jaw dropped, as if I was crazy. “Are you kidding? It doesn't get much better than this! Most parents...erm...guardians, don't even receive presents from their children. I'm glad that I got anything at all!”

She put her presents in a pile and proceeded to returning my hug, “Thank you sweetie!”

“Dooitashimashite...” I said receiving the hug.

“Well then, you go get dressed while I make breakfast. And after we're done eating we're gonna call your uncle and wish him a Merry Christmas.” She said while entering the kitchen.

“Sweet.” I said.

You see, Aunt Risa's actually married. However, Uncle Ryo's job makes it so that he has to travel a lot, so he's basically never home. I actually hadn't seen him at all since I'd moved in with Aunt Risa.

 

I took my shower and got dressed in my seasonal wear (a white sweater with a snowflake necklace). I was startled when I heard my cell phone vibrating on my nightstand table. I picked it up and looked at the number. It was Hana.

“Moshi, Moshi!” I said.

“Meriikurisumasu, Aoi!” She said with, what sounded like, forced enthusiasm.

“Meriikurisumasu to you too! But what's wrong? You don't sound too happy...”

“...he didn't accept the gift...” she said with a sigh. I automatically knew that she was talking about her dad.

“Aw, Hana I'm sorry...I really didn't want you to get your feelings hurt...”

“I know...I know...” She suddenly perked up and said “But I'm not going to let that ruin my Christmas spirit!”

I smiled and said, “That's good. Well, I'm about to eat breakfast. So I'll see you later.”

“Yeah…um actually is it okay if I come over? I kinda didn't eat breakfast.”

I suddenly heard her stomach growl over the phone.

“Dang, well you definitely sound hungry! But yeah its okay if you come over, I know Aunt Risa won't mind. She always makes big meals even though it's just the two of us.”

“Great! Well I'll be over in a few!”

“Kay! Ja-ne!”

“Bye!”

 

Hana's POV

 

When Aoi answered the door I wasn't surprised to see she had a miniskirt on. I was constantly reminded that weather didn't affect her style. After hugging and saying `Merry Christmas' to each other I said, “Well I see you're wearing your new skirt.”

She twirled around and said “Yeah. I look cute, no?”

“No.” I said. She pouted like a baby, being the drama queen that she is. But I just laughed and said “Sike, I'm joking. You do indeed look very kawaii.”

“Why thank you!”

After entering the house and taking off my boots I sighed at the smell of breakfast. “Man that smells good!” I exclaimed. I ran into the dining room and almost jumped for joy when I saw the table was already set. There were eggs, pancakes, grits, sausages, bacon, biscuits, orange juice, and tea. I was about to sit down when Aunt Risa suddenly popped out of the kitchen and stopped me. “Uh-uh. You are not allowed to touch that food...”

Before I had a chance to ask why she smiled and said “Not until you give me a big Christmas hug!”

I just laughed and hugged her and shouted happily “Meriikurisumasu!”

“Meriikurisumasu, Hana.” She said back.

After we broke apart all of us sat down and began to eat. While we were eating I constantly complimented Aunt Risa on her cooking. Aoi nodded in agreement and said “Yep she's totally the Iron Chef.”

 

When we all finished eating, Aoi and I helped Aunt Risa with the dishes. I then went to get the giant bag I carried with me, containing everyone's gifts.

When I presented my gift to Aoi I told her to sit down on the couch and close her eyes. After she did so I sat next to her and laid the gift out across our legs. I then told her to open her eyes and she gasped.

 

I had made her a quilt. It was blue and covered with pictures of her and me. They were pictures we had taken at the Halloween dance, random pictures we took in a photo booth, some pictures Chiyo had taken of us (she went to college for photography and sometimes used us for her work), and of course…our one and only baby picture, which was in the middle. Aoi ran her fingers over the fabric and looked at it in awe and Aunt Risa did the same. Suddenly Aoi surprised me with a tight hug.

“Arigatou Gozaimasu!” she exclaimed.

I hugged her back and said “You're welcome.”

 

After we broke apart she sighed and said, “Man…my gift really doesn't compare.”

 

“I doubt that! Let me see it!” I said folding my arms.

 

She retrieved two gifts from under the tree. One was from her and the other was from Aunt Risa.

“Oh! Open mine first! Open mine first!” Aunt Risa said jumping up and down like a little kid.

“Okay, okay!” I said and to please her I opened it. I gasped at what I got. Inside the bag were two games I had really wanted, Tekken 6 and Kingdom Hearts 3 (AN: We wanted to say that in case it mattered to anyone, we're pretending these games actually existed around this time). I hugged Aunt Risa tight and said thanked her.

 

When we broke the hug I moved on to Aoi's gift. After quickly ripping the paper from the box I opened it up to see a fresh new pair of ice skates inside. They were purple and decorated with rhinestones that spelled out my name.

 

Aoi sighed again and said “See? I told you it didn't compare.”

 

I looked at her like she was crazy and said “What are you talking about? These are great! Besides, I needed some new skates anyway.”

 

She looked at me like I was lying, but then I hugged her and said “I really do like them, thank you.”

 

She hugged me back and said “You're welcome.”

