Chapter Ten
Author's notes: The last chapter. Well, these stories always seem to go by so quickly. I'm still debating over whether or not there should be a sequel. A lot of people want to know what will happen when the child is born. That's a good idea, but I'm still not sure whether I can pull off a sequel to a sequel. It just might kill my story, ya know? Its never a good idea to overdo a story, it will only make it seem, you know, blah? So that's my reason to my hesitancy, and also for the fact that it seems that people are losing interest to my story. So whatever. Tell me what you think.
Maybe it was just the jitters again, or maybe the effect of pregnancy, but Kagome seriously felt like she was going to hurl. She sat in her dressing room, alone at the moment. Sango had rushed out of the room to get her some water. Sango had been her first choice to be her bride's maid, but Sango had refused because of her rather large stomach and the fact she couldn't stand up for long. Kagome had been touched that Sango was willing to even be here when she should have been lying down somewhere. Rin was her bride's maid and was currently looking around for the flower girl, who had disappeared. Kagome's mother was talking to grandpa about how the ceremony would work.
She wondered if Inuyasha was as nervous as she was. She wasn't even sure why she was nervous. She had watched many movies when the man runs out on the girl, leaving her at the alter, but Kagome knew that Inuyasha would never do that. Maybe she would trip in the aisle? That would be embarrassing. But so would Inuyasha not being at the alter. Or when they were exchanging vows he didn't say 'I do!' that would suck...
"Kagome?" Kagome jumped at Rin's voice with Sango making a weird noise of acknowledgment. She turned guilty towards her friends, "You shouldn't be so nervous. It's only marrying Inuyasha, for crying out loud."
"I know I just," Kagome paused and thought for a moment, "I feel like something bad will happen, you know?"
Rin and Sango exchanged looks and sighed loudly, "It's nothing!"
"But I can't help it!" Kagome exclaimed loudly as she stood angrily, only to get a head rush from standing too quickly.
Mrs. Higurashi walked in holding the dress Kagome was to wear, "Kagome dearest, you really shouldn't be so loud, Inuyasha is complaining that your screeching is giving him a headache."
"I'll show him what a headache is," Kagome muttered darkly and walked towards her mother. She stared at the dress. Her mother had taken measurements, but she had never really allowed Kagome to see the dress.
Now that she saw it, she was amazed at how beautiful she was. By tradition, it was a beautiful ivory white and had a small train running down the back. The straps that held the dress up had patterns that appeared to be ivy wrapping around it. Small beads decorated the chest area, while the lower half seemed to be made of silken material, its soft and smooth texture slipping along the slight breeze coming from the open window. Small wisps of blue were seen in the pattern, like thin strips of lace boarding the sides.
She hesitantly reached out and touched the dress, afraid that it would shatter with her touch. It was just as soft as it looked and Kagome felt her heart swell for her mother. She smiled softly at her mother and hugged her. "Thanks mom," She said happily.
Mrs. Higurashi smiled and hugged her back, "It's the least I can do, after all, my baby is finally growing up."
Rin and Sango both smiled and excused themselves, Rin leaving to get into her bride's maid dress and Sango to find a place to sit.
Inuyasha fumbled with the tuxedo that he was forced to wear, the whole thing seemed like a stupid penguin suit to him and totally inappropriate. If he had a choice he would go naked. The paused for a moment and shook his head, ok, so he wouldn't go naked, but he wouldn't be wearing a suit either.
Miroku sat beside him, calm and collected and already wearing the tuxedo. He cleared his throat to get his friend's attention, "You know, Inuyasha, if you keep fumbling like that, you're going to collapse at the alter."
"You know what? You're really starting to piss me off." Inuyasha said darkly, "I should have gotten Sesshoumaru to be my best man."
"Too late now," Miroku said happily, pleased to be getting on Inuyasha's nerves. It was pay back for being hit by a bowling ball prior to the wedding.
Inuyasha collapsed into a chair when the penguin suit was finally situated correctly. He sat in a long silence thinking about the huge step he was going to do in less then a few hours. Something inside him was giddy and ready for this, something he'd wanted since he'd met Kagome, but then, there was the small amount of doubt that dwelled inside his heart. Like Kagome wouldn't accept him or she'd run away.
Miroku glanced at his best friend and chuckled, "I've seen that look before…"
"Hm?" Inuyasha grunted as thoughts of Kagome running away with Kouga filled his mind.
"Don't be so uptight, Inuyasha, she's not going to run out on you," Miroku said, knowing Inuyasha all too well, "I bet right now Kagome's scared you'll run out on her."
"I guess."
