#im actually putting together a christmas parcel for her ... we try to do so for each other every year

[xxplastic-cubexx]

whos jess what’s the snap lore

jess has been my bestie since my dragon ball postin days, about five years now :]

[realactualfancontent]

Wilbur Whateley Goes Shopping Part 2.

While he’s still in London Wilbur goes Solstice shopping.

Wilbur Whateley did not belong here. Slinking through an overcrowded department store where even his unusual stature and the stench that clung to him weren't enough to keep him safe from being jostled by over zealous holiday shoppers. He jumped every time, fussing to see that none of his wardrobe had been disrupted. Looking around over the crowds heads to see if there was any quiet spot he could try to observe from. Figure out where he was going. What exactly he was here for. It was as if the whole city had been funnelled in here. How was no one else overwhelmed? How was no one else overwhelmed by the sheer quantity. Someone jostled him especially hard and Wilbur hurled a few choice words in their direction loud enough that the immediate crowd paused a moment to stare before getting back on with their errands. The offending party scurried away without so much as an apology. Though the look of terror on their face served as one. Even if he felt a little embarrassed now. He just, didn't do well around people. Not that it mattered, they'd all be gone soon. He could only hope that there were less old ones, or that they had a better grasp on personal space. But he was determined to make this trip worth something. After that disaster at the book store he wanted to come back with something. And Dunwich's single general store was beyond limited when it came to luxury goods. So here he was, scraggly, unkempt and absolutely freezing in place when anyone so much as brushed against him. Eventually, after what seemed like eons he made it to a counter and stared down a perfectly quaffed and dressed shop attendant. Who looked up at him with wide frightened eyes. “Can I help you?” She asked timidly. He gulped, fighting down a sudden wave of embaressment at the garbled excuse for English that was about to come out of his mouth.

“Yeah-yes.”

She looked like she'd rather do anything but, she looked like she wanted to call security. Wilbur soldiered on trying to downplay his accent. “I'm shoppin' fer my ma.”

That made her relax a little. As if anyone buying Christmas gifts for their mother couldn't be entirely terrible. She was wrong of course.

“An' my younger brother.” He added hastily, seeing as laying on the sentiments seemed like a good plan.

Humans and their sentiment.

Not that he was much better. He just acknowledged it was stupid.

“Oh, well then, what sort of gifts are you looking for?” She asked brightly, giving him an appraising once over, now that the initial fear seemed to have worn off he could tell she was trying to size up how much he could spend.

“'Spensive ones.” Wilbur answered, there was something distinctly unpleasant in the smile that accompanied that. 

He couldn't help it. There was something distinctly unpleasant in most of his expressions. But he did love the rare chance to wave his money in people's faces. The look of scepticism and shock on her face was priceless. The absolute disbelief when he pulled out a wallet from the tenebrous pockets of his shapeless coat and discreetly opened it to flash the woman it's contents was almost worth the trip. “I see,” she said looking between the over stuffed wallet and Wilbur's ungroomed face, managing to set aside any misgivings he gave her and settle back into her blandly polite default mode. “I'm afraid you'll have to be slightly more specific, as we do carry a wide range of luxury items, any of which would make lovely gifts.” Wilbur rolled his eyes in response, and let out a deep sigh, so irritable you'd think someone had asked him to set his foot on fire. “Dunno, what dew women like?” It was a genuine question. What the fuck did he get for Lavinia? Clothes? Jewellery? Not shoes that was for damn sure. “Oh, well, if you'd like I can show you around the accessories section and point out some of our more popular items?” “Yeah, that'd be good.” “Alright, follow me then.” She slipped out from behind the counter and led Wilbur around the shop. He was grateful for the assistance, even if he didn't fancy following someone around like a lost dog it was better than milling around poking things aimlessly. He ended up with an armful of things. Perfume (which didn't smell all that good to him, but he was assured it was lovely, and much subtler once it settled on to the skin.), A hat with a bunch of flowers (Lavinia liked flowers, he wasn't to sure about hats.) And an armful of assorted fripperies and frills all floaty and lacy. Grossly impractical, he hadn't the faintest idea when she'd every get the chance to wear things like this. But he'd seen her ogling similar things in a magazine once or twice, and she was very fond of some of the gauzier curtains in the house. Even if they all had moth holes. “Do you think that's enough?” His shop attendant asked looking up, craning her neck to see over the stack of gifts. “Uh, think so, one 'er two more things. I we-was thinkin' I might get her sum 've those tinted glasses...An' a sewin' machine. One 've the treadle 'uns.” In truth the sewing machine was for Wilbur, who's continued growth spurts meant he was spending an enormous time trying to stitch together his own clothes. Hopefully this would speed things along. “Oh I know where both of those are, just follow me.” Wilbur did, staggering after her, carrying his precarious load. “Would you like us to gift wrap those for you?” Wilbur had to peer down and around to see her. “Yeah, that'd be...good.” “Okay, I think, just put them down here.” Wilbur did, dropping the whole stack on the table. Trying to pick up the sewing machine had been a mistake. People always assumed that his size came with strength to match, but after only a few moments his arms felt like jelly. “And you said you're also shopping for your brother?” His assistant was currently wrapping a hat box in a garishly bright paper covered in pictures of stockings and cats. Tying ribbon into bows it seemed almost a crime to tear it apart later. Wilbur had an overwhelming feeling He'd be seeing the same piece of wrapping paper for the rest of his natural life, trundled out at every birthday and solstice until it disintegrated or his pa's friends destroyed the world. "Ah, yeah...he's lookin fe-for a..." Wilbur trialled off here knowing exactly what he needed to say but not quite able to get the word out. "Dog." He finally spat. His volume dropping to barely above a whisper, as if mentioning the word might summon ten. She looked up at him puzzled. "Sir, we're not a pet sho-"