 

Aoi's POV

 

I was really happy that Hana and Aunt Risa liked their gifts. After seeing the things they got me I was a little worried that they'd be disappointed. But they weren't which made me feel a lot better.

 

That evening, Hana and I were to go to Inuyasha's house as planned. I guess as a way of apologizing for his little chat room screw up, he invited everyone to come to his house for Christmas dinner. And to make it better, Kikyo wouldn't be there because she went out of town to visit some other family members. So thankfully she wouldn't be there to destroy the Christmas spirit.

 

Just before Hana and I left, I realized that I had forgotten something.

“Aunt Risa, we forgot to call Uncle Ryo!” I told her.

She just patted me on the shoulder and said, “Don't worry about it. Go ahead and go to your friend's house, I'll tell him you said `hello'!”

“Um...okay,” I said hesitantly, “I'll see you later.”

 

Hana and I were one of the first ones to arrive at the Takahashi household. Hana of course, was very eager to eat so she made sure we got there on time. But she was disappointed when she found out that she had to wait until everyone else got there.

 

“Put on your blown face Hana.” I told her.

 

“Tch, like you need to tell me that, I'm already wearing it.” She said with a pout.

 

To help us kill time, Inuyasha decided to show us around the house. As we walked around I thought back to what Rin had said. She was right, the Takahashi household was like a castle (me being the person that I am I was taking pictures of everything as we were walking). To sum it all up, there were four floors, 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a patio and balcony on every floor, a garden (which was of course snowed over at the time), an entertainment room (which had a big screen TV, a DVD/VCR player, a stereo, hundreds of DVDs, tapes, and games to go with every game system known to man) two pools, (one indoor, one outdoor), a dining room, a kitchen, an office (which I assumed belonged to his dad), a mini library, a gym, and a lounge with a fireplace (which was where the Christmas tree was set up). Hana and I weren't really surprised when he told us they had maids and a chef.

 

“Well with a house this big I can see why they would be needed!” Hana said.

 

When our tour ended everyone started to arrive. First Kagome showed up, then Sango and Miroku, then Sesshomaru (who had gone to pick up Rin), and then Bankotsu. When I saw the gifts in his arms I almost snatched them away from him but he pulled them away from me and said I had to wait until we opened the gifts later.

 

So now that everyone was there, we all finally got to eat, much to Hana's delight.

 

Hana's POV

 

I was so happy when everyone got there. I was happy to see them of course, but I was also happy that we'd finally be able to eat!

 

The dinner we were served consisted of turkey, rice, macaroni and cheese, greens, string beans, chicken, salad, beans, and of course egg nog. It was a very Western-style dinner (the chef knew how to create international foods) but it was delicious nonetheless. While we ate, we talked about what happened in our day so far. Of course Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were close arguing several times but I intervened trying my best to keep the peaceful atmosphere.

 

Anyway when we were all done eating, we all moved to the lounge to open our gifts.

 

“Yay presents!!!” Rin said bouncing around the room.

Everyone who hadn't seen the depths of Inuyasha's and Sesshomaru's home before gasped in amazement as they saw the humongous lounge along with its fireplace.

 

“Wow this place is huge!” Kagome exclaimed.

 

“No kidding, dang Inuyasha, what kind of drugs does your dad sell exactly?” Miroku asked jokingly.

 

“The same kind that Bankotsu used to sell,” Inuyasha said “Right Bankotsu?”

 

Bankotsu, who had his arm locked with Aoi's, just looked at him as if to say, `That really wasn't funny'. When Inuyasha finally got the hint, he walked away.

 

Everyone was sitting down next to their normal protégés. Rin and I were with Sesshomaru, Sango was with Miroku, and Aoi was with Bankotsu. This left Kagome and Inuyasha together.

 

Ah, as it should be. Don't you agree Aoi?

 

Yup.

 

“So, now what happens?” Sango piped up.

 

We were definitely just staring at each other.

 

“I'm not sure what you all are waiting for, go on, distribute material things among the masses. Look I'll start...”

Sesshomaru gingerly picked up a blue, ribbon-tied box from under the tree and handed it to me.

 

“Hmm, I wonder what's in it...” I said. I was about to shake it, but Sesshomaru stopped me.

“Just open it.” He said.

I did what he said and opened the box, and out of it jumped a small puppy!

 

“Aww!” All the females in the room exclaimed.

The puppy was a lab with goldish-white fur. And at that moment it was very much occupied with licking my hands.

 

“Oh thank you, Sessho-chan,” I said, “He is so cute!”

Sesshomaru just smiled at me and said, “I had a feeling you would like him.”

Just then, my new puppy completely abandoned me to enjoy the comfort of sitting on Sesshomaru's leg.

“Aw, he likes you Sessho-chan!” I said.

 

“Hmm, I can't imagine why...” Aoi said snickering. Sesshomaru looked irritated for a second, but let it fly.

 

The awkward moment disappeared when everyone finally decided to, as Sesshomaru put it, `distribute material things among the masses'.

 

Aoi's POV

 

Bankotsu went next as he took his presents from under the tree and gave them to everyone. I was about shake mine just like Hana, but Bankotsu stopped me.

 

“Did you get Aoi-san a puppy, too?” Rin asked.