"Just relax, think about something that makes you happy," Miroku stated and put his hands behind his head, "That's what I did when Sango and I eloped."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes and leaned back into the chair, trying to relax. The daydreams of having children with Kagome filled his mind and he felt all his muscles relax, he would be fine. He had Kagome and Kagome had him.
The cool demeanor he'd managed to obtain before the actual ceremony disappeared when he watched Shippou walk down the aisle with the rings placed on a small pillow. Shippou was wearing a little tuxedo that made him look completely adorable, but he looked a little scared that he would mess up. It must run in the family. Miroku was already beside him, already escorted Rin down the aisle, since she was bride's maid. After Shippou came Rin's niece who was the flower girl. She was smiling a big toothy smile and throwing little flowers around like there was no tomorrow. Inuyasha couldn't help but smile as all the guests 'oohed' and 'ahhed' at the cuteness of the little girl.
Then the ever famous 'here comes the bride' began to play and Inuyasha felt himself tense up in fear and anticipation. He felt like his insides were going to explode and he'd start screaming for Kagome to hurry up and just get her ass down here. The many guests stood and turned towards where Kagome was to enter and walk towards him, her arm draped over her grandfather's (since the father wasn't really there anymore).
He felt a lump appear in his throat and he had trouble breathing when Kagome wasn't there. Did she leave? Did she get hurt in some freak dress accident? He felt himself visible relax when the old man appeared with Kagome on the side that he couldn't see very well. When they started walking down the aisle, Inuyasha felt his breath catch in his throat at the sight of his so-close-to-being-wife. She was simply gorgeous. Her dress brought out the contrast of her beautiful silky black hair, and even under the veil she was wearing; he could see her beautiful blue eyes shinning with love and admiration. She moved with an unknown grace as she approached the small flight of stairs she needed to climb in order to reach him and the rest of the wedding.
She moved like she was floating and allowed grandpa to leave her and return to his seat. The guests all sat as one as she turned to face him, her smile evident even under the veil.
Inuyasha allowed himself a small smiled as they grasped each other's hand and turned to face the minister.
And that's when the trouble started.
Prior to the ceremony, the minister was getting situated and ready to wed the couple who would be ready in a few hours. Every time he did a ceremony, he always got woozy and a little stressed out, even if he was the minister. So, what better way to get a little looser than taking a nice sip of wine?
The little sip soon turned into a full-blown drink-o-rama.
Conclusion:
A drunken minister.
The world is going to burn.
Now back to the issue at hand, Kagome and Inuyasha were being married under a drunken minister, and weren't aware. Miroku watched the man sway slightly and knew instantly what was wrong. He paled, he did not want his best friend's wedding to be ruined, he'd never hear the end of it, and a horrible wedding could lead to a divorce, and Inuyasha and Kagome were made for each other!
He contemplated all his choices and watched as the minister opened his mouth to perform the ceremony.
"You know, people are always telling me that there is always wine in a relationship," the minister hiccupped. Inuyasha and Kagome exchanged looks and then returned their gazes to the minister, who was really talking to Rin more than anyone.
"The wine is what holds the couple together. But, sometimes the wine runs out. Maybe during the wedding, the wedding night, a few weeks, or maybe even a few (hic) years!"
Inuyasha's fist clenched at his side. Miroku raised a brow; Inuyasha was aware of the minister's condition and was not happy about it. Kagome still seemed confused. Rin was furious and the flower girl and Shippou both sat on the ground, too lazy to stand for so long.
Miroku took a deep breath, it was time for him to do something, by now, the whole wedding party knew of the condition, but the guests were still oblivious, good. Miroku cleared his throat and the minister stopped his slurred speech on wine and everyone in the church turned the Miroku.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, and ignoring the murderous glare Sango and Inuyasha were sending him; Miroku walked towards the minister and whispered something in his ear. Inuyasha's angry face instantly turned of that of gratitude, his excellent hearing picking up what the pony-tailed boy was whispering. The minister smiled and started walking away, before collapsing and passing out. Sesshoumaru took this time to sneak out of the crowd and carry the man away.
Miroku caught his eye and motioned for him to come over. After disposing of the minister, Sesshoumaru glided over to Miroku and allowed him to tell him what to do. Sesshoumaru nodded firmly and positioned himself next to Inuyasha and Shippou. Inuyasha smiled in gratitude and returned his attention to the empty alter. Kagome looked a little worried.
When Miroku stepped up to the alter, everyone was worried.
"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," Miroku began and Rin gasped. Miroku grinned and rubbed the back of his head, "Opps, my bad."
Inuyasha glared at him and hissed, "Miroku what are you doing?"
"Hey, my family is from a long line of monks, I think I can get this ceremony down. So bugger off and let me do this for my dearest friend," Miroku hissed back and stood up straight. