The Perfect Gift
Title: The Perfect Gift
Author: Nikki Kiraga
Rating: PG-13
Genre: General, Romance
Warnings: Cussing
AU/Canon: Canon
Pairing: Inuyasha/Kagome
Words: 2,076
Summary: White Day is coming, and Inuyasha wants to get Kagome the best gift ever...
Note: Written for That Time - Again March, White Day theme on deviantART.
"Remember Inuyasha, it doesn't matter what you give her, she'll love it!" The boy's words repeated for the tenth time in the hanyou's head. His hands were stuffed in his haori, as he carefully looked around, bringing up the rear in the group. Ahead of him was the monk and demon slayer he traveled with, Miroku and Sango. Ahead of them was the object of his desires, Higurashi Kagome. Ever since she freed him from the seal three years ago, he's been in love with her. A month ago, she gave him a little black box. When he opened it, inside was a small, silver contraption that she called a "watch". She put it on his wrist and told him that it let him know what time it was. The watch also had a feature that kept track of the moon cycle. When he rudely asked what the hell she was thinking, she told him it was "Val-in-tien's Day". She explained to him that on that day, women give gifts to friends. Oddly enough, she never gave a gift to Miroku, Sango, or Shippou, though she did help Sango find a gift to give to Miroku.
When he recently went to retrieve her from her time, Souta revealed to him that his older sister lied. On this "Val-in-tien's Day", a woman gives a gift to the man she loves. This quickly had the hanyou blushing, and Souta went on to explain that a month later is White Day, when the men are supposed to reciprocate. Even though Inuyasha told the child he didn't care about this holiday, Souta could see right through him, and gave him the advice that currently repeated in his head.
Now, he was determined to find the perfect gift for his miko. He knew now that she felt the same as he did, and with the gift, he wanted to admit to her how he felt. On White Day, he would give her the best gift ever, and he'd tell her that he loved her. Nodding to himself firmly, he continued following the others. Starting to think again, he wondered how to slip free from the group so he could even look for the gift. He thought about making an excuse of smelling Kikyou, but then he realized that would probably hurt Kagome. Perhaps he would say he wanted to be alone. But then he couldn't leave them entirely defenseless. His ears suddenly perked. Maybe... the wolf!! As much as he hated Kouga, he knew the man would protect Kagome, and the others. And Kagome loved him anyway, she'd never go with that mangy wolf! Grinning victoriously, he gave himself another firm nod. They'd slip into the East, and then he'd tell them that he wanted to be alone for a few days. Kouga would pick up on her scent, and seeing that their only form of protection was gone, take her to the den. Kagome would eventually leave to return to Kaede's village to wait for him, then he could give her his gift! His grin grew. It was the perfect plan!
Inuyasha hurried to the front of the group, sniffing a bit. "I smell something off. C'mon," he ordered. Kagome took the bait immediately, climbing onto his back, as the nekomata Kirara transformed so their friends could keep up. He ran off, discretely turning to the East, while laughing on the inside at his cleverness. When they arrived in Eastern Japan hours later, during sunset, he set Kagome down, looking around. "Keh, looks like it's gone."
Both of the woman stared at him, shocked and annoyed, while Miroku had a suspicious look on his face. Once again, Inuyasha sniffed. "Hm, hey, there's a hot spring near by," he muttered. He knew the girls couldn't resist a bath, so he could discuss with Miroku his plan. As expected, the girls took his bait, and he watched as Kagome gathered the bath supplies and walked off with her demon slaying friend, the nekomata, and her son figure Shippou. Oh, how he hated the kit sometimes. He got to sleep with her, bathe with her, and snuggle into her plump, round, perfect breasts all he wanted!! He knew that was what mothers did, but he couldn't help the jealousy at times. When he was sure the women were gone, he gathered some fire wood, and helped the monk start a fire.
"So, what are you up to, my good friend?" Miroku teased. Inuyasha was rarely sent on what Kagome called a "wild goose chase", and he had to get to the bottom of all the juicy details. He smiled at his friend as the fire was ignited, and crossed his legs.