 

He shook his head, “No…but you're close.”

 

I proceeded with opening the box as everyone else watched with anticipation (they had temporarily paused from opening their own). A big smile appeared on my face as I pulled out a small bunny with gray fur.

 

“Awww!” the females exclaimed again.

 

“It's so cute!” I said while cuddling my new bunny. I then kissed Bankotsu on the cheek and said “Thank you so much! I already have a name for him!”

 

“What's that?” he asked.

 

“I'm gonna name him after his daddy...Kotsu-chan!”

 

He gave me a look and said, “Wow…I can't believe a rabbit is being named after me, but if that's what you want…”

 

Sesshomaru glanced between Hana and the puppy that was still on his leg. “You'd better not name this thing after me.” He said pointing to the puppy.

 

She shook her head in amusement and said “Of course not.”

 

Everyone else thanked Bankotsu for his or her gifts while I was next to retrieve mine. But before I gave Bankotsu mine, he claimed he had one more gift for me. He went back to the tree and got a slim rectangular gift. I quickly unwrapped it and was once again dazzled by what my baby had gotten me.

 

It was a painted picture of me (pretty much of my upper body). I was peering sideways at a full moon with a smile on my face while my hair blew in the wind. The picture was painted with soft colors and exquisite detail.

Everyone except Sesshomaru huddled around the picture to get a better look. We all gasped in amazement.

 

“It's beautiful Kotsu-chan! Did you paint this?” I asked him after planting another kiss on his cheek.

 

He nodded.

 

“You never told me you could paint!” I exclaimed.

 

He just shrugged and said, “You never asked! Besides, it isn't something I talk about much…”

 

Miroku put his hand on Bankotsu's shoulder and said “Man I wish I had your talent…then I could paint Sango in all of her naked glory.”

 

Sango smacked Miroku upside the head and said “Shut up!”

 

He rubbed the back of his head and said “Or I could paint you with clothes on, whichever one you choose…”

 

Everyone went back to their seats and resumed with giving and receiving. After making sure Bankotsu didn't have any more gifts for me, I proceeded in giving him my gift. His face lit up when he saw that I got him a PSP and Madden, Tekken, and Fight Night to go with it. I had remembered him saying he wanted one but of course since he didn't have money like that he couldn't get it. It was then that I mentally thanked Hana for getting me a job. So of course I got it for him along with some games I knew he would like. Bankotsu, in response to his gifts, hugged me tightly and kissed me several times. I was glad that I could make him so happy by getting him something he wanted (even though in reality it was incomparable to what he got me).

 

After everyone opened their gifts from me Hana was next to pass out her gifts. She went to Kagome first and told her to close her eyes. When she did, Hana slowly placed a pair of dog-ears onto of her head. When she opened her eyes everybody couldn't help but laugh. Inuyasha slightly blushed but then shook his head and grumbled something incoherently. Hana briefly looked between the two before giving her the real gift, which was from both of us. It was a brand new archery set with a bow, several arrows, and a target that could be used for practice. Kagome hugged both of us and said “Thanks twins! I can't wait to use it!”

 

The last one she came to was Sesshomaru. As he opened his gift she stammered “Um I hope you like it…I mean with you being rich and everything I didn't know what to get you…”

 

Sesshomaru smiled as he pulled out the hand made sweater. “I know it's not much…” Hana said doubtfully. But Sesshomaru surprised her when he hugged her suddenly and said, “I love it…because you made it.”

 

The next to pass out their gifts was Miroku. While everyone opened his or her gifts, he gave Sango hers (which was a big box), and told her to go change into it. Sango gave him a warning glance and said, “It better not be anything sleazy...” But she proceeded to go to one of the bathrooms to change. When we had opened our gifts and thanked Miroku for them, Sango returned with a long green sleeveless dress on. She smiled and twirled around and said, “How do I look?”

 

We clapped and whistled in approval. “Ooh, look at Sango bringin' sexy back!” I said.

 

“Yeah, it's Sango-Japan's next top model!” Hana said.

 

Just then Miroku came behind her and latched a pair of handcuffs on her wrists. When she turned around in surprise Miroku pecked her on the lips and said “Merry Christmas baby.”

 

“Oh thanks for the dress Miroku! But um…what's with the handcuffs?” she asked holding up her restrained wrists.

 

“Yeah Miroku...I thought we told you...no kinky! There are children here!” I said pointing to Rin, who fortunately, was playing with the doll that Hana had gotten her and wasn't paying attention to us.

 

Ignoring what I said, he kissed her again and said, “They're so I won't have to worry about you getting away from me…”

 

She shook her head and said “Well you don't have to worry about that. Now, can you please take these off so I can pass out my gifts?”

 

After Miroku took off the handcuffs, Sango proceeded to pass out her gifts. In return for the pretty green dress Miroku had gotten her, she had gotten him a pair of tickets to a basketball game that his favorite team was playing.

 

Kagome was next. Almost everyone got quiet when she got to Inuyasha. She told him to close his eyes and we all watched as she placed a pretty purple necklace around his neck. When he opened his eyes he examined the necklace. He grumbled something about it looking a bit girly, but still thanked her. Kagome suddenly grinned and said “Well, I'm glad you like it. Now do me a favor and…SIT BOY!”

