Christmas Gift Exchange
As part of Rerumu's events, I had the honor of doing Fear's gift. I hope you enjoy it!
“And this is why Yaga had me partnered in p with you.” The voice was filled with exasperation. Dark eyes watch their best friend simple pout and suck his teeth in reply.
“It would get rid of the damn curse, though.” The comment was quickly followed by a long-suffering sigh. A head of white hair dropping back for added drama as yet another sigh was breathed out.
Seriously. Did Satoru need to be extra all the damn time?
“How would you explain levelling an entire park?” Seriously, they knew that the higher ups would be able to explain property damage to the world, but a park? That had nothing running beneath it save for maybe water and power lines?
“I said fine, sheesh. Always gotta do it the boring and long way.” Satoru simply devolved into grumbling now.
Suguru rolled his eyes. Satoru was a… alright guy. Could do with taking things a little more seriously. But as the strongest, Suguru figured he would also get bored quickly, too.
“Let's just get this over with.” Suguru sighed, he was tired and hungry. And if Satoru had it his way, they'd be eating nothing but sugar.
They walked a little further into the park, quickly picking up on the curse they were tasked to take out. Pausing, they looked at each other, this was a level on? It was more on par with a special grade.
Either the scouts were off their game, the curse had somehow been hiding what grade it really was, or the higher ups were up to something. Most likely, it was the higher ups.
A few more steps, and they froze at the sudden and violent increase in cursed energy.
Dark eyes locked with glowing blue from behind dark shades. The only reason a curse would act out like that, was if it was about to attack someone. Which meant a person had been locked in with them and the curse.
Just as they started rushing forward, a foreign energy rose up, blanketing the area and erasing whatever the curse let out. And just as quickly as both energies rose up, they just as quickly disappeared.
Rushing to where they last felt the curse energy, they arrived to nothing. Absolutely nothing. No destruction, no curses, no massacre of the poor unsuspecting civilian that had been locked in with said curse.
“What the…” Suguru searched the area, looking for any sign that the curse had been there.
Instead, all there was, was a peaceful area that was ideal for civilians to gather. In fact, far too peaceful. It felt clean, light, pure. There was no trace of cursed energy left.
Just as they began to relax, if they could, despite the oddness of the situation, a person came walking down from a different path.
“No, Mama, I'm alright, just had to deal with some creep.” She spoke casually into her cell phone, her other hand holding a branch that she just as casually tossed aside.
The situation was just, well to be honest, nothing they had ever had to deal with. And as for the girl herself, she had absolutely no cursed energy whatsoever. Another impossibility. Everyone had cursed energy.
“Yeah, I can make a stop to pick that up. Anything else?” her tone was blasé, there was no hint for them to pick up that she either was the source of the foreign energy or witnessed what could have possibly happened.
By pure instinct, Suguru reached out for her, fingers quickly closing around her wrist. “Wait!”
“Hang on a second, Mama.” then she turned her head and looked up at him, startling him with her clear gaze, and the fact that her eyes were blue.
Not the bright, near electric blue that Satoru has, but a deep and stormy blue.
From the corner of his eye, Suguru could make out Satoru motioning with his hands. Animated as always. No doubt wondering why he was just standing there.
“...yes?” she turned her head, looking at Satoru over her shoulder. “Was there something you needed?” her tone was slow, careful.
His lips pursed when he realized how this might appear. Two young men, stopping a young woman in a dark park while no one was around.
Immediately dropping her wrist, Suguru took a step back. “Sorry. Look, we just… we would like to know if you’ve seen!” Satoru was nearly flailing his arms now behind her back, far from the more subtle codes they’ve come up with by this point. “We’re just wondering if you’ve come across anything strange in the park. Anything out of the ordinary.”
“...uh, no?” she tossed Satoru another glance, slightly frowning at the odd pose he was holding. “I’m sorry, but, I really have to go now. Good evening.” with a quick bow of her head, she was quick to continue on her way.
Though, if the night could get even odder, she bumped into Satoru, offering a quick apology after nearly stumbling down the few steps leading out of the plaza area.
Satoru continued to stare where she disappeared around a corner, the echoes of her voice long gone.
“...let's go, this night has not only gone on long enough, but I can’t wrap my head around everything that’s gone on. Maybe we can find something.” waving a hand, Suguru took the lead to where the curse was supposed to be.
On the one hand, he was hoping that the curse was there, and the young woman had just been extremely lucky in bypassing it. On the other hand, he was also hoping that the foreign energy had done away with the curse.