"I know that." He snapped back. "He can't have a real 'un." There was a note of actual panic in that last sentence, his assistant flinched at the sudden snapping. Pausing mid ribbon bow, she was about to apologize for speaking out of turn but Wilbur continued. "I'm allergic, is the thing. So I thought I'd get 'im one of those toy one's, yew know, with the leash an' the wheels. Just, needs t' be a real big one." She nodded at the explanation.

"Well I'm certain we have something close in the toy department. It's just upstairs. You can pick up your packages when you're done."

As much as he hadn't been particularly offensive as a customer she really was glad to be rid of him. She couldn’t place what about those goatish features made her so uncomfortable, but something definitely did.  She very quickly turned her attention back to the shawl she was packing to avoid studying them further.

"Uh, yeah, thanks." Wilbur said. Excusing himself to trundle upstairs. He got lost on the way of course. Anyone who's spent signifiant time in a department store can understand exactly how easy that is, although in retrospect Wilbur could have followed the cacodaemoniacal shrieks of small children and found it quickly enough.

Something small and fast blundered into his legs he jumped, it let out a high-pitched shriek of terror when it looked up to see who it had collided with. Wilbur was sneering down at the kid. Some other parents pulled their children closer to them.

Typical.

Some other brat blew a raspberry at him. In Dunwich at least people knew to give him a wide berth. That trying that sort of thing was a good way to get your crops blighted. He ignored them to instead move as quick as he could to the desk. Calling the clerk's attention with startling ease despite the crowd. Being over a foot taller than the masses had some advantages. At least here he had some clear goal. It made everything so much easier. Knowing what you were here for. "...Just bring me the biggest 'un yew've got." He finished explaining to the desk clerk, before she scurried off. Leaving Wilbur to mill about and wait, unable to help himself from pulling a face or two at the small children who tried the same with him. Or chuckling when one of them started crying. A thoroughly inhuman noise which drew even more strange looks. That brief good mood vanished when he saw the plush Great Dane. "Is this big enough?" Wilbur nodded suddenly sheepish. "It'll dew." He picked it up under one arm, glad it was lighter than the sewing machine, still awkward though. He ended up buying a wagon too. Something to haul the rest around in. And then he was done.

Well, technically there was one thing left on the gift list. But that wasn't found in any department store. He toyed with buying a wedding gift for Pickman as he loaded up the rest of his stuff. But decided against it. They weren't friends. And if he had to spend another minute in this crowded hell scape he might scream. So, with a gigantic plush dog under one arm, and a wagon loaded with prettily wrapped parcels, Wilbur Whateley headed out, to the graveyard, and after that, finally, back to Dunwich.

[sacred-arrow-writes]

Twelve Days of Christmas. On the Eighth Day of Christmas-

A/N: In which each day, Kagome gives Inuyasha a gift signed by his Secret Santa in hopes of bringing back his Christmas Spirit.

