Summary: Sesshoumaru is the most cold-hearted youkai in all of modern day Japan. He's married to the beautiful Kagome and they both have a child together. He's too caught up in his work and arrogance that he hardly spends any time with them any more, Kagome's getting ready to walk with their child. Will something happen to prevent such a thing? Will Sesshoumaru change? And what three apparitions come to him in the middle of the night?

A Christmas Carol

Chapter One - Scrooge

Sesshoumaru Taisho. The most powerful, handsome and richest youkai known to man and youkai alike. He owned the biggest corporation worldwide; Taisho Corp. It was originally his father's though he soon retired and passed it on to his eldest son. Now Sesshoumaru was the CEO and was the big boss. His younger half brother worked with him though the two didn't get along, he would have fired him years ago if it wasn't for their father.

Over the duration of managing Taisho corp. a certain someone caught the young CEO's eyes. Her name was Kagome Higurashi, she was his brother's best friend and ex-girlfriend. The two had grown up together since they were very young. Inutaisho – Sesshoumaru's father – hired her due to her being such a great friend to his son and was his personal secretary but when he retired she automatically became Sesshoumaru's. It wasn't long before the two grew close and eventually fell in love. They then went onto have a child and were now living in a beautiful house in a private secluded area surrounded by a giant garden that was filled with all sorts of flowers and trees. There was a water-fountain outside the front door where the cars were parked by. Yes, everything seemed to be magical and great but that soon went downhill.

Sesshoumaru began to get too caught up in his work as well as his own arrogance and ignorance. He put work before his family and his new obsession was power and money, he even ignored his only child who was only 5 years of age. Everyone began to see the new and greedy Sesshoumaru and they didn't like it, he was no longer the kind, caring and fun youkai they loved to be around and it pained them to see him change into such a abhorrent person. All of the family and friends felt sorry for poor Kagome, she was the one who had to put up with 'the new Sesshoumaru', the poor girl didn't need nor deserve it.

As of now Sesshoumaru was at work finishing off his shift, it was 7:30pm and once again he was late. He should have been home around 5:00pm but he received a call about a new business deal that could be bringing in more money and give him even more authority, the offering company wanted to meet up as soon as possible so Sesshoumaru had decided to put his family on hold for this meeting. He had just finished up so he was now packing his brief case and getting ready to go home. Just as he was doing so his secretary Kagura who worked part-time after Kagome's shift was over came in and bowed respectively "Sir, your wife just called. She wants to know what time you will be home?"

Sesshoumaru turned to his second secretary, she was wearing a white low cut blouse that revealed far too much, a violet thigh length skirt, black heels, thick make-up making him wonder what her true face looked like and wore Christmas tree earrings "I doubt those were her exact words"

"Her actual words would not deem appropriate to speak of" Kagura replied as she leaned seductively against the door frame "I was wondering sir, will there be work tomorrow?"

"Why would you think otherwise?" He asked coldly with a risen brow

"Well tonight is Christmas eve, sir, most companies close down for at least Christmas day, if not through to the New Year"

"Hn" He snorted "We're not like most companies, we are the biggest corporation ever. We cannot allow something as futile as Christmas stand in the way" He then closed up his brief case and threw on his suit-jacket "I guess you might as well have tomorrow off since we won't be able to accomplish anything, though you and the rest of the staff will have to be here bright and early on Boxing Day" Sesshoumaru warned not even bothering to look at the youkai he found degrading

"Thank you so much Mr Taisho, you're too generous" Kagura bowed revealing all of her upper half. Sesshoumaru resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he grabbed his coat

"Make sure everything is in order before I return. And for god's sake woman, stop wearing such clothes that reveal you as a common slut" And with that Sesshoumaru left his company with his car keys in hand. He went straight to his silver convertible Aston Martin and slid into the leather interior seats. He then set his brief case down on the passenger's seat and turned the ignition on, once that was done he pulled out of the car park and headed straight to his home and to his unhappy if slightly peeved wife.

Kagome was currently laying in her child's bed trying to read him a bedtime story so that he would sleep soundly. Maru was her only son and child, she believed he was the most adorable thing in the world. He was 5 years old so obviously he was very excited about Christmas "Come now Maru, lie down under the covers so that I can read you a bedtime story"

"But I'm too excited" Maru beamed as he jumped up and down on the bed

"If you don't go to sleep now Santa won't come and give you presents" In an instant the boy was under the covers and looking up at his mother in anticipation "It's a Christmas story, okay?"

"Yep" He grinned "Mommy, where's daddy?"

"He's working a little late tonight" Kagome sighed as she opened the book to the first page "Like every night" She muttered under her breath

"Will I see him before tomorrow?"