The area was designed to be romantic, a perfect place for couples or confess your love. Also, an ideal area for unrequited love or being rejected by one's crush. So plenty of cursed energy to gather.
But the area was clear of any curses. There was an odd pile of ashes that were slowly getting scattered by the breeze.
And a wallet.
Satoru was closer, he picked it up. “Higurashi… Kagome. She’s a local to the area, lives and goes to high school here.” he waved the wallet. “Looks like, we’ll be getting to know Miss Higurashi!”
Suguru sighed at the wide grin on Satoru’s face. Running a hand down his face, Suguru simply nodded his head and followed along. Once Satoru had an idea of what he wanted to do, or wanted in general, there was no real way of stopping him.
Some time later.
“Seriously, you guys are going to eat my family out of house and home.” Kagome grumbled, standing at the stove as she finished cooking the last bit of dinner.
It was more like a feast.
Ever since that evening some time back, Suguru and Satoru have taken to lingering around the shrine. And her school. And following her around. Seriously, why has she not called it in and reported it as stalking?
Oh, right. Because of the curses. Although, she still preferred to call them as creeps.
“But yours and Mom’s cooking is the best!” Satoru whined from his spot at the table.
Looking over her shoulder, her attempts to use her glare on him were thwarted. Either he was ignoring her, or his barrier proved effective against that as well.
“Well, then at least pay for the food you guys eat!” she snagged a sponge and tossed it at Satoru’s head. Of course, that was blocked by his infinity. “Sheesh… I feel like I’m babysitting, only without the pay.”
Suguru simply chuckled. “Sorry, Kagome-chan. Our latest mission was in the area, and Higurashi-san was kind enough to leave an open invitation for us.” he gave a subtle kick to Satoru’s chair, in an effort to get his friend to behave. “Should we call or text ahead from now on?”
Letting out a sigh, Kagome paused for a moment. “I… no.” damn her bleeding heart. And why did Mama leave an open invitation?
No, Mama did that with all her friends, even Inuyasha received one, so it was no surprise that Satoru or Suguru were also welcomed.
Turning on the stove, Kagome finished up by plating the last of dinner. “No need to do that.” piece said, Kagome carried everything to the table. “But seriously, you two eat a lot. Does taking out those curses require a lot of energy?”
Satoru was all smiles, though it drooped a little at the lack of sweets. “I guess? If you’re talking physically, that is.” he didn’t even look up when he began piling food onto his plate.
“Do you need to eat to replenish your energy?” Suguru asked as he helped himself to dinner.
They’ve already talked about curses, cursed energy, and her own energy. But certain specifics were never discussed. “No. Well, I mean, if I’m physically weak due to hunger, it’ll be harder for me to use it. But it doesn’t deplete my energy.”
Kagome fixed her own plate, eying the spread and hoping that there would be enough for Souta once he got back from his training, and that they would have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
“By the way,” Satoru’s voice was slightly muffled due to his stuffed mouth. “Where is everyone?”
With a flat expression, Kagome simply stared as Satoru stuffed his face, happily humming and munching on dinner. “Grandpa wanted to visit an old friend in Kyoto, so Mama had to drive him. And Souta had soccer training today, so he’ll be home later. So leave some for him!” Kagome was quick slap Satoru from grabbing a fourth plate.
“Ow, Kagome-chan! So mean!” Satoru shook his hand, he wore an expression of an exaggerated pout.
“No, I’m just trying to ensure that Souta gets his fair share.” Kagome pushed the plates away from Satoru. “Or that Suguru-kun and I could have seconds.”
“I’m fine, Kagome-chan, really. I’m more than used to his behaviour.” Suguru offered a smile, one that no longer worked on her any more.
“No. And stop making excuses for that man-child.” Kagome shook her head, once again slapping Satoru’s hand away from the food without even looking. “Satoru, behave.”
Head tipping to the side, Kagome eyed the two. Satoru, while pouting, was as energetic as usual. Suguru on the other hand, was looking pale and listless. So, when Satoru finished his portion of dinner and headed for a shower, because of course Mama ensured they both had some spare clothing here for that as well, Kagome and Suguru cleared the table and dealt with the leftovers.
And just to be sure, Kagome placed a sealing barrier around Souta’s plate that she knew Satoru could not get through.
“Seriously?” Suguru’s question held amusement as he started on the dishes.
“I trust him about as far as I can throw him.” closing the fridge, Kagome joined Suguru at the sink. “But enough about that man-child, how are you doing? You’re looking a little worse for wear lately.”
