Disclaimer- I don't own any Inuyasha characters. TT-TT The story is almost over!!!

Chapter 25

We were in no hurry to go home, but I did hope to get back soon. Rin would be waiting, my home would be waiting, and I would arrive with my fiancé. I smiled at the thought, forever bound to the one I loved so much. I could live with that. I giggled at the sweet thoughts.

"What are you giggling about?" questioned a wary Sesshoumaru.

"Oh, just playing around with some thoughts." I told him.

"What kind of thoughts?"

"Hmm…"

He pulled back from my hold on his arm.

"What?"

"You weren't thinking about… that… were you?"

"Well it depends on what "that" is."

"Well, you know."

"Do I?"

"Whatever it is, NO." he said firmly, his cheeks flushed.

"Oh, so now you don't want to marry me? Hmm, never thought I'd see the day Sesshoumaru went back on his word. How sad." I sighed as I walked off.

Sesshoumaru made an "O" with his mouth and sighed.

What a perv. Now he was turning into Miroku, huh? What's next, he'll develop a temper like Inuyasha? That'll be the day.

"You guys aren't getting married now?" Shippou asked incredulously.

"Apparently not." I told him nonchalantly.

Sesshoumaru winced a little, but growled to cover it up. Growling now was he? How Inuyasha-like. Sigh.

"Oh, then should we go back? I bet Inuyasha would take you back. Or Kouga."

"It sounds verrrrry tempting but….. maybe I should just go back to my own time."

Sesshoumaru looked up from his feet, why he hadn't said anything yet puzzled me. Was he really pulling out?

Suddenly he appeared in front of me, down on one knee. It startled me but I stopped all the same.

"Don't go back." He said quietly.

"It's about time you said something." I muttered sarcastically under my breath.

"The thing is, I haven't formally asked you yet."

"Asked me what?"

"Will you marry me?" He asked as he held out a little ring set with a precious stone in the center. I didn't know they did things like this in this era.

I was flabbergasted. I opened my mouth to speak but the words wouldn't come. Tears came in their place. I also couldn't say anything from the awkward sight of Sesshoumaru kneeling in front of me because it made me want to laugh.

He was instantly up and asking what he had done wrong, what had happened. I only shook my head and reached for the ring he still delicately held in his hand. I then gave him both my left hand and the ring.

A smile lit up his features as he took the ring and slid it onto my finger. A perfect fit. I returned his joy with a magnificent smile that I saved only for him. The perfect moment, completed by my own personal demon.

……………………….Inuyasha and the gang………………………

"Wow, this week has gone by so fast." Sango whispered.

"But now it's time for a few commitments. Huh?" Miroku said.

"Like what?"

"Our wedding! We have to plan it! And we can't forget that you promised me children."

"Oh, I forgot." Sango said plainly.

"You FORGOT!? How could you?" Miroku whimpered in disbelief. "And I thought you loved me too."

"I do, but you have to remember that we were really busy with Naraku, you know?"

"Maybe, but getting married? Children? CHILDREN." he said, clearly hurt.

"Can't it wait?"

"Would you two talk about this later." Said a very irritated Inuyasha.

"What's wrong with you?" asked Sango.

"Nothing." he said as he trudged off into the woods.

"Wait here." Miroku told Sango as he stalked off after the sulking Inuyasha.

"Hey, what's biting your tail?"

"They're gone, not just one but two. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself." he said, frustrated, hitting a tree which sent birds flying from the canopy.

"Why don't you just give them your regards, and be the family friend?"

"Support the most unlikely couple? See the woman who changed me be married off to my damn dog of a brother be happy while I suffer?"

"Well, not quite. Can't you just support her? Don't you want her to be happy?"

"Not if I'm not. I don't know what's to become of me. I'll probably just become another savage demon, the common mutt. I'll have my own category. Maybe I'll steal goods from villages until I'm wealthy enough to build my own castle that will rival Sesshoumaru's. Maybe then she'll come back to me. Maybe I'll live in the arctic until my soul is as cold as Sesshoumaru's temper. Maybe then she'll think something of me. Or maybe I'll just go after Kikyou."

"I'll tell you right now, all your plans will be a failure. You should just do what makes you happy. And that is not trying to bring back Kagome, or Kikyou."

Inuyasha flinched at the sound of the names of his loves.

"Then what is it that I love to do?"

"I wouldn't know, maybe it's helping people. Maybe it's just having a purpose. You won't know unless you try it out. So maybe you should go to Kagome's wedding."

"We..we…we..wedd-ing?" He acted as if the word was a forbidden one. One that was hardly spoken, or only spoken in whispers.

"Yes, you do know what that is, right?"

Inuyasha shot him a glare.

"Well, take a look at this then. It was sent in this evening by a demon bird particular to the west." He said.

Inuyasha warily grabbed the piece of parchment from Miroku's hands.

It read:

You're Invited! - Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku and Kaede

What: Kagome and Sesshoumaru's wedding celebration

Where: The castle of the West, "Our home" A.K.A Sesshoumaru's threshold.

When: Come when you're available and we'll start when everyone settles in. We're hoping for four days from today. It'll be an evening event!

We hope very much that you can come! No notice needed for arrival, just come when you feel like it! If you can't make it, please send some form of notice so we don't wait too long for your arrival though we will miss you very much if you don't show. We hope for a good turn-out. Hope to see you soon!

Love,

Kagome & Sesshoumaru

"Yuck." Inuyasha said with disgust. "I can hardly imagine them together, let alone married."

"Hey, they already live together. What's not to expect?"

"Ya, well they can have their little wedding without me."

Miroku sighed at Inuyasha's stubborn attitude.

"Well, then I guess you'll miss your chance to object. Or maybe you just want them to be happy? Well that's good I guess, a step in the right direction."

"Wait, object?"

"Ya…. It's usually a part of every ceremony so that way others who don't agree with the wedding can speak out. Then at the will of the bride or groom, leave the alter or stay. Kagome taught me about it."

Inuyasha had already stopped listening, he was planning something devious.

'oops, what have I done?' Miroku thought.

"What are you going to do?"

"Shut up, I'm thinking."

"That's new."

"Do you mind?"

'I'm going to be dead by the end of this week… no doubt.'

Miroku took a last glance at Inuyasha and walked back to Sango.

"So how did it go?"

"Fine! Perfectly fine. Yup."

"Really! That's great. So he's going to the wedding?"

"Uh, ya. But maybe not only going. He's bringing a little self-thought gift you could say."

Sango scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. "Is it a good idea?"

"……uh, its more than likely not."

"Miroku! What is he going to do?"

"Uh, object to the wedding, or something to that effect. I'm not exactly sure…" He said barely audible. He was looking at his feet the whole time he was speaking, the usual stature he took when he was in trouble.

"Well, maybe we can just give Kagome a fore-warning and they'll skip that part."

"By the way, why are they having a wedding. That's a futuristic event isn't it? That won't ruin time will it?"

"I don't know, I think it's more of a party of acknowledgement to their partnership."

"Oh… Well I'll just go make Inuyasha depressed now. You sure you don't want a good look at him before he's his gloomy self again?"

"I'll come, I kinda miss his fiery self."

"Me too."

Together they walked back to Inuyasha. He was sitting on a log talking to himself. Maybe he was more delusional than fiery. Lost in the devoid of love, his former self had seemingly been lost with his heart. And apparently his mind too.

"Inuyasha, it was a misunderstanding. It's not a wedding, it's a formal get together among their close friends to just celebrate their union. I'm afraid they'll be no objecting unless…" Miroku snapped his mouth shut before he said anything more to hurt Inuyasha or to potentially hurt Kagome.

"Unless what?" He asked eyeing Miroku.

"Unless nothing." Sango cut in before Miroku could say anything further.

"No, I want to hear what Miroku has to say, I want to know what I can do to get her back."

Sango and Miroku looked at each other, debating in subtle signals whether or not to say anything. Eventually they agreed just to tell him. It couldn't hurt him any worse than he was.

"Unless you get her away from everyone and talk to her about it, she'll most likely be completely mad at you but you don't know until you try right?"

"Talk to her! Of course, because it's not impossible to get her away from Sesshoumaru. That dog won't let me get close to her!"

"It's her choice thought isn't it? He respects her will…unlike a certain someone I know." Sango told him, whispering the last part even thought she knew his dog ears would pick it up.

"I guess."