 

Inuyasha suddenly plummeted face first to the floor. Everyone busted out laughing, especially Sesshomaru. This kinda freaked me out cuz he almost never smiles, let alone laughs.

 

“Kagome what the hell did you just do?!” Inuyasha asked when he was able to stand again.

 

“Oh nothing...” she said with a malicious grin, “That's just a perk that comes along with the necklace!”

 

“What did you do to it...put some creepy kinda voodoo spell on it?” Inuyasha said with his speech muffled from the swollen face he received from falling face-first into the floor.

 

“Maybe...” Kagome replied slyly.

 

“Oh whatever...”

 

After the whole gift-giving period was over, Hana initiated a paper fight. Soon all of the crazy adolescents (and child, if you include Rin) within the Takahashi household were throwing and being pelted with gift wrap. All of the adolescents that is, except for Sesshomaru and me. We sat on the couch (Sesshomaru still had Hana's puppy, and I still had my bunny) watching everyone else act a fool.

 

“This is so beneath me...” Sesshomaru said shaking his head.

 

“I just don't like getting hit with paper.” I said.

 

“Hmm...Oh, I almost forgot...”

Suddenly, Sesshomaru picked up yet another present from under the tree that had been overlooked. It was decorated with shiny black paper and a white bow.

 

“This is for you...from me...” He said.

 

My jaw dropped in shock. Sesshomaru actually did something nice for me!

“But-but I thought you hated me!” I said taking the present.

 

He shook his head and said, “I don't hate you...you may irritate me to no end...but I don't hate you...so hurry up and open it.”

 

I listened to what he said and opened my gift, inside was a blue Mac laptop. It was something I'd always wanted, but never really thought about getting because it was so expensive.

 

“But how did you know?!” I asked in surprise.

 

He looked at me like I was dumb, “Hanako told me of course...”

 

Well yeah, it was kinda slow of me to ask that. I thought.

 

I then did something that I never thought I would do, I hugged Sesshomaru.

“Arigatou Gozaimasu!” I said.

 

“You're welcome...just don't hug me!” he said pushing me away like I had rabies.

I just smiled and continued to watch the paper fight.

 

“Oh I almost forgot too!” Bankotsu said suddenly going back to the tree.

 

I cocked my head to the side and said “I thought you said you didn't get me anything else.”

 

“I didn't. This is from Jakotsu.” He said handing me an envelope.

 

I opened it up to see that it was a Christmas card...at least I thought it was, but when I opened it up, I was really surprised. It was two tickets…to Okinawa. For a moment I just sat there in shock but I snapped out of it when I felt Bankotsu shake me and heard him ask me if I was okay.

 

I nodded and proceeded with reading the inside of the card:

Merry Christmas Aoi-chan!

I really hope your Christmas has been filled with love, joy, and cheer. I remember Kotsu-kichi telling me about how you came from Okinawa and trust me sweetie; I know how it feels to be homesick. So I immediately thought sending you home for a little bit would be cool! Oh yeah and the second ticket is for Kotsu-kichi. I think I'd be cruel if I sent you to Okinawa by yourself (even if it is your home) so I also thought, why not send you away with your man! Well I hope you two will have fun! Love ya!

 

“Wow…” I said, “Man you'd better give Jakotsu a big hug for me!”

 

“Um, no thank you…you can give him a hug yourself when you see him again.”

 

I rolled my eyes and said “Fine.”

 

Just as I was about to put the card and tickets back in the envelope I noticed something else inside. I couldn't tell what it was so I pulled it out. It was small and square and written on it was `Just in case!' with a winking smiley face on it. I almost screamed and dropped the object like it was poison. When Bankotsu saw what it was he looked angry and he said “I am going to kill him!”

 

Hana's POV

 

I was having so much fun that I didn't want to leave. I'm pretty sure everyone else felt the same (except for Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, considering they weren't leaving cuz they kinda lived there) but it was getting late and the Takahashi's were, as Inuyasha put it, `ready for everyone to get the hell up out their house'.

After all the `goodbyes' and what not were exchanged, everyone went their separate ways.

Sesshomaru had offered to take me home when he took Rin home and I accepted the offer.

 

“Well better yet, why don't you drive yourself home?” He asked me suddenly.

 

Nani?

“Sessho-chan what are you talking about?” I asked.

 

“Take a look outside...” he said inclining his head toward the door.

 

I put my shoes on, and not bothering to get my coat I walked outside. In the driveway I saw three cars. There was a silver car, a black car, and lastly, a white car that I hadn't remembered being there when I first arrived.

 

“Whose car is this?” I called to Sesshomaru from outside. He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a set of car keys and threw them at me.

 

“It's yours!” He said.

 

 

Aoi's POV

 

Once I arrived home from the Christmas get-together, I was exhausted and pretty much ready to hit the sack. I slowly gathered up all my things out of the car and dragged myself to the door. I was feeling too lazy to fumble with my key so I knocked loudly on the door a couple of times. A couple of seconds later Aunt Risa came to the door.

 

“Hey! Did you have fun?” She asked.

 

Too tired to actually say anything, I simply nodded.

