Christmas Family Vacation

Disclaimer: I make no profit from InuYasha. This is merely for entertainment purposes only!
Don't be alarmed, I just made a few slight changes to this chapter. Don't worry, it was nothing major. I just added a word or 2 and edited a couple of sentences.

"Spoken words"
'Thoughts'
"Talking though links"

A Christmas Family Vacation
by Nikkie23534

Marshall Cabin...
Quarter of 5 AM
Freshly showered, and dressed in a pair of thick black corduroy pants with a thick gray turtleneck. Sesshomaru walked out of the master bathroom. Walking to the massive California king sized bed, he sat on the edge to pull thick woolen socks on his clawed feet. He then walked to the mirror on the dresser. Picking up his brush, he swept his calf length locks into a high ponytail. Checking his appearance one last time, he turned and left the room.

Hands tucked in his pants pockets, he descended the large staircase. He paused at the foot, his head cocked to the side, as he listened to the excited chatter of his children. Smiling, he strolled towards the kitchen to see his family. He stood silently leaning in the doorway, his arms crossed over his muscled chest, watching the pups seated at the table. He smiled in thanks as his mate walked up to him, handing him a steaming hot mug of coffee. Sipping it carefully he listened to the debate.

"Sho- nii-Chan, how tall is To- San really?" Asked Masumi, her sweet mouth and cheeks covered with the strawberry jam from the toast she's eating.

Shoji paused from eating his own toast to stare at her. "What are you talking about, Sumi- Chan? You know how tall he is, you see him everyday."

Shoichi closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Honestly, he was so tired of his brother's foolishness and their omouto's silly questions. "You know perfectly well what she means. She's asking how tall he is in demon form, you moron!" Shoichi turned his soft gaze towards Masumi. "Omouto. Do you remember how tall our penthouse is back in Japan?" When the girl nodded, he continued. "Well, Chichi- ue is taller then that."

Masumi's large golden eyes widened, as her bow like mouth formed a perfect O. "Really? He's really that tall?"

Shoichi smirked at the look of awe in his little sister's face. "Hai, he is."

"Ha!" Shoji snorted. Earning him a death glare from his brother, and a curious tilt of the head from their sister. "You always act like YOU know EVERYTHING, Aniki", Shoji frowned. "How would you know Chichi- ue is that tall in his true form? Neither you nor I have ever seen him transformed. So, who's the 'moron' now, genius?"

Shoichi calmly dabbed the corners of his mouth with his napkin. Looking every bit like his sire. "If you ever bothered to pay any attention to our elders when they are teaching us about our heritage, you would have known. Obaa- Sama and Chichi- ue's former retainer told us about it often enough. Is it my problem you fail to listen?" Shoichi said, flicking a dismissive wrist at his otouto. Ichi turned back to Masumi, giving her is best authoritative look. "It's true, omouto, that I have yet to see Chichi- ue's truest form for myself. However... I, as well as our moron of a brother, were told limitless stories by To- San, Obaa- Sama, and old Jaken. They said that when our sire would transform, he could reach the heavens, and could leap the tallest mountains in a single bound!" He recounted, looking undeniably smug. Which annoyed the daylights out of Shoji.

“Of course, that was what I learned when I bothered to listen to our lessons.” Shoichi haughtily, smirking at Shoji. “It stands to reason that if he were so tall 500 years ago that 500 years later he would be greater in size. Don't you think, otouto?”

Shoji was about to say something, but was cut off by their beloved To- San. "Alright you brats! I've heard enough, you're giving me a headache", InuYasha scolded as he cleared away the breakfast table. "Sho- Kun, it wouldn't kill ya to start studying more. Ya really do need to pay a little more attention." InuYasha reprimanded his youngest son."

Sesshomaru almost dropped his mug when he heard that. He smirking at his beloved, "humph, that is definitely the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it mate?"

"Bite me!"

"I have. Many, many times. And, you are delicious, beloved!"

"Shut up, dear!" He replied before turning to their oldest son. And, Ichi. Nobody likes a know -it -all smart- ass, professor. So, relax and lay off your otouto!" He said, the last part more to his own mate, than their son. Then he picked up Masumi's napkin and began to clean her off. "Baby girl. I think you've got more jam on you, than in you. If you want to know how tall your To- San's true form is," looking over to his mate, with a sly smile. "Then, you should ask him."