"It's worth a try, but just think before you speak and think of her happiness before yours. Ok?"

"Always."

"Well, now that's settled, shall we be off?" Miroku cheerfully put in.

They all agreed and headed towards the house of Sesshoumaru and Kagome.

……………………………….........A few days later………………………………..

Inuyasha and the others walked up to the elaborate gate that stood between them and Kagome. He tensely walked up to the guards and flashed the invitation at them. Apparently it was a VIP pass or something because those guards sprung into action once they saw the color, they didn't even read it.

"Cool." Miroku stated.

They walked through towards the enormous castle that stood a half a mile from where they stood briefly before.

When they got to the door, before they even knocked, a servant ushered them inside.

…….

"You guys made it!" I yelled running down the stairs to my friends.

They were happy to see me, even Inuyasha. I was happy that he wasn't hurting anymore. I honestly wasn't sure if he was going to come. Maybe he turned over a new leaf.

"It's so good to see you again Kagome!" Sango said as she came to give me a hug.

"Would you like me to show you to your rooms?"

"You don't need to do that, why do we have servants if you don't even use them?" Sesshoumaru asked as he draped his arms around Kagome's small figure, enveloping her.

"Fine, I'll catch up with you guys when you're done, I have other guests to entertain anyways. See you in a little bit." I told them as I went to find my guests that had arrived earlier with Sesshoumaru in tow.

……

"She didn't even say anything to me. Gah, she pisses me off sometimes. And that Sesshoumaru….grrrrr."

Inuyasha was speaking to himself again.

"Miroku, you don't think that Sesshoumaru thought that Inuyasha would try and talk to Kagome about them."

"Probably a sixth sense, a dog thing most likely."

"Maybe it's a good thing, and is it just me or is Sesshoumaru turning into a social person?"

"Here are your rooms sirs and miss." Spoke the dwarf who didn't even seem to be there, startling them.

"Thank you."

There were three doors in front of them, each with a name written on a piece of framed paper. The first on the left spelled Inuyasha in elongated letters that gracefully curved and flared in an elegant manner. The center door spelled Miroku in very plain letters. Certainly showed how much she cared about him. The final door to the right spelled Sango in a very elegant script with little decorations and art.

"Why do I have the most plain lettering, what have I ever done to upset Kagome?"

Inuyasha and Sango both looked at Miroku blankly.

"Inuyasha does worse!"

"I'm not a perv, she's disliking you in Sango's stead." Inuyasha flatly informed him as he marched into his room.

Miroku sighed and entered his room as well.

Sango had already entered hers to find a closet stuffed to the brim with gorgeous kimonos for her to wear with a letter pinned to the topmost kimono.

Sango, I thought you might like to wear something a little more than your usual. I'm sure you'll look stunning.

Love Kagome

Sango smiled. Kagome always tried to please others before she did anything for herself. These had probably been replaced each morning so that they would always be fresh. They smelled like it.

Sango put her things away, but not before she put on a kimono that was emerald green with black dragon accents, and went down the hall to find a servant to lead her to where Kagome was entertaining people.

…………………

"I hope this all turns out like I hoped." I whispered to Sesshoumaru.

"I'm sure it will, just stay away from mutt-face."

I frowned at him.

"At least call him Inuyasha, and why?"

"Fine fine."

"Why?"

"Because you asked me to, and I do try to cater to your requests."

"No, why don't you want me to talk to Inuyasha?"

"No reason, I would just appreciate it if you wouldn't."

"Ah, you're hitting me with appreciation. Ah, it burns." I smiled as I teased him.

It was his turn to frown.

"I'm not always so rude as you think. I do appreciate the things people do for me."

"Of course, because it's written allllll over your face." I said as I poked his cheek playfully.

"Stop it, people will stare." He said jokingly putting his forehead to mine.

"Since when has that stopped us?" I asked kissing his lips that were already only inches from mine.

"I wouldn't know, we've never done this before."

"Oh really? Wow, I was almost positive we had…." I was cut off as he kissed me again.

Then I heard a lot of "awww!" and "look, look!" and "hey, they're having a moment." and the annoyed response "Let's pray it doesn't last too long."