“Hmm, somebody's sleepy...hurry up and get in here before you get sick, it's snowing out here!” Aunt Risa said dragging me inside.

She shut the door behind me and as I was taking off my boots she asked me some things.

“So tell me about it! What did you get?”

I shoved the box that held `Kotsu-chan' into her chest.

 

“Usagi!” She exclaimed when she saw the little ball of gray fluff, “Did your `man' give him to you?”

I nodded.

“Ah, that boy really is a sweetheart.” She said handing the box back to me. “Remind me to go get a cage, some food, and a water bottle for the bunny tomorrow okay? But in the meantime, put your stuff down for a minute. We have a visitor who's been waiting anxiously to see you. He's sitting in the living room right now, come on.”

 

A visitor...at this time of night? I thought as I followed Aunt Risa into the living room. When I walked inside, I saw a man sitting on one of our leather chairs. He looked like a business-man, even though his ruffled up shirt and undone tie made him look quite unprofessional. He was middle-aged, with dark brown hair flecked with gray. He had soft, brown eyes hidden behind a pair of glasses.

And I was so happy to see him after all this time...

 

“Uncle Ryo!!” I shouted, all of my drowsiness going away.

 

“Hey there missy!” He said to me, “Get over here and give me a hug!”

I did just that, I ran over to him and hugged him and planted a big kiss on his cheek.

 

“Hey, why don't I get greetings like that?” Aunt Risa asked making a pouty face.

 

Uncle Ryo and I just laughed at her.

“Cuz I see you every day Auntie!” I said.

 

“That's right Risa,” Uncle Ryo said, “I haven't seen my niece in how long? Three years?”

 

“Yep, that's about right.” I said.

 

“And I can tell too!” he said looking at me, “Look at how much you've grown! You're sixteen now aren't you? Man, time sure does fly...”

 

“Anyway...when did you get here?” I asked changing the subject.

 

Uncle Ryo explained to me that he was on vacation from Christmas until New Year's Day. So like a good little family man, instead of going off to some exotic location he decided to come home to good old Tokyo to see his loving wife and niece.

Aunt Risa then explained to me that when she called him (after I left) he had asked her to pick him up from the airport, and that she was going to call me and tell me that he'd be staying with us for a couple of days. However Uncle Ryo wanted this to be a surprise so she kept it a secret until I got home.

 

“Well I sure was surprised!” I said, “I'm happy too-! Well I'm kinda tired, but still happy!”

 

“I see, well we wouldn't want you to over exert yourself now would we? So you go on ahead and get some sleep and we'll catch up in the morning okay?” He said.

 

“That sounds great...well, good night you two!” I said kissing both my uncle and my aunt on the cheek.

 

“Good night!” They both said simultaneously, like me and my sister would do.

 

I went back to the entrance to retrieve Kotsu-chan, but because I was so tired I decided to leave the rest of my presents there until tomorrow.

Aunt Risa will probably get them for me anyway. I thought.

I walked into my room, put Kotsu-chan's box next to my bed, and without even bothering to change into my pajamas I fell into my bed and went right to sleep.

 

Hana's POV

 

I woke up the next morning in an extremely good mood. Even though Christmas morning wasn't all that great since my dad didn't accept the present that I bought for him, the rest of my Christmas was awesome!

Not only did I get to spend time with my sister, my friends, and my `man', but I got a puppy and a new car!

It was a white car with lavender interior. My name was even embroidered in the seats!

And if that wasn't enough, when I got home I found a new motorcycle waiting for me!

Yes, it was a wonderful holiday indeed.

 

I was thinking about what I was gonna do that day when I heard my cell phone vibrating.

The caller was none other than the lovely Aoi Hanamori.

 

“Moshi Moshi!” I said happily.

“'Sup! How are you?” she said.

“Ah, I'm great!”

“So how was the rest of your evening last night?” she asked.

“Fantastic! Guess what my last two presents were?”

“What?”

I paused for dramatic effect.

“What?” Aoi asked becoming impatient.

“I got a car and a new motorcycle!”

“Are you serious...who were they from?”

“The car was another surprise from Sessho-chan, the motorcycle was from Kazuya.”

“I see, so you just made out like a bandit, didn't you?” Aoi said.

“Yup, pretty much.”

“...so...what are ya doin' today?” she asked suddenly.

“Um, nothin really,” I said, “Why?”

“Well...I wanted to know if you could do me a favor...”

“Sure! What is it?”

“Well, I got this teddy bear yesterday. And even though I only had it for a little while, it ripped!” Aoi said melodramatically.

“So...you want me to fix it for you?” I asked.

“Well...yeah.”

“I can do that! Come over here anytime, I'm ready when you are!”

“Sweet, so I'll see you later then?”

“Yeah...bye!”

“Bye”

 

When Aoi got to my house, I grabbed my sewing kit and both of us sat in the living room with the TV on. We really weren't paying attention to it though because we were too busy talking. The first thing Aoi brought up was her uncle's surprise visit.

 

“Wow that's great. I bet you were really surprised to see him.” I said while my hands were busy stitching up the teddy bear.

 

“Yeah I was!” Aoi said petting my puppy that was lying in her lap. “Oh yeah, later on today the three of us are supposed to go out to eat. So I was wondering… would you like to join us?”