Suguru shrugged, keeping focused on the task at hand. “The missions are just getting that much harder. With how many there are and how difficult they’re becoming.”
Nodding her head, Kagome focused on the dishes in her hands for a bit before speaking up again. “You know, that you can come to me if you need any help. Any time.” eying him, his sagging shoulders, the dark circles under his eyes, she realized that there was obviously more weighing on his mind.
“Anything else? I’ve been told I’m an incredible listening.” she teased him, bumping elbows with him, smiling when it garnered a small and genuine grin from him. “And, if anything, an outside perspective might give you some insight you didn’t know you could have used.”
Bobbing his head, Suguru remained silent for a while, just letting them focus on their respective tasks. And once it was done, Kagome began making tea. She even pulled out some sweets that Satoru could gorge himself on if he so desired. As if it were a question.
“I… have been struggling with everything it means with being part of the jujutsu world.” he sat at the table, finally looking like he was bearing the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Not only that… Satoru is constantly getting stronger, while I’m being left behind. Or that’s how I feel. And then there was that incident a couple of months ago.”
Placing their respective mugs on the table, Kagome opted for sitting next to him, rather than across. “...Riko-chan… Satoru mentioned a bit about it and the girl.” Kagome commented, simply holding her mug despite the heat piercing through her fingers.
Suguru nodded his head. “Yeah. It really hit when Satoru showed actual… regret, at her death.” his chuckle was hollow, only adding to his appearance or making it more pronounced. “Ever since then, I’ve been questioning why we’re doing what we do. Also wondering… if we, sorcerers, are doing things the right way.”
Kagome simply listened to him, it started slowly, but Suguru continued when she didn’t interrupt. Her heart clenched at seeing and hearing the genuine pain, frustration, and confusion she was witnessing. Once he was done, Kagome leaned against him, attempting to use her own powers to help elevate the heaviness and darkness of his own aura.
“I’m not going to say I understand completely, I’m still learning about your super secret curse society from you and Satoru,” that earned a chuckle from Suguru which had her smiling in return. “But it feels and sounds like you’re attempting to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. And no one, regardless of how strong or talented or the tools they have, should carry the world.”
Despite leaning against him, she turned to face him a little more directly, and whispered her next words. “Here’s something I learned from my own experience. Fuck the world.”
Witnessing Suguru’s absolute shock in the widening of his eyes and his jaw dropping was absolutely amusing, and she found it made him look boyishly charming, Kagome figured it was a combination of her statement and her use of foul language.
“Instead, focus on doing what you need to do, but for those you care about. The rest will fall in place.” turning back to watch the setting sun out of the kitchen window. “Once I realized that myself, doing what I needed to do was so much easier. No need to justify it or add any extra reasons.”
Suguru continued to watch her silently for a few moments. “...it really helped you?”
“Oh yeah.” nodding her head, Kagome took a sip of her tea. Leaning against him once again, she let out a relieved sigh. “Best part? Mama gave me that advice. Foul language included. So, if you ever, and I mean ever, need anyone to talk to, or need an open ear, we are here for you.”
Suguru nodded his head. But more importantly, his poster seemed more relaxed and there was colour once again flushing his cheeks. And when he turned to face her, there was a brightness back in his eyes. “Thanks, Kagome. It really means a lot.”
There were a few minutes of peaceful silence, before Satoru returned, hair still damp and wearing casual leisure wear. “Well, shower’s free. Oh! Kagome, you spoil me!” his arms were immediately around her as he reached for the plate of speciality baked goods.
“Gah! Satoru, get off, you weigh a ton!” Kagome attempted to push him away while she was smushed against Suguru.
A dramatic gasp from Satoru was quickly followed by him pulling her into his hold and nuzzle into her hair. “Kagome! How could you be so cruel?” a cry echoed out of the room, most likely Satoru just being dramatic and not from actual pain. “Ow! Wait- ow! Stop!”
Freed from his clinging, Kagome heaved as she stared at Satoru. “Personal space!”
Satoru just continued to pout and sniffle, rubbing at a shin. “...so violent. Suguru, why doesn’t she lash out with you?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” Suguru pulled Kagome into a far less hold, petting her hair back into place, all as if to prove a point. “Because I don’t act like an over grown child?”
“Keep this up, and you will not be allowed sugary treats or snacks on the shrine grounds.” her statement and warning.
Satoru paused his obvious approach, gaze darting between her and the plate of dessert meant for him alone, and then back to her again. Another whimper, subdued, Satoru choose a different seat and slowly pulled the plate towards him. “...so mean…”
Hearing Suguru’s laughter, no matter how small or short it had been, was heartfelt and honest.