I laughed and apologized to my guests. They were my guests after all. Sesshoumaru wasn't very keen about having people in his home, especially Inuyasha. I was surprised at how laid back and flirty he was being. A new side of him? Hmm, good. We're getting somewhere. (Evil grin)

Rin came to hug my leg, I hadn't seen much of her in the last few days. It had been so hectic with all the guests arriving on such short notice. I was surprised at how many had come.

It had been three nights since I had sent the messengers, the celebration would be tomorrow. I was nervous, but excited. There really wasn't any reason to be nervous, Sesshoumaru and I were already joined, we were only making it public. I mainly just wanted my friends to be there with me as I made the most life changing decision.

"Hey Kagome."

It was Inuyasha.

"Hey, I have to go take care of some stuff… over there."

It was simple yet so suspicious, but I didn't want to defy Sesshoumaru. I didn't want to hurt either of them. I just hate being the territory and even more so, them being the war.

"Oh, ok." he said sadly, "come find me when you have time."

I felt horrible avoiding him. But it was for my own good, and his too. I was being a cheater though, it was like sending in back-up to the Sesshoumaruans and ambushing the Inuyashans.

"I'll try to remember, I'm very busy. Well, I'll be off then."

I hurriedly walked off to the kitchen, completely forgetting which direction I had told him I was going. The kitchen sounded best though, only workers or Sesshoumaru or I were allowed inside.

I closed the door quietly behind me but fell to my knees to sit on my heels. I didn't want to hide. Our wedding celebration was tomorrow and I was hiding from my guests. What a shame. This would be named the lamest get together in the history of demons and humans. At least Sesshoumaru has a lot of power over most of them.

I heaved a sigh, maybe the day would get better, I could only hope.

Then came a knock on the door, I instantly stood and carefully looked through the peep hole. Inuyasha, great.

"Kagome? It's me."

"Oh, hey. I didn't hear you knock. Busy busy."

"Do you need some help?"

"uh…"

As I was about to answer I was cut off by Sesshoumaru. Hurray!

"What are you doing." Sesshoumaru slightly hissed. He was trying to hold back with all he had.

"Nothing." Inuyasha replied angrily, and walked away.

Sesshoumaru didn't immediately de-tensify himself but soon regained composure.

I opened the kitchen door and quickly ushered him inside.

"My knight in shining armor!" I teased as I hugged him.

"Oh, damsel, are you still in distress?"

"Ever so slightly."

"Then may I offer you my services?"

"A kiss will do."

He smiled and lightly touched his lips to mine. He was so relaxed and easy to be with. It was hard to imagine that he had ever been so cold to everything.

"I love you Sesshoumaru."

He smiled briefly, I couldn't get enough of that smile.

"I know you do."

I smiled and poked him teasingly. "You better."

Eventually we made it out of the kitchen to entertain our guests. I was still surprised at the turnout, it was better than I had expected.

The day went by blindingly quick, as if the day was snatched from beneath my feet. I wasn't sure if it was a success, but I was happy as long as I had Sesshoumaru next to me.

I held his hand as the night festivities began. Dinner was first on our list of things to do. Everyone gathered in the great hall for the magnificent dinner our personal chefs had whipped up for the occasion, the crème del la crème.

All was good as the little brown demons marched in line from the kitchen doors carrying trays of covered silver platters to each designated guest. I was excited to see that everything was going so well.

The dining hall was full of laughter and the gleeful sounds of people and demons talking to each other as they enjoyed their meal. The atmosphere was warm and the lighting was soft and subtle, I couldn't ask for more. Well, maybe I could. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Inuyasha sulking. What was his problem? I sighed realizing he probably wasn't happy about being in Sesshoumaru's home and seeing me being "taken from him" as he would put it. Oh, I really wonder how long I spent with him that made me able to figure out how the little wheels in his head turn. Oh, and yes they are very little. I smiled at this and laughed quietly to myself. Sesshoumaru looked at me quizzically. I shook my head to inform him nothing was up.

Dinner was a success, which lead to the late night activities. There really wasn't much except some drinks and light music. Some were dancing while others were chatting with the people around them. I stood with Sango and a few people we had helped in the past. We joked and talked about many things.

Just as I had mentioned Sesshoumaru, he suddenly materialized next to me and offered me his hand.

"May I have the honor of this dance, miss?"

I smiled and laughed at him.