 

I stopping sewing for a moment and looked at her. “That sounds great but…I really don't want to intrude…”

 

“You won't be intruding. Besides it would be the perfect opportunity for you to meet Uncle Ryo. I already told him about you and he's been dying to meet you.”

 

“Well in that case, I guess I won't mind coming.” I said, my hands getting back to work.

 

There was a brief moment of silence between us before Aoi asked “So um…I've been wondering…do you have any aunts, uncles, cousins? Anything like that?

 

I was silent for a moment before answering “Well…I have two uncles on my dad's side and an aunt and uncle on my mom's side. My two uncles on my dad's side are both single and don't have kids. My aunt and uncle on my mom's side have two kids.”

 

“Do they live in Tokyo?”

 

“My uncle Hiro on my dad's side, he's a archeologist and right now he's working on some expedition in Egypt and my uncle Katsu lives in Yokohama. My aunt Mai and my uncle Taiki on my mom's side along with my cousins Ami and Taro, also live in Yokohama.”

 

“I see…so how often do you see them? Do they come visit?”

 

I admit, I was a bit annoyed by Aoi's questions but I didn't blame her because I never really talked about my family much. As my sister, she did have a right to know everything about them.

 

“Well I very rarely see Uncle Hiro because he's always traveling. Uncle Katsu, Uncle Taiki, and Aunt Mai come and visit every so often, usually on special occasions.”

 

“Yeah…it's kinda like that with Uncle Ryo. I never see him much because he's always working but I always love the chances I get to see him.” Aoi took a deep breath before continuing. “So tell me…do they know…about how your dad treats you?”

 

I also took a deep breath before answering. “You can say my dad is a bit of an `actor'” I said making dramatic hand movements. “You see, whenever we're around family he tends to act…I guess you could say…'neutral' with me. He's not affectionate but he doesn't blow me off like he usually does.”

 

“I see.” Aoi said sounding kind of pissed. “Well, if I may ask, why did your parents get married in the first place? From what you told me…they seem so different.”

 

“They are…well they were. My grandparents, on both sides, were very traditional. They both arranged for my parents to be married, thinking that they were compatible. As far as I know the first couple of years of their marriage went pretty smoothly, but well…there was no real love there…so their relationship only went downhill. My mom tried her best to make it work but even her best efforts were in vain. When she was in the hospital, she told me that earning my dad's love was the only goal she never achieved…” By then I had my eyes closed, refraining myself from crying.

 

Aoi placed her hand on mine and said “I'm sorry…I shouldn't have brought it up.”

 

I shook my head and opened my eyes. “No its okay, I figured you'd ask sooner or later.”

 

Aoi placed her hands on her hips and said “And what's that supposed to mean?”

 

I pointed at her and said “It means that you're nosy.”

 

“No I'm just curious.”

 

“Please, same thing.” I said. After tying a knot in the last stitch and cutting the remaining thread off, I handed Aoi the bear. “Well here you go. Good as new.”

 

“Thanks!” she said taking the bear and hugging it. As I sat there I couldn't help but wonder…

 

Were our birth parents compatible?

 

Aoi's POV

 

As I was leaving Hana's house Aunt Risa gave me a call on my cell phone. She said that she needed me to go to the grocery store and pick up a couple of things for her. I told her that I'd be more than happy to.

After I came out of the store, I saw a familiar face walking not too far away from me...

 

“Kagura-chan!!” I yelled to her.

 

When she saw me, she tried to avoid me by walking even faster; practically dragging the small companion she had with her behind her.

 

“Kagura stop! I know you see me!” I said following after her.

She eventually gave up and came to a stop.

When I finally caught up with her I attempted to give her a hug but she shoved me away.

 

“I don't do hugs.” She said.

 

“Oh...um...my bad...anyway, how has your winter break been?” I asked trying to make small talk.

 

She looked at me the way she usually does...with discontent.

“Why does it matter?” She said.

 

“Well, I don't know! I just wanted to know how you've been that's all. Like how your Christmas was and stuff!” I said.

 

She sighed and said, “Christmas is nonexistent for me. There's never enough money to go around for presents or whatever...”

 

“But Kagura it's not just about the gifts!” I said, “It's about-“

 

“...Jesus, love, friendship, and peace on earth, right? Please, religious and moral meaning to Christmas died out years ago. Now it's all about commercialism.”

 

I was getting kinda frustrated from how difficult Kagura was being. But I continued to speak friendly with her, “Well I guess that's what you think.”

I took full notice to the little girl that was holding Kagura's hand. She was albino. She had pale skin and white hair, but her eyes were dark and emotionless, Compared to Kagura and her `all black' motif, they looked almost like `yin and yang'.

“What's your name?” I said sweetly to the girl.

She didn't respond. She didn't even look at me actually.

“This is my sister Kanna...and as you can see she doesn't talk much.” Kagura said looking down at her sister.

 

“I see...well nice to meet you Kanna!” I attempted to shake her hand, but she just moved further behind Kagura.

 

“Well look Hanamori,” Kagura said, “I gotta go home so...I'll see you next week or whatever.”

