Disclaimer: Inuyasha and all it's characters belong to Takahashi-sama, the most brilliant woman on earth.
Cheers and applause flanked the happy couple all through the village. Rice was thrown in their path. Kagome didn't dare let go of Inuyasha's hand; if she did, she was likely to float away. Her eyes sparkled with joy and her cheeks ached from smiling.
If this is a dream, I never want to wake up!
She snuck a glance at her new husband. Husband! The word made her almost squeal with glee. His face was difficult to read. His lips were twitching, but the potential for a happy smile was there. His amber eyes were darting back and forth constantly, scanning the crowd for…something. His ears were slightly flattened.
Kagome squeezed his hand, trying to comfort him. She should have known, the din of the crowd and having so many people surrounding him had to be overwhelming for his enhanced senses. But here he was, tolerating it all, for her. Inuyasha squeezed her hand back. His golden gaze flicked towards her for a moment. She beamed at him, trying to silently communicate her appreciation and happiness.
A great bonfire had been set up and a feast were laid out. Steamed vegetables, glutinous rice cakes, custards in lemon syrup, teriyaki chicken, pork- Jinenji and his mother had even set aside a raw wild boar for the wolves to partake in, and much more. And, of course…
"Sake!" Koga and Miroku roared in unison. Huge kegs of it. Sango blinked in astonishment. This was far more alcohol than she and Kaede had originally planned for. Her gaze fell to Sesshomaru, sitting cross-legged on the ground with a dish already in his hand. He raised an elegant eyebrow and took a sip.
"Congratulations." He deadpanned. At this, Inuyasha's face split into a wide grin.
"Keh." He responded.
"What are we waiting for?" Koga bellowed, "Let's start this party!" Howling in agreement, Ginta and Hakkaku headed for the kegs. Kagome led Inuyasha to the wooden bench that had been set up facing the fire, and delicately sat down. Inuyasha sat as well, less delicately. He looked off to the side, cheeks pink.
"You, um, look nice." He muttered. Kagome's heart swelled. She reached up and touched Inuyasha's face, gently tugging him towards her. She didn't care if it was improper, all she cared about was pressing her lips against his.
"I love you," She told him earnestly, caressing his face with her thumb. Inuyasha's chest thrummed with a happy growl, almost a purr. But their intimate moment would have to wait. The guests had lined up to offer their congratulations. Sango and Miroku were first. Sango could only offer one hand to shake, her other was busy holding Satoshi firmly against her hip. Miroku and Inuyasha each took a healthy swig from the flask, Miroku made the generous decision to allow him to keep it for now. The twins eagerly clambered onto Inuyasha's lap to plant a wave of sloppy kisses on Uncle Doggy's cheeks. He accepted this without complaining, but Miroku could see the vein throbbing in his temple and hustled the twins away. Kagome couldn't help but laugh.
Kaede came next. Her good eye was beaming with pride.
"I must say, this day has been much-awaited. Congratulations to both you." She looked at Inuyasha and smiled kindly.
"My sister would be pleased to see you so happy. Enjoy this day and all the ones that follow." Inuyasha nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat that had formed at the mention of Kikyo's name. His hand found Kagome's and stroked it absent-mindedly.
Kohaku and Rin came next. Rin gave each of them a big hug.
"He'll never say this, but I think Lord Sesshomaru likes the two of you." She whispered conspiratorially. Kohaku bowed formally and mumbled his good wishes. The wolves didn't stop by, they were too busy ripping into the raw boar.
The food and alcohol had the party going in very little time. A few of the villagers had brought their instruments and were providing lively music that had everyone up and dancing. The sun had started to set, bathing the cheery party-goers in a rosy light.
Sesshomaru hadn't once moved from his spot. He hadn't needed to; the villagers were a bit on the petrified side and were tripping over themselves to make sure he had enough to eat and drink. Kohaku had settled himself beside Sesshomaru, preferring to observe rather than participate. Seeing Sango smiling and dancing with her children under the watchful eyes of her doting husband was bittersweet. Rin was whirlwind of energy, swaying to the music with the firelight dancing on her features. She met Kohaku's eyes and winked. He blushed, unable to look away.
"Kohaku." Sesshomaru said sternly. Kohaku jumped.
"Yes, my Lord?" He asked.
"Rin likes you." That one sentence was enough for Kohaku to decide that he really didn't want to have this conversation. He couldn't have responded even if given the chance.
"Put a hand where she doesn't want it, and I'll personally see to it that you lose that hand." Sesshomaru's amber eyes glowed in the darkness, unblinking.
Suddenly, Kohaku was feeling quite hungry and decided to go to the food table.
This isn't so bad! His thoughts were swimming in the haze of alcohol. How much had he drunk? He vaguely remembered the wolves and various villagers handing him bowls of sake and clapping him on the shoulder. Ah, who cares! Pulling his wife close, Inuyasha pressed a kiss to her forehead. Kagome giggled happily and wrapped her arms around his waist. She'd had a little to drink as well and it had made her creamy skin flush in the most adorable way. Tilting her head down, but gazing up at him through her long eyelashes, Kagome regarded him coyly.
"It's getting a bit late you know; do you think we should…?" She trailed off suggestively. Inuyasha audibly gulped and looked around helplessly, searching for Miroku. His eyes met Sesshomaru's for a moment, but the daiyoukai pointedly looked away and he took another sip of his drink. The message was clear.
I helped you out all that I intend to. You're on your own.
Where the hell was Miroku?!
Luckily, rescue arrived, if you could call it that.
"Give us a minute Kagome," Koga said, smoothly sliding in between them. Hakkaku and Ginta nodded vigorously, each grabbing one of Inuyasha's arms and dragging him away. Kagome stared in surprise.
"Ok Muttface, listen up and listen good," Koga said, "Here's what you gotta do. You need to go over there, haul Kagome over your shoulder and take her back to your hut."
Inuyasha frowned, trying to keep his thoughts straight. At some point, he'd fallen over and landed on his ass.
"Why?"
Koga put his face very close to Inuyasha's.
"Because, you need to assert your dominance! Show Kagome who's boss!" Koga was almost shouting, encouraged by Ginta and Hakkaku's cheers of approval.
"No woman likes a wimpy lover!" He declared.
"Are you a wimpy lover, Dog-breath?"
"No." Inuyasha mumbled.
"What did you say? I can't hear you!"
"No!" Inuyasha yelled, struggling to his feet.
"Then go get her, Muttface!" The three wolves howled in unison. Inuyasha staggered off. Ginta stopped howling.
"Koga," he asked, now that the excitement had worn off. "Are you sure that was the best advice to give?" Koga crossed his arms and smirked, apparently pleased with himself.
"We'll soon find out, won't we?"
TBC
A/N:
Thanks for reading everybody! I'd like to offer a special shout out to Alannada for being such a supportive reviewer! Thanks, love! :D Next chapter up soon!
Shooshkipoo