Inuyasha began to blush. Damn, the monk was practically psychic! He let out a sigh, and stuffed his hands in his haori. "Do you remember those gifts the girls gave us a while ago?" Miroku nodded, urging him to continue. "Well, apparently, in a few days is another holiday, called White Day. We're supposed to give a gift back. I wanna go find one for Kagome, but I can't leave you guys unprotected. So, I brought us to the East so Kouga can find you, and Kagome will accept his offer to let you guys stay in the wolf den." Miroku was nodding as he listened, but at the last part, he opened his mouth to interject. "If we tell Kagome that I want to meet her in Kaede's village in four, five days, then she'll want to leave, and Kouga will escort you there. Then I will give her my gift, and admit how I feel!" he explained with a fangy grin.
Miroku blinked, and eyebrow slowly lifted on its own. He cleared his throat, thinking his friend's plan over. It didn't exactly sound terrible, but Kouga's involvement made him nervous. However, he also knew Inuyasha, and if anything, he was stubborn. If he came up with a plan, he'd follow it through, unless he was told that it'd certainly kill one of the people in the group. So, ultimately, no matter what he said, Inuyasha would still end up leaving them with Kouga. "Well, Inuyasha, I don't think it would be wise to trust us--especially Kagome--in Kouga's care, but it's your decision. I will tell Kagome you'll be back in four days, and we'll meet you in Kaede's village."
Inuyasha's grin only widened. "Thanks, Miroku. I appreciate it," he said as he stood. "I'll see ya around!" Inuyasha jumped into the trees, leaping his way away from the camp. He decided he'd find a nice tree a good distance away from his friends, and sleep for the night, then he would start his search in the morning. After taking a few leaps, he rested in a tree, and closed his eyes. 'I'll find the best gift ever, Kagome. Just for you...'
In the morning, he started his search for the perfect gift. At first he thought of the simple gesture of flowers, but he figured that in Kagome's time, those would be too common. He thought he could buy her a nice gift, but then he realized that Miroku carried all their money. Walking through a village, not caring about the humans' whispers, he thought. Perhaps a self-made piece of pottery? His ears flattened. He would probably screw it up. He could threaten someone to make her something! ...No, no, Kagome would kill him for that. Damn, how did men in her time do this? Then again, it would be easier if he remembered to get the money. Sighing, he looked up at the sky, and realized it was sunset. Damn, already? Putting his hands in his haori, he leaped off, grumbling about a whole day burnt.
A few more days passed, and soon Inuyasha was running toward Kaede's village. He knew for a fact they were there by now, and were waiting for him. He sighed, his ears falling as he ran. He couldn't believe how badly his search went. He whimpered lightly. He really wanted Kagome to get a great gift and be happy with him. After all, if Kouga or even that wimp Houjou got a gift from her, they'd probably get her something wonderful in return. His ears then twitched, and he shook his head. No, he shouldn't think like that. She gave him a gift. Which meant she loved him, not Kouga or Houjou. She was his and even if he couldn't get her a gift, she loved him for who he was. Smiling at the thought, he picked up speed, and was at the village in no time.
Kagome looked up as Inuyasha walked into Kaede's hut. She smiled brightly. "Welcome back, Inuyasha. Did you enjoy your alone time?" She couldn't help but feel hurt. He probably went to find Kikyou. Kikyou was so lucky, she had Inuyasha wrapped around her cold, dead finger. Inuyasha was so much more than what the clay priestess wanted him to be, though... if only he'd see that.
Inuyasha stuffed his hands in his haori. "Keh, no. Kagome, c'mon. I wanna talk to you." Without giving her a chance to respond, he reached out, and grabbed her arm gently, pulling her with him to the Goshinboku. He prayed that the tree would give him the strength he needed.
She squeaked as he forced her to sit down, and looked up at him. Was something wrong? Maybe he wanted her to go back to her time for good... maybe he was going to tell her that he chose Kikyou instead. As the possibilities swirled in her head, he spoke. "This is where we first met," he whispered, his voice distant, as he looked up at the dead patch on the tree, left by his 50-year presence.