I got the idea from Hallmark as a prompt. Im just using the idea for the story, the only thing I kept the same from the movie is the newspaper and some of the S.S. notes, so don’t sue. I do not own Hallmark or Inuyasha and Co. So, enjoy! I’ll post a ficlet a day until December 25th. Enjoy everyone!

Last chapter I posted said chapter Eight, but I mistyped. It was chapter SEVEN and this is the real chapter EIGHT. I went back and changed it, but whatever. Anyway, this is a cliffy -YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED- but I did it for a reason. 

Anyway, to my main squeezes once more. This is for you.

@keichanz @mmhinman @inunanna @kagomeforever @akiza-hades-rose @purekagome @grapefruitwannabe @adorableears7 

Day Eight December 19, 2016:

---IK---

The bedroom door creaked open as two different kinds of footsteps padded across the hardwood floor. The large bed positioned in the middle of the master bedroom, dipped as the invading parties jumped on the slumbering half-demon in the center. "Wake up!"

Inuyasha nearly had a heart attack as his golden orbs flew open. Gasping for breath and clutching his chest, he came face to face with his niece and his dog. As much as he wanted to say what he was really feeling, he took a deep breath before opening his mouth. "Rin, you scared the hell outta me. What are you doing here?"

Rin rolled her eyes and giggled. "Daddy and mommy are down stairs making breakfast and I was told to come wake ya up!" Bang barked happily next to his owner.

Groaning, Inuyasha threw the duvet off, swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. He pulled on a tee-shirt to go with his sweats before he made his way back to Rin. "Come on squirt." He bent down and let the giddy little girl jump on his back as she rode piggy-back down the stairs.

Inuyasha turned the corner to his kitchen, Bang hot on his heels, and placed Rin on a bar stool. "What the hell are y'all doin' here so early on a Monday? I have things to do before I go into work."

Kagura smirked, placing a bowl of dog food on the floor for Bang, whom ran as fast as he could to gobble it up. "We know what you have planned. I wish you would just ask her out and stop pussy-footing around."

Inuyasha cut his eyes at her and growled. "Mind your own, wind wit-." When a large hand made contact with the back of his head, Inuyasha squeaked and turned to see his brother leaning against the counter.

"What your tone, little brother. I'd hate to kill you so close to Christmas." Rin made an audible gasp at her father. He cut his golden eyes to her. "Oh fine. I hate to maim you so close to Christmas."

"That ain't much better, daddy."

The daiyoukai shrugged. "To answer your crude question, Kagura has some things to do in town today and since Rin is out of school for the holidays, she is tagging along to do some shopping."

"I closed the shop up today so I could get everything we need for Christmas day. Besides, since this year your heart seems to have grown three sizes, -thanks to a one Miss. Kagome Higurashi-, you'll be spending Christmas with us. We came by to see how you're doing is all."

Inuyasha snarled and flopped down on a bar stool next to Rin. "I don't get why you didn't cook breakfast at your own home."

Kagura's crimson gaze lifted from the bowl of pancake mix and settled on his face and unruly hair. "Well, would you like for me to take my famous pancake batter and leave?" His ears rotated in her direction.

Inuyasha gulped. "Um- no. No, you, Rin and the pancakes can stay, but can he leave?" A clawed thumb was tossed up in Sesshomaru's direction.

Kagura laughed. "So plans for today? I know with who, but what are you two going to do?"

"I haven't made it to get my parcel yet, but its-"

"Right here." Sesshomaru slid the familiar brown package across the counter. "I stopped by to sign some paperwork this morning and Sango met me at the front door. Said to give you this and it would save her a trip out here."

"Thanks." Inuyasha mumbled.

Finishing the last of the pancakes in the skillet, the wind sorceress wiped her hands on the red apron she sported and leaned against the counter on her forearms. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"Open it stupid." The words held no venom or hate as she slid the package to her brother-in-law.

Sighing at the three sets of eyes on him, Inuyasha took the package and ripped it open. A red, glossy box met their stares and on the lid was an old-timey movie reel with a box of popcorn decorated with white, black, yellow and red stock paper. He removed the lid and out fell the note. Rin picked it up and smiled. Inside the box was a string of popcorn.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas,

My Secret Santa gave to thee;

The colors of Christmas,

Are oh so Bright.