Masumi looked in the direction her To- Chan was looking. A huge smile breaking over her little face, as she jumped out of her chair running to her sire. "To- San!" Grabbing his left leg tightly, the littlest pup giggled up at him. "Ohayo, To- San! Sumi- Chan is so happy you are awake! Sumi- Chan wants to see To- San's koinu demon! You show Sumi- Chan, will you? ONEGAIIIIII?" 'Koinu?' InuYasha and the boys looked away as they tried to stifle their laughter.

Sesshomaru ignored them as his lips lifted slightly at the corners. Gazing down upon the precious child, gently prying her off his leg. "That, my musume, is a monumental idea", he said before downing the rest of his coffee. Walking to the counter he poured himself another cup full, then took a sit at the head of the table. Looking over his family, his smile broadened just slightly. "In fact, I think we could all benefit from what you're To- San said earlier." Raising an amused brow at his mate, who rolled his eye at him. "I believe a lesson is in order, don't you mate?" He asked looking at InuYasha over the rim of his mug.

InuYasha leaned down and kissed his cheek, giving one maroon stripe a quick lick. He gave his elfin ear a gentle nip, "Hai, that it is, Aniki." Looking at the pups. "Didja hear that brats? Your sire is gonna show you how it's done!" The boys grinned widely, pristine white fangs shining in the light of the room. "Yess!" They thought to themselves. As little Masumi squealed and jumped around with joy. "Alright you 3, outside, outside." Inu said shooing them out of the kitchen. "Put on your jackets, boots, and gloves. One of you please make sure Sumi puts her hat on, damn- it! And, wait for you Sire on the porch!" He called as they ran to the front door. "And, be quiet for the love of Kami- Sama, shut it up! You're gonna wake your Obaa- Sama with that racket." Sighing in defeat as the front door slams. Shaking his head, he throws his hands up in the air. "Why do I even bother? I know I'm just talking to myself at this point," he mumbles. He starts cleaning up the breakfast dishes. He smiles when 2 strong arms encase him from behind. Leaning back against the muscled chest, he tilts his head to the side. Giving his lover all access, melting as the soothing baritone voice whispers in his ear.

"Ha ha. Ah... the infectious excitement of the youth. How I've missed it." He teased, nuzzling InuYasha's neck. Deeply inhaling the sweet and spicy scent of his mate. "It's yet another thing our pups inherited from you, my beloved. And, you were worried you had nothing in common with them." Sesshomaru grunts lightly as he is elbowed in the gut. InuYasha turns and grabs Sessho by the ears pulling him close. Giving him a quick peck on the lips. Sesshomaru licks at Inu's lips, speaking against them. "Will you be joining us, love?"

Inu smiled, shaking his head. "Nah, not this time, Sessho. I think I'll stay around here." Nodding towards to huge picture windows on the other side of the kitchen. Sesshomaru turned to look behind him, a small smile graced his lips at the sight. A huge mountain range growing majestically over the expanse of a crystal clear lake. The fullness of a silver- blue-ish moon slowly giving way to the subtle hues of the new morning sky. The view was gorgeous. Absolutely breathtaking!

"Ah... It's beautiful, love", he said turning to his mate. "It will be one of your greatest works yet."

Inu smiled gazing outside where their pups were now running around throwing snow at each other. Instead of being on the porch, like they were told. "No, my love. They are my greatest work yet. The greatest work ever!"

Walking outside...
Sesshomaru and InuYasha walked outside. Not seeing the pups anywhere, Sesshomaru tilted his head back and howled. Three pups ran from the back of the cabin. Laughing and covered in snow, the pups ran up onto the porch to face their parents. All laughter came to a halt when they saw the look of disapproval on their Chichi- ue's face.

"Pups. If my hearing is still in order, and it is. I distinctly heard your To- San instruct you to remain on the front porch. Did he not?"

Three pups bowed their heads, 3 pairs of eyes glued to the wooden floor. "Goman, Chichi- ue. Goman, To- San."

Sesshomaru turns to his mate, giving him a mischievous wink. Putting his serious face back on, he turns back to the pups. "Hn...Apology accepted. Now, pups. Bid your To- San goodbye and come with me." He instructed, walking off the porch. Three sets of golden eyes turned to InuYasha.

"Are you not coming with us, To- San?" Shoichi asked.

"Yeah, To- San, what gives? I thought that you would be showing us how you lived in the woods.