 

Without waving or anything she began to walk away...

 

But then an idea came to me and I called her back.

 

“What?” She asked, annoyed.

 

“Come with me...” I walked to my car, looking behind me every couple of seconds to make sure Kagura and Kanna were still behind me. I unlocked the doors and laid my bags in the passenger seat. I then grabbed my teddy bear from the back seat.

 

“I know it's a day late but...Merry Christmas Kagura!”

She looked confused but she still took the bear, “What the heck is this for?”

 

“It's a Christmas present for you! My aunt gave it to me but, I want you to have it.”

 

“But why?” She asked, still confused.

 

I just smiled at her and said, “Because that's something that friends do Kagura. And you are my friend...”

 

Kagura looked like she was at a loss for words. After a moment she once again left with Kanna.

 

On the way home I smiled to myself

I don't care if she's not too fond of me, I thought, I want her to have a friend, so I'll be her friend.

 

Five days later on New Year's Eve…

 

Just like we did on Christmas, everyone in our little `gang' decided to get together to celebrate the New Year. The only differences were this time it was at Miroku's house and it wasn't just us, it was several others celebrating with us as well.

 

Miroku had first initiated the idea to throw a New Year's party at his house. Inuyasha had volunteered to have it at his house again at first but Sesshomaru quickly `un-volunteered' him (apparently he was tired of having people in his house, and big brother always gets his way). Miroku's house wasn't as big as Inuyasha's but it was definitely big enough to occupy the twenty-something individuals he had invited. Fortunately, most of them Hana and I already knew, so we didn't have to worry about introducing ourselves to a whole bunch strangers.

 

Anyway, a good hour before the party had started; I was in my room, deliberating on what I was going to wear. Miroku had said it was a semi-formal/semi-casual party but telling me that didn't make it much easier because I had a lot of both semi-formal and semi-casual outfits to choose from (since I had the money to buy clothes).

 

After about thirty minutes of going through my outfits, I finally found what I was going to wear. It was a short pink dress that Uncle Ryo had sent me from New York last year for Christmas. The dress was strapless and was long in the back and short in the front. I was glad that I could still fit it. I decided to style it with a pink headband, silver bracelets, dangling silver earrings, a diamond necklace, and silver open toed shoes. After I showered and got dressed I smiled at myself in the mirror before leaving.

 

Since Hana was catching a ride with Sesshomaru (even though she got a BRAND NEW car), I went straight to Miroku's house.

 

When I got there, pretty much everyone else was already there. It didn't take me long to find Hana who was sitting at the mini-bar with Sango. I first hugged Sango, who was wearing the green dress Miroku had gotten her for Christmas. I then hugged Hana who was wearing a long light purple dress with spaghetti straps and a long slit in the front. Her hair was curled and she was wearing her mom's diamond necklace along with diamond bracelets and silver open toed shoes like mine.

 

“Wow chickadee you look great!” I said.

 

“You do too! I'm really lovin' that dress...” She said.

 

“I am too.” I heard someone behind me say. I immediately recognized the voice and turned around to see none other than Bankotsu. He was also dressed for the occasion, wearing a blue button up shirt with black slacks and black dress shoes. Even if his outfit was a lot like the one he had wore to his first meeting with Aunt Risa, he surprised me by how great he looked.

 

I greeted him with a hug and said “Wow…you never cease to amaze me…”

 

“Same with you…I keep wondering what I did to deserve a girl this damn fine…”

 

I just smiled at him and said, “You're such a little kiss-up, but I love ya anyway!”

 

Hana seemed to be looking around for someone.

 

“What's the matter Hana? You can't find Sesshomaru?” I asked her.

She shook her head, “After we got here we were together for a little while, but then I completely lost him...”

 

“Hmm...” I said, “Well, until he decides to pop up...” I pulled my digital camera from out of my purse, “Why don't we take some pictures???”

Hana shook her head at me in disappointment, “You're such a camera whore Aoi. I think it's time to admit you have an addiction...”

 

“Hush and take these pictures!” I said grabbing both her and Bankotsu. I took about five different pictures of all three of us before I decided that I'd had enough.

 

“God, now all I see is the little dots from the post-flash!” Hana complained while rubbing her eyes.

 

“Seriously, it's like they won't go away!” Bankotsu said.

 

“Oh you guys are such babies!” I said putting my camera away. “Come on, let's go search for our peoples...”

 

Hana's POV

 

We finally found Miroku, Inuyasha, Kagome, and Sesshomaru bunched up together in the game room. The three guys were in the midst of a heated match of poker while Kagome was the sole spectator.

“Hey Aoi-chan! Hana-chan! Bankotsu-kun!” Kagome said acknowledging our existence. Unlike the other three who were so wrapped up in their little card game they were unaware of their surroundings.

 

“I'm folding...” Miroku said placing his cards down. Now it was between just Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. Inuyasha laid down his hand which was a straight of spades. For a second he seemed very confident that he was going to win, that is until Sesshomaru laid down his hand, a royal flush.

 

“That's the third time in a row! You're cheating! I swear you're cheating!” Inuyasha yelled to Sesshomaru.

 

“Don't be such a sore loser.” Sesshomaru said coolly, “Miroku's been dealing the cards the whole time. I didn't even touch the deck once.”

