Never Use Cologne Near a Half-Demon

(First the standard disclaimer: I don't own the series or characters and neither do you.)

Chapter One: It Begins

"Oh dear," said Mrs. Higurashi suddenly. It was Kagome's sixteenth birthday. There were just hours to go and she still hadn't bought the last part of Kagome's birthday present. As busy as she was with the party preparations, Mrs. Higurashi really wasn't sure what to do. That was until she saw Souta and Gramps sitting in the living room.

"Souta," called Mrs. Higurashi into the living room. "Gramps. Could you please do me a favor and buy Kagome's birthday gift?"

"I did get her a present," said Gramps importantly. "The mummified remains of," he began but Mrs. Higurashi cut him off.

"I know but since Kagome's away so often, I decided to get her something really special. I've already bought her a new kimono and some shoes. I just forgot the perfume to go with it. Would you be so kind as to get some for me?"

"Hmm," said Kagome's grandfather. "Very well then. Come on Souta."

"Ah man," said Souta. He had just reached level thirty of his new video game. Poor guy. He stood up and tripped over Buyo who simply stared at him on the ground.

"Whow," said Buyo.

So Gramps amazingly changed out of his priestly garments and into semi-casual clothes. Souta and he made their way to the nearest department store. All the way, Grandpa murmured complaints about the discomforts of transport. He didn't like to go out very often.

When they finally got there, the two of them had no idea what to buy. Like usual when one is given an errand, one forgets entirely what the errand is for. However, they were in luck since as they wandered about the building for the third time, they passed the perfume counter. "Oh yeah," said Souta running up to it. "Mom wanted us to buy one of these." Souta peeked into the cupboard just as three girls jumped around the corner. It was the trio of Kagome's school friends.

"Hello Souta," said one of the three girls. "I'm impressed. Already using men's cologne?" The other two shook their heads in agreement.

"No it's not like that," said Souta somewhat freaked. Actually, he had tried men's cologne to impress the girl who was now his girlfriend Hitome, but that was his secret.

"I'm looking for perfume for my sister," he explained. "It's Kagome's birthday today." The three girls nodded.

"Yes," said one of them. "That's why we're here too. I've already found the perfect present. See," she said holding something dangling off her finger. "Isn't it adorable?"

Adorable wasn't the word for it as much as weird, Souta thought. A long spiral meant to be hung had a dangling cat's head at one end and paws glued along it. Dangling from the body was an assortment of shiny or translucent beads and charms.

"Er, nice," said Souta. Personally, he thought it was just as bad as Grandpa's waterimp hands.

"Right," said Souta turning back to the task at hand. "I just need to pick one of these." He looked at the display case and picked up a small bottle off one end. The label mentioned something about temptation.

"Oh, this is perfect," one of Kagome's friends squealed reading the label from behind him. "One spray of this and Kagome's boyfriend won't be able to resist. I wish I had a cute boyfriend," she broke off dreamily.

"I don't know," said Souta dubiously. He read down to the bottom of the label and some strange glowing letters appeared. It read, "Disclaimer: do not use this product around hanyous."

"Uh, Gramps," said Souta uncertainly. "Does this seem to say anything about hanyous to you?" He handed the bottle over to Gramps.

"Of course it doesn't," said Gramps reading it thoroughly. "Why should it?"

"You mean there are no strange glowing letters or anything?" he asked uncertainly.

"Of course not my dear boy," said Gramps. "Whatever are you imagining? Let's simply buy this present and get out of here." Kagome's trio of friends cheered and congratulated them on their choice. So they bought the perfume, had it gift-wrapped, and went back to Higurashi Shrine just in time for th party.

When Kagome hopped down the well for her birthday party, Inuyasha accompanied her as usual. Mrs. Higurashi smiled and held up the cake she had so carefully made, wishing her daughter a happy birthday.

"Thanks Mom, " said Kagome brightly. They all sat down and began to eat the wonderful dinner Mrs. Higurashi had made for all of them. Then they dug into the delightful cake.

"When you're done with that dear," said Mrs. Higurashi," I have an extra special present for you."

"You're the greatest Mom," said Kagome clasping her hands excitedly. "Let me see, what did you get me?"

"I left it in the bedroom dear," said Kagome's mom getting up to retrieve it. Kagome followed after her.

"Here it is," said Kagome's mom handing her a stack of not one but three presents. Kagome ripped into them excitedly.

Oh, wow Mom!" said Kagome as the gleaming silk of a brand new kimono slid onto the bed. It was red with silver specks and came with a fan. In the second package was the heels to go with it.

"I thought you might both want to try red," said Kagome's mom before Kagome gave her a great big hug.

"Now this last present is something Gramps and Souta picked out," said Mrs. Higurashi holding up the third package. It was small in comparison to the others. Kagome opened it and found a bottle of perfume. Kagome barely read the name before shoving it back into its box.

"Thanks Mom. It will be useful in the Sengoku Jidai. Sometimes we travel for days without reaching a bath." Kagome's mom patted her sympathetically.

"Now my dear, I think it's time we got back to the party."

"Hold on, said Kagome. "I want to try on my new dress. I might as well wear it for tonight. I don't know when I'll next get the opportunity." Kagome's mom smiled and left the room to let her change.

In a few minutes, Kagome stood in her new kimono in front of the full-length mirror. She admired how the dress seemed to fit her every curve. Its red was something to rival Inuyasha's own. She was very pleased and tapped open and closed her fan. "I'd better not do that," she giggled. "I look like Kagura."

Kagome laid the fan on the bed and absent-mindedly pulled out the perfume. She sniffed it cautiously and found she liked the smell, so she applied it liberally. Then she took one last look in the mirror and left the room.

Inuyasha could hear the heels of her shoes click down the stairs. Before she even came into sight, the scent of the perfume wafted across the room and made its way to his nose. He suddenly began to feel very queer. As she came into sight, Kagome suddenly seemed the most ravishingly beautiful thing he had ever see. Inuyasha quivered, then, he fell unconscious. His head landed in what remained of the cake.