"I doubt it sweetie, daddy needs to talk to Santa tonight"

"Is he going to give Santa milk and cookies, and a carrot for Rudolf?"

"Most probably" She then looked down at the book and began "Twas the night before Christmas,when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash..." The sound of the front door opening and slamming shut caught their attention causing Kagome to stop reading

"Daddy's home!" Maru beamed as he sprang up out of bed and straight downstairs to where his father was

"Maru, no" Kagome shot up and went straight after him. She knew Sesshoumaru would be in a bad mood and tired from work and would end up taking it out on their son. Maru ran straight to the front door to where his father was setting his brief-case down and hanging his coat up

"Daddy" He threw his arms up and latched onto his father's jacket "You're late again"

"If you want presents I have to work" He replied coldly as he peeled his son from his person

"But I thought Santa Claus brings my presents" Maru cocked his head cutely to the side in confusion

"Maru you're 5 years old. You're far too old to believe in Sa..."

"...too old to believe in Santa being able to get you all the presents. Daddy and I have to get some as well" Kagome cut him off before he could crush their son's hopes and dreams. She shot her husband a glare as she lifted Maru into her arms "Now you go on up to bed, I'll be there in a moment to finish the story"

"But I want to see daddy" He pouted

"You will tomorrow but right now I need to talk to daddy about what he's going to say to Santa"

"Okay" Maru sighed and then looked up at his father "Daddy will you finish the story mommy was reading?"

"I have too much work to do" He then turned and walked off to the living room. Kagome shook her head and carried her little boy off to his bedroom, she tucked him into the covers and kissed his forehead

"Mommy, why doesn't daddy like me?" Maru sniffled as he tried his best not to cry

"He does honey, he loves you" Kagome cooed as she rubbed his cheek "He's just tired"

"You always say he's tired" He huffed as he folded his little arms

"I know" She sighed "I'll be back now love, I'm just going to talk to your father" And with that Kagome stood and went to find her soon-to-be-dead husband.

She found him in the living room sitting in his own personal chair with his feet up, he was flicking through the channels looking for something to watch "Sesshoumaru" She called as she came up beside him

"We should seriously think about selling this television, only Maru watches it. It costs money to use as well, money doesn't grow on trees"

"Would it matter if it did? You'd still be a tight bastard and keep every penny" Sesshoumaru turned his attention to his wife and frowned

"What is that supposed to mean?" He asked coldly

"Money is the only thing in your mind, you don't care about anything else. And how dare you try to ruin Maru's dreams like that!"

"He's no longer a pup in the youkai race, he needs to stop believing in little childhood fantasies"

"He's still in a child in the human race Sesshoumaru. He acts more like a human than a youkai"

"I've noticed, he's far too weak for his age" He snorted

"He's not weak" Kagome slammed her fist down on the arm of his chair "He only acts human because his human mother spends time with him, unlike his youkai father who is too far up his own ass to realize anything. Ever since Maru was born and the stresses of work got hold of you all you can think of is money. Don't you care about us any more?"

"Don't be foolish Kagome" Sesshoumaru stood and stretched "Of course I care for you and the pup, yet I need to bring home the money in order for us to live"

"No Sesshoumaru, we have plenty of money to live off. Far too much actually. You may support this family financially but so do I, yet I still have time to actually spend, love and nurture our son unlike you"

"You don't work as long as I"

"You don't have to work the ridiculous hours you do, you just do it so you can bring in more money. Why do you have to be so greedy? What means more to you? Money or your family?"

"I work for this family"

"You didn't answer me Sesshoumaru, that's obviously because you love money more" Kagome shook her head "What's happened to you? What happened to the loving caring youkai I fell in love with? You don't show neither myself or Maru any compassion"

"Yes I do" Sesshoumaru snapped back as he turned to face her

"No you don't! You just shunned Maru just as you walked straight through the door, you pretty much shook him off your leg"

"I have just come home from work, the last thing I want to be doing is reading some idiotic bedtime story"

"Even if it makes your son happy?"

"You shouldn't be reading him such nonsense" Sesshoumaru shouted "Perhaps that is why he's so weak"

"Why you..." Kagome lifted her hand and slapped him across the face "Don't ever call my son weak"

"How dare you raise your hand to me!" He growled as he grabbed her arm and pulled her forward "Learn your god damn place in this house woman"

"What are you going to do? Hit me?" She snapped as she pulled from his grasp "The only reason why I haven't walked is because of Maru and the fact that I still love you. But I can't go on like this Sesshoumaru. I will just try to move on and find Maru a new father"

"Is that a threat?!"