It was moments like these, even with Satoru’s antics, that Kagome enjoy their presence. And she swore, she would help in any way she could so that they had time away from curses and being sorcerers.
September, a year later.
It had been a fateful night, when she met the twins.
Suguru calling had not been out of the norm. His tone had been off, but Kagome simply stocked it off as him possible once again overworking himself on missions.
When he showed up some time later, possibly within an hour, she had nearly had a heart attack. And when Suguru introduced the twins to her, she understood. If she hadn’t been through what she had, wrangling a disconnected Suguru and two clearly traumatized children to eat and clearing them up and dressing them would have been difficult.
However, Kagome managed.
Once Nanako and Mimiko had be tucked into her bed, fast asleep clinging both to each other and some of her old plushes, Kagome turned her attention onto Suguru.
At first nothing, but once she managed to get him to open up, it all came flooding out. She was disturbed by how Suguru broke down. Not because of his display of such raw emotions, but that she hadn’t known how much he had been hurting.
So she did all what she could do.
She consoled him as best as she could, not flinching when Suguru revealed what he did when he found the twins. While she mourned, it was more so for the innocence that Nanako and Mimiko lost to their village, it was for Suguru that obviously lost a part of him in that same village.
After Suguru let it all out, he had been exhausted, but Kagome knew that he should not go to sleep as he was. He was dishevelled, and Kagome didn’t honestly know when he had last eaten. And the cookies and hot chocolate she had left out for Nanako and Mimiko did not count.
So she quickly served up an easy to make, as well as easy to eat, meal for him. While Suguru ate, Kagome prepared a bath and some spare clothes.
Kagome then had to help him after with his bath, and she had blushed the entire time. For whatever reason, that broke Suguru out of his disconnect. Helping a naked and wet Suguru bathing, whatever was left from the village that still clung to him was hard. But that all came to a head when Suguru relaxed and then began flirting with her.
If the twins weren’t sleeping just down the hall, Kagome would have been very vocal. And it had only been Suguru’s quiet, near broken pleas, that kept her there at his side.
But, if she could treat Inuyasha and Miroku whenever they received some highly questionable wounds, she could assist Suguru. She had kept her gaze respectful, though if he ever caught her gaze straying, she simply chalked it up to making sure she hadn’t missed any possible wounds.
As for the rest of the night, Kagome moved them back to the living room. The tv had been on low, while Kagome had cuddled Suguru, shared with him and combed her fingers through his hair until he finally fell asleep.
The following morning, when Mama, Gramps, and Souta had returned from a weekend trip, Kagome had explained the situation to them. Mama had taken charge, directing Gramps into getting in contact with his friends that helped when she was travelling through the well to help get everything Nanako and Mimiko would need for the future. Souta had been tasked with pulling out any of Kagome’s old clothes from childhood they still had for the girls.
And when Suguru and the twins woke up, the air had been tense with a sort of fragile hope. Mama had quickly whipped up a breakfast that the girls went at with. They were ravenous. Both wary to ask if they could have it and then hoarding whatever they got their hands on.
While Kagome watched the girls, Mama and Suguru had disappeared for a while. When they came back, her Mama was a picture of calm and Suguru looked relieved. Then he shared with everyone one, that for the next little while, Nanako and Mimiko would be staying at the Higurashi home while he got everything ready.
Kagome had been confused, but then she got suspicious when Suguru shared a glance. When the twins showed and voiced their worries, Suguru was quick to chime in to calm them with promises that he wasn’t leaving them. He would often visit and that they could trust the Higurashi family.
Some time later.
“Girls, time to come in for lunch!”
The voice rang over the courtyard, drawing Kagome’s attention away from the little snowman family she was building with the twins. “‘Kay, we’ll be back in a few minutes!”
Turning back to the family, Kagome hid her amused smile behind a gloved hand. There had been an abundant snowfall in the last couple of days, and Kagome thought it would be best to enjoy it while it lasted.
She pulled out her cell and quickly snapped a picture.
It was adorable!
Looking at the picture, her heart warmed her heart. In the picture, Nanako and Mimiko had recreated their family in snowmen, finishing on the mini snowman that represented her. Opening her contacts, she selected Suguru and sent him a picture along with a short message.
Task done, Kagome called the twins' attention. “Okay, you two, time to eat.”