Once again she squeaked. She looked at him curiously, and then followed his line of sight. "Yeah. You kept calling me Kikyou..."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. He knew that she thought he was still in love with the priestess. Frankly, he hated her now. She was cold, unfeeling, and even when she was alive, she wanted him to be human. Kagome loved him for who and what he was. She loved all three sides of him, no matter what. To her, he was just Inuyasha. Not human, not hanyou, not youkai. Inuyasha. "Kagome, listen." He was staring her in the eyes when she turned her head to him. Slowly, he took her hands in his, rubbing his callused thumbs over her smooth palms. "Your brother told me why you gave me the watch. I wanted to give you something in return, but I couldn't find anything. I'm sorry, Kagome. You deserve more."
Kagome took in his appearance. His ears were flat, and his face was now downcast. She smiled, and slowly slid one of her hands up his arm and to his cheek. "Even if that was true, you're all I want. If Souta told you about Valentine's Day, then you know I love you, Inuyasha, and only you. You don't need to get me a gift, I never expected one anyway."
When he looked at her, she was blushing, but a small smile was on her face. She couldn't be even more perfect. Slowly, he leaned closer to her. Half of him screamed to stop, thinking that if he even tried, she'd reject him like Kikyou did so many times. But he knew Kagome better. He knew she wouldn't reject him. Planting his hands on each side of her, he pressed his lips to hers. Smiling when he felt her return the kiss and lean toward him as well, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his lap. Soon, the couple had to separate for air, both blushing and not daring to look at the other.
She was the first to speak, as she nervously played with the hem of her skirt. "W... wow. That was... nice." She smiled again, and looked at him. "It was the best White Day present a girl could ever receive."
Inuyasha looked up at her, and smiled. "Guess I did all that lookin' for nothing, eh?" He laughed, and kissed her once again.
Kagome playfully pushed him away. "Don't worry, I forgive you. Just don't end up calling me 'Kikyou' tonight." She winked, and he laughed once more, picking her up and running off.
Author: Nikki Kiraga
Rating: PG-13
Genre: General, Romance
Warnings: Cussing
AU/Canon: Canon
Pairing: Inuyasha/Kagome
Words: 2,076
Summary: White Day is coming, and Inuyasha wants to get Kagome the best gift ever...
Note: Written for That Time - Again March, White Day theme on deviantART.
"Remember Inuyasha, it doesn't matter what you give her, she'll love it!" The boy's words repeated for the tenth time in the hanyou's head. His hands were stuffed in his haori, as he carefully looked around, bringing up the rear in the group. Ahead of him was the monk and demon slayer he traveled with, Miroku and Sango. Ahead of them was the object of his desires, Higurashi Kagome. Ever since she freed him from the seal three years ago, he's been in love with her. A month ago, she gave him a little black box. When he opened it, inside was a small, silver contraption that she called a "watch". She put it on his wrist and told him that it let him know what time it was. The watch also had a feature that kept track of the moon cycle. When he rudely asked what the hell she was thinking, she told him it was "Val-in-tien's Day". She explained to him that on that day, women give gifts to friends. Oddly enough, she never gave a gift to Miroku, Sango, or Shippou, though she did help Sango find a gift to give to Miroku.
When he recently went to retrieve her from her time, Souta revealed to him that his older sister lied. On this "Val-in-tien's Day", a woman gives a gift to the man she loves. This quickly had the hanyou blushing, and Souta went on to explain that a month later is White Day, when the men are supposed to reciprocate. Even though Inuyasha told the child he didn't care about this holiday, Souta could see right through him, and gave him the advice that currently repeated in his head.