 

“Hmph, you're smart, you coulda found a way!” Inuyasha said.

 

“Cut it out Inuyasha, you're just mad because you keep losing all of your money.”

 

Just as it looked like Inuyasha was about to crack, Kagome stepped in...

 

“Sit boy!” she yelled. Inuyasha instantly dropped to the floor, courtesy of his `Christmas present'.

 

“Ya dumb wench! That wasn't even necessary! I wasn't gonna do nothin' to him!” Inuyasha complained.

 

“Oh yes you were,” Kagome said, “We are not gonna start all of this nonsense on this evening when we're supposed to be having fun!”

 

“Whatever.” Inuyasha said using his favorite phrase.

 

Now that the whole poker fiasco was over and done with, we now had everyone's full attention. I asked Sesshomaru why he just left me to go play poker. Apparently at first he had gone outside to take a call on his cell phone and when he came back inside, Miroku and Inuyasha had kidnapped him to play poker.

 

“Ooooh, okay. I suppose I forgive you then...” I said. I noticed that one of the buttons on his silk shirt was undone.

“Hold still, Sessho-chan.” I said as I began to fix his shirt. Of course in his usual fashion, Miroku just had to say, “Okay you two, if you're gonna take your clothes off, at least get a room or something!”

Both Sesshomaru and I gave Miroku a look.

 

“Miroku shut the hell up...” Sesshomaru finally said.

 

“Hey Miroku...” Kagome said suddenly, “can we all like, eat or something? Cuz I'm like really hungry!”

 

“Like sure Kagome! We like, have some osechi-ryori in the dining area and like, you can definitely like, get some!” Miroku said making fun of Kagome's constant use of the word `like'. Kagome of course, didn't pick up the joke.

 

“Why do you keep saying `like' Miroku?” She asked confused.

 

“Just...don't worry about it Kagome.” He said.

 

We found Sango again after we finished eating. Eventually the eight of us ended up in the living room decorated with kadomatsu for the occasion. (AN: that's basically like a Christmas tree, except it's for New Year)

We all sat down on the giant sofa and watched the New Year festival on the plasma screen television.

 

Brightly lit paper lanterns lit up the streets, Taiko drummers pounded vigorously, and children dressed in cute little kimonos played with sparklers. It was all so festive.

 

“Those were the good old days, you know?” I said.

 

“Yeah, that kinda stuff, that's all you were obligated to do as a kid.” Sango said.

 

“Yup, and then you get older and life becomes a bitch.” Bankotsu said. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

 

In the festival, they were now at the segment where they had famous singers perform.

 

“Hey, they got Ayumi Hamasaki to perform!” Kagome said.

 

“Yeah, she's hot.” Miroku said.

 

Everyone turned to look at him.

 

“You do know she's like thirty years old don't you?” Sesshomaru asked.

 

“So...that makes her less hot?” Miroku asked obliviously. We all just rolled our eyes.

 

“You know...one day...that'll be me up there,” Aoi said quietly, “I'll be performing live in front of the nation, being admired by thousands of fans...”

 

I looked at her for a minute, “You wanna sing Aoi? I mean, professionally sing?”

She looked confused, “Yeah...what's wrong with that?”

 

“Nothing's wrong with it! I just didn't know!” I said. I really had no idea. Aoi never really talked about her future.

 

“Well I'm positive you can do it!” Sango said encouragingly.

 

“R-really?” Aoi said blushing.

 

“Are you kidding? With a voice like yours...your first album would sell millions within the first day of its release!” Miroku said. Everyone else agreed.

 

We continued to watch the festival on TV. At around three minutes to midnight, the rest of the guests gathered in the living room to join us for the countdown.

At 11:59, everyone began to count down to the New Year.

 

Juu...Kuu...Hachi...Shichi...Roku...Go...Shii...San...Nii...Ic hi...

 

Hello 2007!

 

Everyone clapped and cheered. Streamers floated everywhere and a disco ball dropped from the ceiling.

 

“I'm mad he hooked up a disco ball!” I yelled to Aoi over all of the chaos.

 

“I know, but it's okay cuz...it's 2007!!!” She yelled back. She kept me locked in a death hug until I finally pushed her off. As she went away to go `attack' some more people, Sesshomaru appeared next to me.

 

“Happy New Year, Hanako!” He yelled.

 

“Thanks! You too, Sessho chan...” I yelled back. Suddenly I realized something was missing... “Hey Sessho-chan...Where's my New Year's kiss?”

He smiled at me and said, “...Right here...”

With that he leaned forward and kissed me. When we broke apart I looked around and saw everyone else taking care of the New Year's kiss too. Aoi and Bankotsu...Sango and Miroku...and...I couldn't believe it...Inuyasha and Kagome!!!

Yes, for the briefest moment I saw those two touch lips. Of course when they broke apart they acted as if nothing happened.

 

But I saw it and I know something happened.

 

I just realized I had been smiling when Sesshomaru asked me why I was smiling so hard.

“No reason, just happy that's all...” I said.

 

I looked back at Inuyasha and Kagome and thought...

 

Yeah...I have a feeling 2007 is gonna be great...