“But our snowmen aren’t done!” Nanako whined, Mimiko nodded her head in agreement
“Don’t worry, they’ll be there when you’re done.” she dusted some snow from Mimiko’s head, the snowflakes showing up more easily against her darker hair. “Come on, don’t think I can’t hear you sniffling, Nanako.”
They grumbled a little, but nodded in agreement. Rushing inside, though they did toss a few glances back at the snowmen. As Kagome followed, her cellphone buzzed. Fishing it out revealed a reply from Suguru. It was a very sweet message with news the girls were sure to be happy about.
Sharing said news made lunch a much more lively affair. The girls excited and talking about showing their snowmen to Suguru, along with sharing their hopes that he would stay longer. Souta was chatting about the latest game he was interested in and a possible upcoming date with Himiko. Gramps was grumbling about the weather, the chores that still needed to be done. And Mama, she easily responded without missing a beat.
It was a couple of hours later when Suguru finally did show up, the girls crowding him and bombarding him the usual questions.
“Girls, let’s give him some time to wind down and get something to eat.” Kagome leaned down, whispering to the girls. “This way you can finish your pictures for him.”
They shared a look, nodded their head, before darting into the living room.
Suguru let out a tired chuckle. “Thanks. Shouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes to catch my breath.” he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek as he entered the kitchen.
Blushing, Kagome sputtered, her brain stalling. Ever since he brought the girls, Suguru’s been far more affectionate with her. Their relationship was no longer purely platonic, but it wasn’t definite if they were a couple either. Guess that’s what happens when you see someone naked, she had been checking for wounds, dammit! And the entire time, Suguru had flirted! While she had been thankful, he had broken out of his disconnected state, his flirting had not been what she expected.
While he was eating, Kagome prepared some hot chocolate for the twins. Hopefully it would give Suguru a little more time to finish his food.
“I have a surprise, for you and the girls, for after.” Suguru relaxed as he watched her.
“A surprise?” brow raised, Kagome finished the mugs for the girls. Narrowing her eyes, she grew suspicious of his smile. “Is it about the secret between you and Mama? Because I’ve seen you two whispering, and don’t lie to me, I’ll know.”
Suguru simply chuckled, shaking his head. “Won’t deny that. But trust me, I know you’ll like it. I know the girls will love it.”
Kagome simply gave the girls their hot chocolate, she didn’t have a thing to say to his words. She did wonder if Satoru was a part of all this.
While she was curious, Suguru smirked every time she looked towards him, but was taking his time with the girls first. It was almost near dinner time when Suguru mentioned having a surprise. But they would need to put on their coats and boots.
Now Kagome was really confused. As the girls rushed outside, she made her way to Suguru’s side. “If it’s a dog, I hope you know we don’t have the room for that. We’re cramped as it is.”
He simply tucked her into his side, leading them away from the house. When she saw her family following after them, Kagome’s confusion grew.
“Mimiko, Nanako, this way!” Suguru waved his free arm, herding the girls to follow them, his smile small, soft, but genuine when they skipped behind them.
“Seriously, what is going on?” they weren’t making their way towards the shrine. In fact, if Kagome didn’t know any better, and she did since she grew up on these grounds and knew just about every knock and cranny, she was sure they were making their way to a neighbour’s house.
Instead of the wall that surrounded the shrine grounds, there was a new gate. She could see Mrs. Miura’s house, but it too had some changes from her childhood memories. There were some more modern extensions added to the house.
Suguru didn’t explain when she looked up at him, instead, he pushed the gate open, revealing the green backyard that Kagome always envied as a child. The small koi pond tucked close to the wall, a small little vegetable garden close to what Kagome always assumed to be a door to the kitchen. The rest was a blanket of snow, that Kagome knew his a plush manicured lawn.
“What… is all this?”
“Our new home.” Suguru smiled when the girls gave excited cheers and rushed ahead of them, exploring all that they could reach.
“Mrs. Miura had been sharing for some time, that her son’s family wanted her to move to the countryside so they could all be closer, and Suguru had mentioned some time ago wanting to get a proper house for the girls, I simply had them meet.” Mama watched the girls from next to them, a serene smile in place.
Looking up at Suguru, she stared in wonderment. “It must have cost a fortune.” not just buying the property, but also adding the extensions.
“It was worth everything, besides, what else am I going to do with the money I earn?” his shrug was so casual, blasé. “And it got me thinking. While I do want to help with getting rid of curses, I can’t continue with the way things are done according to the elders. So, once I graduate, I’ll be stepping back and concentrating on the girls while taking the occasional mission.”