But nothing beats,

The black and white.

Merry Christmas, your Secret Santa.

"That's clever." Sesshomaru mused. "A traditional black and white movie. I don't think I would have ever thought of that."

"That's because you're an ignoramus." Inuyasha mumbled. Once again a large hand made contact with the back of his head. "Stop doing that!" He growled. The oldest Tashio merely crossed his arms with an eye roll.

Flipping four large pancakes on a plate, Kagura slid it to Inuyasha with a smile. "I take it you're going to invite Kagome?"

"Yeah." No one missed the faint blush that spread across his nose.

Snatching the plate from her Uncle with a smirk, she lifted the canister of syrup. "So, any idea who the real S.S is, Uncle Ash?" Rin asked, pouring a glob of thick, sugary goodness on her pancakes.

"Those were mine!" He whined before Kagura slid another plate to him. He gathered it up and scooted down a seat from his niece. Sticking his tongue out, he poured some syrup on his stack and took a large bite out of the side. "No."

"No?" Rin sighed. "It's romantic right?" The females smiled dreamily as the men rolled their eyes.

"Inuyasha, do you plan to watch this movie tonight?"

Around another mouthful, -which was too much for a human to consume at once- Inuyasha nodded. "Ye'h. W'y?"

"Because tonight is the new moon." The fork clattered against the plate. "I take that as you forgot all about it."

"Ugh! I hate this time of the month. Geeze, it's like having a damn period."

Kagura snorted. "Yeah right. Menstrual cycles are ten times worse than loosing your demonic side for one night. Ours last five to seven days and we actual bleed out of our-"

"AH! Shuddup! Shut the hell up!" Inuyasha shouted as he pinned his ears back. "I'm sorry I brought it up."

"Does Kagome know about it?"

"I guess she'll find out tonight." Inuyasha scarfed down his breakfast and made a beeline for his room. He needed to get out of his house before blood was really shed and no, not the female kind. He shuddered at the thought.

---IK---

Kikyou giggled as Suikotsu kissed her neck as she made omlets for the three of them. "Stop, before Kagome walks in here." Her fiancee smiled against her smooth skin, but the assault did not waver.

"Too late." Kagome gagged as she covered her eyes with a delicate hand. "Get a room."

"I would love to, if your sister would put down the spatula."

Another round of mock gagging noises ensued. "Grosssss."

"Oh shuddup you. If it was Inuyasha you'd be all giddy." Kikyou placed three omlets on three different plates with a side of coffee. "See, that bright, red flush speaks volumes."

Kagome was indeed quite red at the mention of Inuyasha. "Whatever." She took a plate and a cup of coffee. "Anyway, 'Kotsu, are you planning on keeping the house you own in Harperville or are you going to finally move around here? It's a pain to drive an hour just to see you."

"I was thinking the exact same thing. Finish y'all's breakfast. I have a surprise." He wiggled his brows as he took a bite of his omlet and groaned. "Oh gods, Kiki, this is fantastic." He took another big bite.

"Pace yourself." The twins warned.

As soon as the food was eaten, the coffee was drank and the table cleared, the three made their way out the door. "So what's the surprise?"

"Kags, if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise."

She huffed and puffed out her cheeks. "Meanie."

Kikyou laughed and wrapped her arms around Suikotu's for warmth. "I'm excited!" With a laugh from the man beside her, he bent down and kissed her temple.

Across town near Hilltop, where Inuyasha and Kagome had their fifth day together, black, iron fencing with a large gate, surrounded a beautiful two story, New England-style colonial house. The exterior was white clapboard with dark, gray shutters and front door. The roof was steep-slanted with three triangular, casement windows and narrow eaves. The best feature was the covered, front porch that extended form one end of the house to the other with white pillars and rails. Kikyou and Kagome stared far longer than Suikotsu thought they would as he leaned over to close both of their gaping mouths.

"Well?"

"It's beautiful!" Kagome exclaimed as she leaned against the fence. "I didn't know they remodeled it!"

"Last month they finished. You never noticed?" He asked and all she did was shake her head with stars in her eyes.

Clearing her throat, Kikyou looked up at him. "What are you trying to say by showing us this? Because I know you."

Kagome looked back at the two of them. "Who lives here now?"

Kikyou turned back to the house. "I don-" The sound of jangling keys cut her off.

