A Tale For The Holidays

Where are you Christmas

Faith Hill

Where are you Christmas
Why can't I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can't I hear music play

My world is changing
I'm rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too

Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
I'm not the same one
See what the time's done
Is that why you have let me go

Christmas is here
Everywhere, oh
Christmas is here
If you care, oh

If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time

I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away
The joy of Christmas
Stays here in silence
Fills each and every heart with love

Where are you Christmas
Fills your heart with love

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Sango and Miroku finished with the decorations as each home had handmade snowflakes and colorful ornaments that Kagome taught the group how to make using some of the scrolls and crayons that were given to Shippo.

Next year they figured perhaps making berry strings since they were running out of wax crayons to color with and since Kagome was not able to go to her time anymore they had to treasure the things she had left. The almost breaking of the scissors was one of the most horrific events until Totosai created new ones and found himself fascinated with the few modern world things that Kagome had brought with her.

Kagome worried a bit about the time and space continuum being interrupted by her and Inuyasha’s abilities to be in two times at once, but then Kagome had heard about dimensions and the fact that she could have just found a random wormhole that took them back and forth since if she really was from the future it would indeed mess things up for mankind since no one in the past should really know about ramen noodles and things like that plus there were no demons all over the place that they knew of in the future where she lived.

Someday Kagome hoped the well would open so that she could show her Mother her new Grandbaby. Inuyasha hoped so too since it would be nice to remarry in Kagome’s time since her family wasn’t able to be there for their wedding. Inuyasha had never felt at home with a family before until he had the privilege of being a part of Kagome’s family.

Soon though, Sango and Miroku became family for him along with Shippo who was like a little brother and Kirara who was always misunderstood by the humans. Inuyasha understood the little two tailed demon perfectly and hoped this year they wouldn’t dress Kirara up with bells around her neck. Kirara would prefer catnip and maybe a toy mouse which Inuyasha made for her out of rabbit hide.

Rin always made something for Sesshoumaru for Christmas and had hoped that maybe one day her demon Lord would come to celebrate with them. It was a good dream anyway.

Soon everyone heard the two tails land and Rin went to go outside to greet her fiancé.

“Rin, wait in here for him. It is too cold outside for you to come back and forth. He will see you as soon as he is done talking with his sister.”

Kaede scolded. She understood true love, but at some point Rin had to let Kohaku breathe a bit before running out to greet him.

Rin sighed and pulled the warm kimono around herself and was pleased that Lord Sesshoumaru brought her some new shoes so she didn’t have to walk barefoot in the snow.

Kohaku watched his nieces and nephew play in the snow before going in to talk to his fiancé.

Opening the door to Kaede’s hut he felt the warmth of the small fire and was grateful for it since his hands were ice cold and his cheeks were rather rosy which looked quite fetching with the freckles that danced across his nose and cheeks.

“It isn’t as windy today, but it is still a cold flight. How are you doing today Lady Kaede?”

Kaede smiled and made room for Kohaku to sit and warm up his hands.

“I am doing well today. We had a bit of excitement believing young Kagome was going to finally give birth to that baby who seems to be waiting the winter out before coming into the world.”

Kaede teased making both Inuyasha and Kagome smile.

“Well I can’t blame the baby. I wouldn’t want to come out either.”

Rin smiled at Kohaku who leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“So how many demons did you get this trip?”

Inuyasha inquired.

“Not many. A few snow demons, but this time of year was always slow for us demon slayers. We get most of our problems with bandits this time of year since everyone is looking for shelter from the cold. I can’t help too much with that, but maybe next time you could come with me since I would really like to sink my new weapon into some of those bastards.”

Rin smiled. She knew Kohaku was showing off a bit for her benefit since her family was killed by bandits.

“How long are you staying this time?”

Kagome asked.

“I think I will stay until after Christmas. I have to finish the new house we are building for Rin and me. I just wish Lord Sesshoumaru came around more often since I still have to get his permission to continue courting Rin.”

Rin blushed a bit.

“Well he came today, but it was just to fight Inuyasha.”

Rin stated sadly.

Kohaku smiled at Rin and lifted her chin.

“Do not be sad about that Rin. He is a busy man and a Lord. I am sure there were pressing matters at his castle that needed his attention. Besides, we still have a lot of building to do for our home and I doubt we will get it all finished by spring time. It is a bit too cold to do too much more.”

Rin nodded and leaned against Kohaku adding her warmth to help thaw Kohaku out.

Soon Miroku and Sango joined the rest of the group while Shippo played with the other children starting a snowball fight. None of the adults wished to get in the middle of that.

“Well we decorated every house and the villagers seem to be happy about doing this Christmas thing along with us. I saw Isao out earlier decorating his home with berries for the birds and some evergreens he was forming a small wreath with to place on his front door.’
“This Christmas thing really seems to cheer the villagers up during this dreary time of year. It is good that you thought of us when you brought it to our attention Kagome.”

Kagome smiled.

“Well, it does bring out the best in people I think. Are you going to read the meaning of Christmas this year Miroku?”

Kagome asked since although Buddhist, there was nothing wrong with showing respect to another religion especially if it had a positive effect on people.

“Yes, as long as Inuyasha reads that story about Santa Claus to the children this year. I think it is indeed his turn.”

Miroku stated winking at his best friend.

“Keh……..whatever. I’ll do it, but I ain’t doing all the voices. I will just read it plain. You are the one who seems to like to read stories to make them interesting. I ain’t a words kind of guy like you are.”

Kagome squeezed Inuyasha’s hand and once again asked Inuyasha to help her sit up so she could finish the medicine now that it cooled down a bit.

“So I guess it was those false labor pains again Kagome. I know you were hoping to have the baby by Christmas. I still think that it is possible to have the pup before the Holiday. I know with my pregnancy I had a few scares myself before it happened.”

Sango stated.

“Inuyasha are you sure you want to be there when the baby is born?”

Miroku asked unsure if Inuyasha could really handle it. With his sensitive nose it might not be the best place for the hanyou. The demon side of him might have to turn tale and run since demons seemed to thrive on the tastes and smells of fresh blood.

“I told you before Miroku, I can handle it. Besides I promised and I keep my promises.”

Inuyasha stated as Kagome leaned against Inuyasha feeling a bit tired.

“I am sure that you will change your mind Inuyasha when it happens, but if you must be there you can only hold Kagome’s hand. You are not to interrupt the process by any means and I am much too old to try to care for you both if you pass out.”

Kaede stated as she added more wood to the fire.

Kohaku and Miroku both thought Inuyasha to be foolish as well as brave to be there for his wife. Neither one of them could understand Inuyasha’s desire to be a part of something so very private. It was a sacred time for a woman and not a place where men tread. It was the one thing that males could not and should not intervene, but apparently in Kagome’s time Fathers were there for the whole birthing process.

Sango peeked out the door to check on the children who were riding Kirara around in the snow.

“Miroku I think it is time that the children come in. It is starting to get dark outside and I don’t want anyone catching a cold. I don’t think my heart could take it if one of the kids gets ill again.”

Miroku nodded as he got up patting Kohaku on the back.

“I am glad you are home again Kohaku.”

Miroku stated as he followed his wife outside.

Kohaku smiled feeling welcome. It was good to be back.