"Yeah, To- Chan, you s'posed to show us too." Little Sumi whimpered, holding onto InuYasha's leg.

InuYasha bent down, rubbing his nose against hers. "Not this morning kiddo. This morning your To- San wants to spend some time with you guys." Nuzzling her plump cheek with his nose, smiling as she starts to giggle. "But, I promise that I will go out with you later. When we hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, okay?"

"Yay! Chwistmas twee! Chwistmas twee!" The girl shouts, laughing as she runs off the porch and around her To- San. Her brothers following close behind her.

Sesshomaru gives a sharp bark, gaining their attention. "Alright pups. I know it's been some time since we've done this, but I'm certain that you will be able to manage." An approving smirk graces his lips, as the 3 of them nod. "Now, lets began." Turning to Shoichi, he nodded. "Shoichi, show me your demon, my musuko*"

"Hai, Chichi- ue", the boy answered. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. Expanding his youki, he felt his body shifting. He opened his eyes, revealing glowing red and bright blue pupils. His nose and mouth stretched into a muzzle. Muscle, bone, and joints began to increase as his body began rearranging itself. Then the boy's body was encased in a bright white light. An instant later, a large white dog appeared. His regal head almost touching the roof of the cabin. Looking down, he bows his head when he sees his sire's nod of approval.

Turning to Shoji, Sesshomaru nods. "Alright, Shoji. It's your turn." Seeing his second son's hesitation, Sesshomaru puts a comforting hand on his son's shoulder. "Just relax, musuko." The boy nods and closes his eyes, and taking a deep breath. "Relax, Shoji. Steady now." A few moments later, another large white dog appeared. He was slightly shorter than his brother, but he was no less impressive. Sesshomaru nods and smiles. "Excellent, boys! I'm very proud of you both!" Twin pups gave a happy yelp. Turning to his youngest child, a tender smile graced his lips. "Alright, musume it's your turn." The littlest pup giggled closing her eyes. She listened to her To- San's instructions. "Breath, concentrate, and take your time. Let it build... That's it." It took a little longer than her brothers, and her To- San had gave her a small dose of his own youki. Soon a pup about the size of an adult great Dane, was jumping around before him. Yipping happily and prancing around her To- San. "Excellent my hime!" The young female then bounded on the porch, nearly knocking her barer to the floor. Licking his face happily, as he laughed and tried to calm her down. Her brothers looked on, shaking their heads at her antics.

"She's just so... strange." Shoichi said to his brother mentally, to which Shoji answered. "Yeah. She's just like To- San!" They looked at each other and shuttered. Sesshomaru heard them. He said nothing, because he agreed with them both. Clearing his throat to draw their attention. "Now, pups, stand back." The pups backed up, watching their sire. All 3 bowed their heads, whimpering quietly at the huge surge of power that emitted from their powerful father. Sesshomaru's body was engulfed by a blinding white light for just a moment. Suddenly an enormous white dog stood before them. His massive body towering above all. He was literally the height of a mountain, and yet the pups somehow knew he was only using a fraction of his size. They stood in awe as he looked down to them. "Woof. Grrrrrr. Woof." He barked and growled lowly to his family. The children bounded off into the woods stopping just past the first line of trees. Before going after them, he turned towards his mate. Laying down on the snow covered ground, he waited for InuYasha to approach him.

"It's been a long time since I've seen you like this, my mate." InuYasha smiled, rubbing his body against the giant muzzle. Scratching just above the huge dark nose. "It's really turning me on!" Nudging his mate with his nose, Sesshomaru puffed at him through his nose. "Keep that thought, my love. I'll be back... soon!" With a lick, he stood up. He paused when he saw his mother watching them from the door. He bowed his massive head to her, when she returned the nod he took off after his pups.

InuYasha turned to the door. He smiled and greeted his mother in law. "Ohayo, Chihoshi- kaa san. Would you like some breakfast?"

Chihoshi smiled, "That would be lovely, InuYasha dear. I'm famished! Perhaps a cup of tea, as well."

"Hai, Okaa- San." He smiles as they walked back into the house.

tbc...
Musuko means son.
Ohayo means good morning.
I know some of you might have thought this was a new chapter, for that I'm sorry.  I was just reading the chapter, and thought I could do better than this.  I am working on something now, though.  So, just bare with me a little longer.