Hugging him, Kagome simply buried her face into his chest. She had been so worried about Suguru, especially since the night he brought the girls home. This, his plan, it sounded… “It’s perfect.”
Almost two years later.
“You what?” she couldn’t believe the words that just left Satoru’s mouth. Even Suguru looked stunned.
Satoru merely gave a nervous chuckle. “I, uh, I um… took in two kids?”
“No, no.” Kagome waved her hand, pushing away from the table and her studies. “That part I heard and understood. The part I’m struggling with, is the fact that you’re letting said kids continue to live on their own.”
As if cramming for finals wasn’t enough, now Satoru had to drop this bombshell of news? Seriously, where was his common sense?
Scrubbing her face, Kagome contemplated if he had possibly rotted his brain with all those sweets he was constantly eating. It could only explain his thought process.
Ever since Suguru bought Mrs. Miura’s house and moved in, she had spent as much time in his home as she did on the shrine. He even secured a space just for her. Satoru also crashed here just as often as he did at the shrine.
“Satoru, how old are they?” she understood they were young, but Satoru didn’t really explain properly.
He shrugged his shoulders. “‘Dunno? Around the twins’ age I guess.”
“Around the twins’ age…” scrubbing her face once more, Kagome stood up and leaned against the table to stare into the idiot’s eyes. “Satoru, go get those children, and bring them here.”
“But they said-!” he flinched when a glowing eraser bounced off his forehead. “Ow, ‘Gome-chan! So mean!”
“Satoru Gojo. You will bring those children here, or you’ll never have my cooking.” when she saw that he was about to speak up, Kagome continued. “Or Mama’s!”
He let out a whimper, flinching beneath her fierce gaze. When Kagome didn’t utter another word, he turned to Suguru for support. “Don’t look at me, I agree with her. And you know how Mom would react if she heard how you handled the situation with those children.” Suguru raised his hands, pushing away from the table as a way to state he was not getting involved.
“Ugh, fine.” with exaggerated movements, Satoru got up. “But I wasn’t kidding when I said they wanted to continue living alone. The boy was such a brat about it, too.”
And then he was gone.
“I swear… a man child.” Kagome slumped over her notes. “How you put up with his antics alone and for so long without losing it, you must be a… a saint or something.”
“Trust me, you get him in line much quicker than I have ever seen.” Suguru smiled.
Kagome whimpered at his statement. Sadly, she really didn’t have much for comparison outside seeing Mama or Suguru wrangle him in. “And yet he frustrates me like no one ever has.”
“I’ll go tell the girls that we’ll be gaining more family members.” Suguru stood up and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Try not to stress it too much.”
Grumbling, she could only take in a deep breath before righting herself. Kagome wondered if this was how Mama felt when she had to deal with the Shikon and all that came with it.
She wondered if she would put up with so much of Satoru’s antics, if he weren’t so attractive. Satoru knew this fact, that she found him attractive, and was not ashamed to use that against her.
And just like that, Satoru had returned. With two children.
“I said no!” the boy wore a fierce expression for one so young, his black hair reminded her of an agitated hedgehog, and his clothes were possibly a few sizes too big for him.
The girl on Satoru’s other side looked a little more subdued, calmer. Her appearance was more neat. “Megumi-kun…” when the girl saw her, she paused in surprise. “Oh! Hello!”
Kagome smiled in return, “Hello. Sorry about Satoru, I asked him to bring you here.” getting up, she approached the two and greeted them as she had the twins a few years back. “I’m Kagome, may I know your names?”
The boy, whom Kagome figured was Megumi continued to pout and turned away. As for the girl, she appeared torn between being polite and unsure. “Well, um, I’m Tsumiki Fushiguro, and that’s my brother, Megumi Fushiguro.”
Megumi’s reaction was instant, disbelief and frustration. Well, as much as he could muster for a boy his age. It was apparent the boy either distrusted adults, or people in general. They would learn which it was soon enough.
“Tsumiki-chan and Megumi-kun, it’s nice to meet you.” smiling, she looked them both in the eye. “Now, Satoru explained a bit about how he’s responsible for taking care of you, but you wanted to stay in your home alone.”
“We’re fine.” Megumi mumbled, his pout quite pronounced.
“I believe you. You gotta be pretty strong and smart to live alone at your age.” head tipping, Kagome watched them. “However, it’s not safe.”
All Kagome could honestly recall, was a high-pitched ringing in her ears after Satoru explained he took in the children, but she could vaguely recall there possibly be others after them. By the sound of it, they would possibly do anything to get to them.