"No Sesshoumaru, it's a wake up call" She was about to continue when a little voice stopped her

"Mommy I don't want to go" Maru ran straight into the living room and latched onto her pyjama bottoms "Please mommy, I won't be weak I'll learn to be strong. I don't want a new daddy"

"Maru..." Kagome leaned down and lifted her crying son into her arms "Shh it's okay, calm down sweetie. Mommy's here" She kissed his forehead and rubbed his back soothingly "Come on, let's finish that story and go to bed" She stopped at the door and turned to Sesshoumaru "Just remember what I said" And with that she turned and went off to bed.

Sesshoumaru growled as he threw a bottle of wine that had been left out into the fire place. He rubbed his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. "Damn woman, how dare she think she knows better. I bring in the money for her. Tight am I? Greedy am I? What an ungrateful wench" He growled even louder and moved from the living room and to his bedroom.

Kagome lay her darling son in his bed and kissed his forehead "Mommy are we really leaving?"

"I don't know sweetie" She sighed as she pulled the covers over him "Neither one of us are happy here, perhaps it's about time we move on"

"B-but...I d-don't want to leave d-daddy" Maru sniffled

"I don't want to either but sometimes you've got to do things you don't want to do in order to make everything else better" She then picked up the discarded bedtime story and took a deep breath "Come now, don't dwell on this any longer. Let's just finish the story and go to bed, it has been a long day and we need to get some sleep before Santa Claus comes"

"Okay mommy..." Maru then tried his best to blank out what had previously happened as he snuggled up in the covers and listened to his mother's words...

Within a half hour Maru was asleep and Kagome was exhausted. It was only 8:45pm but Kagome didn't mind, she was just so tired. The day had been far too long for her liking and the argument she just has with Sesshoumaru sapped her energy. Tucking in Maru once more Kagome stood and headed to her bedroom where her damned husband would currently be. He always went to bed early, sometimes earlier, it really depended on what time he got home.

Stepping into her bedroom Kagome sighed, just as she predicted her husband was sitting in the bed, under the covers and going through his laptop – just like he did every night. Kagome just rolled her eyes and closed the bedroom door. She then made her way over the room and to the bed she shared with her husband. She slid under the covers and turned her back from him not wanting to see his admittedly handsome features "I shall not be in work tomorrow" He stated "But I shall be in work earlier than usual on boxing day"

"Heh, makes no difference to me" Kagome snorted, still keeping her back to him "I hardly see you as it is, not even at work. Was there any point in telling me that you're working earlier boxing day?"

"Yes, you shall have to get up earlier too. I told the whole staff at work that they could have tomorrow off as long as they came in early on boxing day" Kagome turned onto her back and eyed her husband

"How early are we speaking Sesshoumaru?"

"5:45am"

"What? Sesshoumaru what about Maru? No one will babysit that early"

"We shall just take him to Sango's and Inuyasha's earlier than usual. That damned half brother of mine has taken boxing day off so he can care for the boy"

"Inuyasha won't get up early just for you and neither will I, get a grip Sesshoumaru. People like us have families to see to. Why couldn't you have just given them the week off?"

"It's just business Kagome, don't have a go at me" Kagome was about to snap at him further when her mobile phone began to ring. She grabbed the device from her bedside table and answered it

"Hello? Oh hey Inutaisho. Hm? I'm good, I guess. And yourself? That's good to hear. To what do I owe the honour? Awe that sounds lovely, yeah, I'll ask him now" Kagome then turned to Sesshoumaru "Your father has offered us to have Christmas dinner at his place tomorrow with the rest of the family"

"He knows I don't celebrate Christmas" Sesshoumaru snorted, not taking his eyes from the laptop. Kagome rolled her eyes and sighed "Tell him that the ratings have raised at the company" Kagome put the phone back to her ear

"He declined and wants me to pass on that the ratings have raised at work. Hm? Well if the offer still stands Maru and I will join you"

"You're not going Kagome, I need you to go over paperwork with me tomorrow" Sesshoumaru spoke up

"Shut up Sesshoumaru" She snapped "I'll see you soon Inutaisho, bye" She then hung up the phone and set it back down on the table "I'm not doing paperwork tomorrow, it's Christmas. And I am going up your father's tomorrow"

"No you're not, you're helping me whether you like it or not" He replied whilst shutting down his laptop "Stop making things awkward Kagome"

"I'm not Sesshoumaru, that's you" She then turned back from him as tears began to stream down her cheeks, she dared not to sob out loud. She didn't want to give him the pleasure in seeing her cry. Sesshoumaru set his laptop down on his bedside table and slid under the covers, he smelt his wife's tears but ignored it. She was always crying these days, with that thought in his head he drifted off to sleep...

A new story :)

I know this is partially different from the original but I didn't want to copy it exactly

I hope you enjoy this

Reviews Please :)

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