"Ok, you have to tell me what is wrong with you these days."

"There's something wrong with me? I think I'm the same as I always am. Am I not?" he said through his fake frown.

"Oh yes, are you sure you aren't sick?"

"I don't know, why don't you feel my head and tell me? I do feel pretty flustered."

I blushed and looked at him like he was crazy. Even still I touched his gleaming face gently. It was burning hot! Was he supposed to feel that way?

"What's wrong? You look worried. How bad is it?"

"You're burning up! Do you always feel like this?"

He smiled, many onlookers backed up in fear. But seriously, how often do you see Sesshoumaru smile?

"Only when I'm with you."

I blushed beet red. His hand was still outstretched to me, and so I took it.

He smiled again and took me to the center of the hall. We twirled and swayed together for a long while. All was well and seemingly the whole night was perfect. Even if something had gone wrong, as long as I was with him everything was perfectly fine.

Time felt like it had stopped that night as we danced at the center of attention. I felt so right in his arms, like nothing could go wrong.

As the night passed by, many tired guests slowly filed out to their rooms in waves.

"Hey Sesshoumaru, I want to go out for some air, I'll meet you upstairs?"

"Don't be long." he firmly told me, I could tell he didn't want me going by myself.

"I won't be." I said reassuringly.

I walked to the garden with the spectacular fountain that sparkled in the night, and inhaled the crisp air as I recapped the nights events. Everything was great except for Inuyasha. Why did have to be such a party killer? I sighed. Suddenly I felt a presence, it felt slightly like Sesshoumaru, but I wasn't sure.

I slowly turned to see an intensely staring Inuyasha. 'Greeaat' I thought.

"What is it Inuyasha" I asked calmly.

"Kagome, are you really in love Sesshoumaru?" He asked me, I could see pain in his expression.

"Yes, and there isn't anyone who can change my mind."

"But why does it have to be him! I'm just as good! If not better." He was acting like a child.

"Inuyasha, listen, you hurt me. I just can't go through that again. I know that Sesshoumaru will protect me. I can count on him. So please move on."

"But that's the thing, I can't move on. What can I do to win you back?"

"I'm not a toy that you pull out of a cereal box, Inuyasha, I have feelings too. And I don't want to be with you in that aspect. So please drop it." I said as I started to head back to the castle.

"First off, I don't speak future, and second I will NOT drop my feelings for you!"

"Shut up, you're going to wake people."

"Then help me."

He then grabbed my wrists firmly. I tried to writhe free of his grip, but he was too much for me. His mouth was then forced onto mine. I tried to fight him off me, but it wasn't possible in the slightest. I cried. I felt horrible kissing someone other than Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha didn't care what I felt in that moment, all he cared about was getting satisfaction, even if through brutality. I tried to keep my mouth closed, but I couldn't keep his tongue at bay. I felt so violated, so appalled with the idea that the Inuyasha I knew that had never dared to touch me was attacking me with such fierce passion. I bit his tongue, enough was enough. Surprisingly enough he stopped. As he pulled back, I stared at him through my tears with hate. I could see he looked disgusted with his action as he brought a hand to his face as if to cover his shame.

I was horrified with him, I couldn't bear to be in his presence for a second longer. I fled as quickly as I was able to where I knew I could find safe haven from dangers and my fears, to Sesshoumaru.

He was waiting in his room on the grand bed. He was dressed in his silk kimono, fiddling with a loose string. As I entered his room, he stood immediately. I knew he could smell my salty tears.

I ran into his arms and cried into his haori.

"What happened?" He asked.

"…I…Inu…yasha" I managed between sobs.

Sesshoumaru tensed.

"What did he do?" He asked with a very serious tone.

I couldn't speak, all I could do was touch my lips and look at him through the blur of tears that streaked my pale face.

End Chapter(A/N) okay, so that leaves it at one more chapter left! Yay! Sorry it took like, a freaking decade to get this out. I'm just not as into this as I used to be? Maybe? Well, thanks to all the supporters, and I hope you'll enjoy as I bring my story to a close. I do plan on going back and re-writing the first couple chapters eventually. I went back and was like… HOLY CRAP! I wrote that? Well, anyways. I'll catch up with ya'll in the final chapter. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

XxCaddyxX