At this point, Suguru approached with the twins. Tsumiki immediately noticed, her hand tugging on Megumi’s sleeve drew his attention.
“Mimiko-chan and Nanako-chan are like you, so you won’t be alone.” at least, Megumi wouldn’t be alone. He had the same aura she was now associating to sorcerers. Tsumiki, she felt like every normal person Kagome has ever crossed paths with.
Her statement seemed to perk Megumi’s interest, his gaze darting to the twins. “...can they do what I can?”
Kagome didn’t know what Megumi could do, nor was she aware of the specifics of what the twins could do. “Ah, that you’ll have to talk to Suguru or Satoru about that. I don’t work with cursed energy.”
Megumi’s gaze grew suspicious when he looked at her. “Yeah… you feel weird.”
“Oi!” Satoru gave the boy a light ruffling of hair. “‘Gome-chan ain’t weird, your prickly brat!”
Megumi looked more his age as he interacted with Satoru. Perhaps, Satoru’s childish antics could help Megumi act more his age.
“Um, Kagome-san, what about all our things?” Tsumiki looked excited, the grip she still hand on Megumi’s sleeve tightening.
“Oh, Satoru can pick it all up.” Kagome gave him a pointed look, ignoring his pout. “In the meantime, the twins can show you around while Satoru, Suguru and I discuss some things. Girls? Do you mind showing Tsumiki-chan and Megumi-kun around the house?”
The girls nodded, warry as they approach and introduced themselves. It wasn’t until all four children left the room and made their way deeper into the house that Kagome stood up.
“I think Tsumiki and Megumi should stay here.” Kagome dusted her knees. “I’ll tell Mama after collecting my things here and bringing them back to the shrine. Don’t know if Tsumiki and Megumi will want to share a room or not.”
“You’re moving out?” Suguru loosely took hold of one of her hands, his expression one of worry.
Giving his hand a squeeze, Kagome smiled up at him. “Oh, it’s like you said, I’ll be close by. Just beyond the gate!”
“...do I really need to get their things?” when both Suguru and Kagome gave him pointed looks, he raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright! Teaming up against me, so unfair! Shall I just pick up something to eat for supper while I’m out?”
“Yeah, that would be best” Kagome rubbed at her brow, already going over everything that would need to be done now that Tsumiki and Megumi were here.
Satoru gripped her free hand, drawing her attention. Her cheeks flushed with colour when he pressed a kiss to the inside of her palm. “Hey, no need to worry about everything all at once. Pretty sure Mom will want to pitch in and help, this way you can focus on finishing your final year.”
Kagome turned away from both of them. Not that it would hide her blush. “Y-yeah. You’re right.”
“You go get their things, I’ll help Kagome gather her things from her room.” Suguru gave the hand in his hold a gentle tug, not just to draw Kagome attention onto him, but to copy Satoru’s actions to kiss the inside of her palm.
Really, the two of them. They were working together against her, she knew it, they had to be. “R-right. Let’s get to it then!”
When she turned to lead the way to her room, she missed the shared look between Suguru and Satoru.
Some time later.
The living room was moderately decorated, giving off a festive feel to it. Well, almost. Kagome was working with Satoru and Suguru to decorate for Christmas. The kids had been so excited, school and classmates only encouraging them. So, Kagome roped Suguru and Satoru into giving them a Christmas they would happily recall.
“There… I think that does it?” Kagome climbed down from the stepladder, to observe her handy work with the garland she finished putting up.
Yes, the living room was looking appropriate for Christmas. Due to the living room being in the older part of the house, there was only so much they could do and only so much room they had. So a modest little Christmas tree sat atop a corner table, garlands lined top of the walls, and since they didn’t have a place to hang stockings, Kagome had suggested using the children’s winter boots instead.
“Ah, it does look nice.” Suguru agreed, a pleased smile in place.
Satoru leaned against the wall, apparently done with his task. “Not bad. But… I think there’s something missing.”
Confused, Kagome turned to him. “Missing? What could be missing?”
“No, Satoru is right.” Suguru nodded, his words taking on that sagely tone. “I think it’s a matter of perspective. Come look at it from over here.”
Huffing at the ridiculousness, Kagome moved to stand between them. “There’s nothing missing! We have a decorated tree, even if it is on the smaller side. Garlands along all the walls, a wreath tacked above the door to the backyard, somMF!”
Blue eyes widened into Satoru’s dazzling ones. His seemed to sparkle and dance with joy, his thumbs stroking her cheeks as he continued to kiss her.