Now, he was determined to find the perfect gift for his miko. He knew now that she felt the same as he did, and with the gift, he wanted to admit to her how he felt. On White Day, he would give her the best gift ever, and he'd tell her that he loved her. Nodding to himself firmly, he continued following the others. Starting to think again, he wondered how to slip free from the group so he could even look for the gift. He thought about making an excuse of smelling Kikyou, but then he realized that would probably hurt Kagome. Perhaps he would say he wanted to be alone. But then he couldn't leave them entirely defenseless. His ears suddenly perked. Maybe... the wolf!! As much as he hated Kouga, he knew the man would protect Kagome, and the others. And Kagome loved him anyway, she'd never go with that mangy wolf! Grinning victoriously, he gave himself another firm nod. They'd slip into the East, and then he'd tell them that he wanted to be alone for a few days. Kouga would pick up on her scent, and seeing that their only form of protection was gone, take her to the den. Kagome would eventually leave to return to Kaede's village to wait for him, then he could give her his gift! His grin grew. It was the perfect plan!
Inuyasha hurried to the front of the group, sniffing a bit. "I smell something off. C'mon," he ordered. Kagome took the bait immediately, climbing onto his back, as the nekomata Kirara transformed so their friends could keep up. He ran off, discretely turning to the East, while laughing on the inside at his cleverness. When they arrived in Eastern Japan hours later, during sunset, he set Kagome down, looking around. "Keh, looks like it's gone."
Both of the woman stared at him, shocked and annoyed, while Miroku had a suspicious look on his face. Once again, Inuyasha sniffed. "Hm, hey, there's a hot spring near by," he muttered. He knew the girls couldn't resist a bath, so he could discuss with Miroku his plan. As expected, the girls took his bait, and he watched as Kagome gathered the bath supplies and walked off with her demon slaying friend, the nekomata, and her son figure Shippou. Oh, how he hated the kit sometimes. He got to sleep with her, bathe with her, and snuggle into her plump, round, perfect breasts all he wanted!! He knew that was what mothers did, but he couldn't help the jealousy at times. When he was sure the women were gone, he gathered some fire wood, and helped the monk start a fire.
"So, what are you up to, my good friend?" Miroku teased. Inuyasha was rarely sent on what Kagome called a "wild goose chase", and he had to get to the bottom of all the juicy details. He smiled at his friend as the fire was ignited, and crossed his legs.
Inuyasha began to blush. Damn, the monk was practically psychic! He let out a sigh, and stuffed his hands in his haori. "Do you remember those gifts the girls gave us a while ago?" Miroku nodded, urging him to continue. "Well, apparently, in a few days is another holiday, called White Day. We're supposed to give a gift back. I wanna go find one for Kagome, but I can't leave you guys unprotected. So, I brought us to the East so Kouga can find you, and Kagome will accept his offer to let you guys stay in the wolf den." Miroku was nodding as he listened, but at the last part, he opened his mouth to interject. "If we tell Kagome that I want to meet her in Kaede's village in four, five days, then she'll want to leave, and Kouga will escort you there. Then I will give her my gift, and admit how I feel!" he explained with a fangy grin.
Miroku blinked, and eyebrow slowly lifted on its own. He cleared his throat, thinking his friend's plan over. It didn't exactly sound terrible, but Kouga's involvement made him nervous. However, he also knew Inuyasha, and if anything, he was stubborn. If he came up with a plan, he'd follow it through, unless he was told that it'd certainly kill one of the people in the group. So, ultimately, no matter what he said, Inuyasha would still end up leaving them with Kouga. "Well, Inuyasha, I don't think it would be wise to trust us--especially Kagome--in Kouga's care, but it's your decision. I will tell Kagome you'll be back in four days, and we'll meet you in Kaede's village."
Inuyasha's grin only widened. "Thanks, Miroku. I appreciate it," he said as he stood. "I'll see ya around!" Inuyasha jumped into the trees, leaping his way away from the camp. He decided he'd find a nice tree a good distance away from his friends, and sleep for the night, then he would start his search in the morning. After taking a few leaps, he rested in a tree, and closed his eyes. 'I'll find the best gift ever, Kagome. Just for you...'
