A/N: I need to thank the six people who reviewed the last chapter while I was away: xRaianx, Esha Napoleon, GoldenRose88, xxdarienchibaloverxx, Puppylove7, and HyperFoxChild. And I'm pretty sure this and its author was added to some lists while I was gone as well, so thanks. I'm back and ready to write. I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Inuyasha characters, manga, anime, movies, etc. They belong by copyright laws to Rumiko Takahashi et al.
Her Monk
Ch. 20
Happy that for once the attention was not on her, Sango sat back with great amusement and watched Kagome get a final fitting for her wedding kimono. The fine demon silk practically glowed in the morning light. Her friend didn't. Kagome glowered at everyone as needles got poked, likely on purpose, into her body. Hisana lounged on the opposite side of the room, enjoying the young woman's discomfort.
"Lady Taisho, you promised Inuyasha that this wouldn't take place until after I graduated high school. Mama is going to be mad that you went against your agreement. And didn't you say that these things would take time?"
"I did, child, but frankly the clan wasn't willing to wait that long and neither was I. It's truly amazing what can be accomplished in so little time if you have the help. All the other ladies of the clan were so helpful." Clearly without remorse, the Lady Mother took a sip of her tea. "Besides, what your mother doesn't know won't hurt her."
"And what makes you think I won't tell her?"
"You would tell your mother you are now a married woman? Mated and all?"
"Inuyasha made Mama a promise about that and he won't break it. His word means a lot to him." The demon slayer hid her smile when the insinuation dug home.
"Watch your tongue, pup."
"I'm only stating the truth. And if your maid pokes me one more time with that needle, you'll be looking for a new one."
"Now, Kagome, you're starting to sound like me." Sango tried to redirect her friend's attention. "You've been saying for the last few months that my temper is a lot more volatile than it usually is."
"That's only because your hormones are doing wacky things to your body, Sango. I'm just mad. There's no need for us to be doing this right now. We need to get ready for the babies. And I have finals in a couple of months. Plus, it's winter. You shouldn't be travelling when there are storms always popping up." Kagome studied her friend with worry. "Aren't you cold?"
"No, actually. I have plenty of layers thanks to Miroku's overprotective attitude. I blame your husband, Kagome. Inuyasha's rubbed off on him. If it weren't for the fact that I was wandering the corridors inside, I'd be bundled in so many kimonos, I wouldn't be able to walk."
"Nii-chan's been really sweet, hasn't he?"
Sango snorted, "Sweet, huh? I'll remind you of that in a few years when Inuyasha won't let you walk two feet on your own because you're carrying his child."
Hisana listened with one ear as the girls bantered back and forth. They were true sisters despite having no blood binding them. She watched the younger one toss a small pillow at the other, the slayer easily catching the soft missile. What was it like having such a devoted friend?
Her thoughts were forcibly dragged away from her thoughts by the approach of her stepson. "Inuyasha," she growled in warning. "Men are not allowed in here."
"Keh, I'm just checking on her and Sango. Miroku's worried that Sango's not warm enough." On the other side of the shoji screen, his tone clearly stated that he thought his friend was out of his mind.
"I'm warm enough, Inuyasha. Tell that husband of mine to knock it off."
"I did, he's not listening. Che, and they say women act crazy when pupped." Several gasps let the half demon know he'd stepped out of line.
"Inuyasha…" Kagome snarled. Several of the maids looked impressed with her inuyoukai like tone. "I ought to…"
"Hn, you are incompetent as always with your miko," an aristocratic voice joined in.
"Truly, Inuyasha, your brother's right. You have to choose your words carefully." Miroku's voice drifted to the women through the door.
"Miroku," Sango called sweetly.
"Yes, my dear? Is something the matter? Do you need anything?"
"Only one thing, anata. Go away. And take the other two with you." They heard his defeated sigh and the shuffling of feet. "That means you too Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru."
The Lady Mother waited until they were gone before turning amused eyes on the girls. "Men can be so entertaining, can't they, children?"
"Yes, Lady Taisho," the maids and seamstress chorused.
"Not likely," Kagome muttered.
"Idiots," Sango seconded.
"That too," the dog demon agreed, not in the least put out that they hadn't joined in with the others' answer.
Eventually they all rose, Kagome once more in her own clothes. The Lady Mother looked at the jeans and sweater askance but didn't say anything. The two young women made a strategic retreat for their rooms, knowing their husbands wouldn't be far away.
They were right. Before either could open the door to their room, Both Inuyasha and Miroku slid the portal open, the latter's face concerned. "There you are, my dear. You should probably rest before dinner."
Without answering, Sango turned to her "big brother." It had been so nice not to have to deal with his attitude all day. "Inuyasha, bring me Hiraikotsu."
"Keh, you're not throwing that thing."
"Bring it to me. I have no intention of throwing it."
"Fine, whatever." The half demon ducked back into the room he shared with Kagome and brought out the bone boomerang. He placed it next to the pregnant slayer and waited to see what she'd do next.
"Lift it up a little, right there. Now let go." He did, and only after Miroku was lying on the floor unconscious did he realize what she'd had him do.
"Feel better, imouto?"
"Yes, actually, I do." Kagome giggled at her friend's satisfied expression.
"We'll see you for dinner, Sango." Giving the demon slayer an affectionate hug, the young priestess dragged her beloved away.
Sango stepped carefully over her husband, shutting the door. Kirara looked up from the futon she was napping on, sympathy in her eyes. "Kirara, I know he worries but this is getting too much. You'd think that no woman had ever had a baby before."
"Mew," the nekomata commented, coming to brush up against her fighting companion. Her poor kitten was having more trouble with the expectant father than the unborn babies.
"I love him, I do but he's got to know when to quit." Sighing, the taijiya made herself comfortable on the futon. Kirara laid by her head, purring in reassurance.
Miroku woke in time to hear the sigh and gradually sat up. It had been months since Sango had knocked him out with Hiraikotsu and he figured her patience had been pushed passed its limit. "Sango, my dear, I am sorry. I have made a nuisance of myself, haven't I?"
"Yes, you have," she affirmed without opening her eyes.
"I'm sorry. I never dreamed I'd ever have a child and a wife that I loved. Finding myself blessed not only with a woman of such strong resolve and beauty but two wonderful daughters has made me a bit of a blunderer, I'm afraid. I hope you can forgive me."
Sango cracked an eye open to see whether he really meant the words or if he was just trying to smooth his way out of her being annoyed with him. Grave eyes looked back at her, one hand stretched out in supplication. "I do, Miroku but please… I'm not some delicate flower."
"I know, I know. Looks are deceiving when they come to you, my beautiful demon slayer."
And just what is that supposed to mean?" she growled. Kirara's look at the monk also demanded an answer.
"I mean you are much stronger than most would give you credit for," Miroku back peddled. "I am not one of those people." Kneeling, he brushed the hair on her cheek away so that he could kiss her. "I love you," he said.
"Oh, Miroku," she whispered, her eyes tearing. "Now look at what you did. I wanted to save all my crying for tomorrow."
"Well, there's nothing that says you cannot do so now as well."
"It's going to a beautiful ceremony, isn't it?" The houshi breathed a sigh of relief, glad she was no longer angry at him.
"Yes, a very beautiful ceremony."