It tasted sweet, not because of all the snacks Satoru like to eat, but because it was Satoru. She grew heady, the scent of his cologne surrounded her. And his lips were softer than she could have ever imagined as the gentle brushed against her own.
Satoru’s smirk when he finally pulled was one she had rarely seen. Usually reserved to whenever he managed to fluster her, which happened more often since Tsumiki and Megumi had moved in.
“Wha-what was that-!” her words were cut off when Suguru spun her to face him and claimed a kiss himself.
His was more passionate, still gentle, put just as passionate. Where Satoru was sweet, Suguru was spice. His cologne blended with Satoru’s, the combination making her dizzy and forcing her to cling to Suguru.
Kagome let out a quiet moan when she felt his tongue swipe across her lower lip, only for him to nibble said part of her lip before he finally pulled away.
Panting to catch her breath, Kagome had to wonder if she fell off the stepladder and was dreaming all of this. It took some time to collect herself, still utterly confused about the entire situation.
“Don’t you make for a pretty picture.” Satoru commented, tucking some stray strands behind her ear.
Kagome licked her lips, they still continued to tingle, and she swore she still felt the differences in how they had kissed her. “...what… what was that all about?”
Suguru tipped her chin up, pointing to a little sprig of green leaves and white berries hanging from a red ribbon at the top of the doorway they all stood in. “A lovely Christmas tradition, mistletoe.”
She was stunned. Absolutely stunned. Any comment or question she could have asked was squashed when all four children peaked from over the stairs.
“...does this mean Kagome is our Mama now?” Tsumiki asked, apparently, being the oldest among them made her the leader.
Staring at them, all four faces that were watching eagerly as they waited for a response.
“Wha-” Kagome once again beaten to the punch.
Satoru wrapped an arm around her shoulders, tucking her into his side, as Suguru kept an arm around her waist to fit her securely between them.
“Yup!” as always, Satoru was sure to exaggerate his response. “You brats are lucky! Not every family has awesome parents like us.”
Megumi, sweet brooding little Megumi, stood up completely. “Nah. I’m okay with Kagome being our Mom and Suguru being our Dad, but we don’t need you.” he ignored Tsumiki’s scolding. “I’m going back to bed now. Goodnight… Mom.”
The twins giggled as Satoru gasped. “Don’t expect any gifts under the tree, Gumi-chan!”
The boy merely waved the words off. “Come one… we got our Christmas wish, let’s all go back to bed.”
“Sorry Papa Satoru! Good night, Mama, Papa Suguru!” Tsumiki darted after Megumi, with a bright smile.
Nanako and Mimiko booth stood up as well, also smiling. “Good night, Mama, Papa Suguru, Papa Satoru!” their happy giggles trailed after them as they made their way back to their shared room.
Kagome stood in stunned silence, once again questioning if she had fallen from the step stool, bumped her head, and was now dreaming all of this.
“For the record, and for legal matters, I think Kagome should marry me and take the Gojo name. It’ll offer more protection, especially from the elders.” Satoru commented, tossing a smirk at Suguru. “You’ll be our kept man, right Suguru?”
“Don’t be a dick about it.” Suguru responded. “But… you’re right. It would offer better protection.”
Kagome shook her head. “Uh, do I get a say about any of this?”
“You heard the kids, this is their Christmas wish.” Satoru leaned down to give her another peck. “You don’t want to disappoint them, do you?”
“He’s right, you know. Saying no would crush their dreams, and Mom’s too.” at her sudden glare, he took a step back and raised his hands in surrender.
“You brought Mama in on this?” now there was no way Kagome could say no. They would all guilt trip her.
“Well… she made us swear to let you finish high school first.” Suguru started off, smiling down at her.
“And that we protect you. And the brats. Like that wasn’t a given.” Satoru continued. “And that we at least wait a few more years for more grandkids.”
“Wha- Satoru!” she gave him a smack, adding just a little purification power to it, for a little extra measure. Honestly, Kagome was pretty sure he enjoyed it. Letting out a sigh, Kagome decided that it would be best to discuss all of that later. With Mama present. “Let’s… let’s just focus on Christmas. For the kids!”
Suguru was the first to steal another kiss. “Whatever you say, sweetheart.”
Satoru quickly followed after. “So sweet of you to agree, dear!”
“I didn’t! Arg!” Kagome just decided to just… enjoy Christmas and deal with everything else later.
Well, whatever the future had in store, she had her family with her. “Merry Christmas, girl, it sure is bound to only get more chaotic from here.” with a chuckle, Kagome turned to the kitchen, some hot chocolate sounded pretty good right now.