In the morning, he started his search for the perfect gift. At first he thought of the simple gesture of flowers, but he figured that in Kagome's time, those would be too common. He thought he could buy her a nice gift, but then he realized that Miroku carried all their money. Walking through a village, not caring about the humans' whispers, he thought. Perhaps a self-made piece of pottery? His ears flattened. He would probably screw it up. He could threaten someone to make her something! ...No, no, Kagome would kill him for that. Damn, how did men in her time do this? Then again, it would be easier if he remembered to get the money. Sighing, he looked up at the sky, and realized it was sunset. Damn, already? Putting his hands in his haori, he leaped off, grumbling about a whole day burnt.
A few more days passed, and soon Inuyasha was running toward Kaede's village. He knew for a fact they were there by now, and were waiting for him. He sighed, his ears falling as he ran. He couldn't believe how badly his search went. He whimpered lightly. He really wanted Kagome to get a great gift and be happy with him. After all, if Kouga or even that wimp Houjou got a gift from her, they'd probably get her something wonderful in return. His ears then twitched, and he shook his head. No, he shouldn't think like that. She gave him a gift. Which meant she loved him, not Kouga or Houjou. She was his and even if he couldn't get her a gift, she loved him for who he was. Smiling at the thought, he picked up speed, and was at the village in no time.
Kagome looked up as Inuyasha walked into Kaede's hut. She smiled brightly. "Welcome back, Inuyasha. Did you enjoy your alone time?" She couldn't help but feel hurt. He probably went to find Kikyou. Kikyou was so lucky, she had Inuyasha wrapped around her cold, dead finger. Inuyasha was so much more than what the clay priestess wanted him to be, though... if only he'd see that.
Inuyasha stuffed his hands in his haori. "Keh, no. Kagome, c'mon. I wanna talk to you." Without giving her a chance to respond, he reached out, and grabbed her arm gently, pulling her with him to the Goshinboku. He prayed that the tree would give him the strength he needed.
She squeaked as he forced her to sit down, and looked up at him. Was something wrong? Maybe he wanted her to go back to her time for good... maybe he was going to tell her that he chose Kikyou instead. As the possibilities swirled in her head, he spoke. "This is where we first met," he whispered, his voice distant, as he looked up at the dead patch on the tree, left by his 50-year presence.
Once again she squeaked. She looked at him curiously, and then followed his line of sight. "Yeah. You kept calling me Kikyou..."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. He knew that she thought he was still in love with the priestess. Frankly, he hated her now. She was cold, unfeeling, and even when she was alive, she wanted him to be human. Kagome loved him for who and what he was. She loved all three sides of him, no matter what. To her, he was just Inuyasha. Not human, not hanyou, not youkai. Inuyasha. "Kagome, listen." He was staring her in the eyes when she turned her head to him. Slowly, he took her hands in his, rubbing his callused thumbs over her smooth palms. "Your brother told me why you gave me the watch. I wanted to give you something in return, but I couldn't find anything. I'm sorry, Kagome. You deserve more."
Kagome took in his appearance. His ears were flat, and his face was now downcast. She smiled, and slowly slid one of her hands up his arm and to his cheek. "Even if that was true, you're all I want. If Souta told you about Valentine's Day, then you know I love you, Inuyasha, and only you. You don't need to get me a gift, I never expected one anyway."
When he looked at her, she was blushing, but a small smile was on her face. She couldn't be even more perfect. Slowly, he leaned closer to her. Half of him screamed to stop, thinking that if he even tried, she'd reject him like Kikyou did so many times. But he knew Kagome better. He knew she wouldn't reject him. Planting his hands on each side of her, he pressed his lips to hers. Smiling when he felt her return the kiss and lean toward him as well, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his lap. Soon, the couple had to separate for air, both blushing and not daring to look at the other.
She was the first to speak, as she nervously played with the hem of her skirt. "W... wow. That was... nice." She smiled again, and looked at him. "It was the best White Day present a girl could ever receive."
Inuyasha looked up at her, and smiled. "Guess I did all that lookin' for nothing, eh?" He laughed, and kissed her once again.
Kagome playfully pushed him away. "Don't worry, I forgive you. Just don't end up calling me 'Kikyou' tonight." She winked, and he laughed once more, picking her up and running off.