The Mori Christmas Gala by kaoruhana

A New Beginning

 A/N: Prompts: Scarf, Bells, Fireworks

    It was cold on New Year’s Eve and Kagome huddled into her scarf as she waited by the shrine stairs.  Their shrine was rarely ever visited by others on the night so it was always family that was there to enjoy in the festivities.  This year, her mother had told her to invite Kaede and the new orphans she was taking care of.  So Kagome had.  And she had invited Sesshomaru along with them as well. 

     Currently, the kids were all assembled with blankets and coats.  The dojo on the shrine grounds (that her mother cleaned once a week but no one ever really used) was packed to the brim today with all the extra blankets and heaters that she and her mother had found.  And Kaede herself had pitched in by telling the children to bring all their blankets with them.   But now, Kagome was impatiently waiting for Sesshomaru.  It was a little early to be introducing him to her family but considering that they were such an essential part of her life, she figured it didn’t matter. 

     “You’re here!”  She exclaimed seeing the man trudge upstairs with a duffle bag.  Inside it was a change of clothes because Mrs. Higurashi insisted that he spend the night.  “Hurry!”  He rolled his eyes but picked up the pace and walked towards her with a smile. 

     “I see I’m the last to arrive.”  He noted looking around at the teeming children.  Honestly, he had never seen so many in one place at night. 

     “Yes, but you came just in time for the hot chocolate.”  She took his hand and weaved him through the crowd before they entered the house.  Her grandfather was in the living room watching one of the television specials while her brother had decided to hang out in his room for a bit.  He was told to leave his duffle bag in the corner and did so before the two of them left to go back outside. 

     “Do you ring bells on New Year’s Eve?”  Sesshomaru asked digging his hands into his pockets.  An ecstatic Rin waved to him from a corner and he smiled as he walked towards her. 

     “Yes in a way.  We don’t really have bells at this shrine- except for the one by the well house.  Grandpa rings it twice- though this year Souta will do it.  And then we watch the fireworks and wait up for the sunrise.”  Curious, now that he had asked, she wanted to know how he celebrated and asked him just that. 

     “I watch the sunrise from my apartment balcony.”  He stated coming to a stop in front of Rin.  “But I think this year, I want to start by watching it with the two of you.”  Turning to meet Kagome’s gaze, he smiled at her blush and leaned in to kiss her.  A tug on his pants caused him to look down at Rin.  “I think this year will be one of the best yet.”  He murmured picking his soon to be daughter up.