"You and I do, or we will after the wedding." He placed the keys in her palm.

Tears gathered in her brown orbs as she stared at her hand, her twin's squeals in the background fell on her deaf ears. Kikyou looked up. "Are you serious? Don't mess with me because this is like, the greatest gift ever and if you're pulling my leg, so help me 'Kot-" He bent down, embraced her tightly and planted his lips firmly against hers. Kikyou gasped then kissed back with equal fever.

Kagome pulled out her cell with a quiet awe, and snapped a couple of photos. Kikyou would want to add this to her best-things-to-ever-happen-to-me box. When they pulled apart, tears were falling down her sister's cheeks and both their faces were deep red. When he confirmed that it was indeed their home, Kagome laughed. "Let's go check it out!"

---IK---

It was nearing six o'clock when Kagome was making her way back the Gazette. Inuyasha had sent her a text earlier in the day to ask her to meet him there that night so he could share his latest gift with her. Of course she already knew what it was, but she didn't know what movie it was going to be or where. As soon as the large, brick building came into view, so did a head of black hair and deep brown eyes. Kagome was taken back as she slowed her pace. Who is that? In her defense, he was handsome, very handsome, but nothing compared to Inuyasha.

Kagome hesitated before nearing the door. "Can I help you?"

"Yeah, I'm waiting on a beautiful woman to accompany me to a movie. You wouldn't happen to be free would you?" That voice was just so familiar.

Pervert much? Her cheeks flushed as she turned away. "Well- that's great and all, but I actually have a date with someone else, so if you would ex-"

"Kagome, it's me. I'm Inuyasha."

Her heart skipped a beat as she turned around to face him. "Inu- what the crap? You're human?!"

He laughed. "Yeah. I'm half-demon remember? I turn human on the night of the new moon." He gestured up to the sky and she followed his now blunt finger up to the moonless sky. Yup, no moon in sight.

"Oh, I feel stupid. I read that before in one of my grandfather's old books. I can't believe I never even asked. You know I knew your voice sounded familiar."

Inuyasha leaned close to her. "It's nice to know you'd turn down a good-looking stranger for my half-demonic self." His breath fanned against her cold cheeks.

"Yea- wait, who said anything about good-looking?!" She stuttered.

He only laughed and pulled her into his side. "Come on. I have a movie picked out, since my latest gift was to watch a black and white movie with popcorn!"

"Really? That's really cool! I love black and white movies! What did you pick?"

"A classic. A Christmas Carol from 1951. I also have a large box of buttered popcorn. You in?"

"I am so in!" She was getting excited. "Where will we be watching this movie?"

"My house of course. Come on, wench." His brown eyes sparkled in the street lights and Kagome's heart melted once more.

Tucked into his side, Kagome snuggled in a little bit deeper as he guided them to his home. This was a great idea. He seems so much more Christmas-y. She tried to hold in her giggles.

Inuyasha was holding her a bit to tightly, but he blamed the cold, snowy weather. After all, wasn’t he supposed to keep her warm? As they neared his house, -which was now decorated with a ton of christmas lights around the edges of the roof and windows- his only hope was that his family was gone. They ascended the stairs and before they walked in, Inuyasha turned her to him and smiled.

Kagome was about to ask about the delay, until she looked up and noticed a bundle of mistletoe dangling from a red ribbon above the doorway.

"My niece and sister-in-law decorated the house today, including the outside."

Kagome grinned. "Oh really? Well, then I guess we shouldn't waste all their hard work then." She fisted his red scarf and brought him down to her level. As her pink lips pressed against his, he only wished he could smell her scent that usually engulfed him at a time like this. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss. Her tongue danced with his as they explored the other's moist cavern. Hands moved from body to hair in a matter of seconds and soon the kiss was no longer gentle, but full of raw passion and hunger.

When air became to much, they parted. Inuyasha cursed his human side in that moment when he could no longer hold his breath as long. His eyes focused on her delicate face, swollen lips and her pink tongue that slid along her bottom lip before disappearing back inside. "That was amazing." She whispered.

Inuyasha nodded as he wiped a stray snowflake from her reddened cheek. "It was, but let's get inside, you're freezing."

They shared the same hundred-mega-watt-smile as they crossed the threshold and closed the door with a soft click.

---To Be Continued---

Until tomorrow my loves. Check back and see what day nine has in store for our favorite couple!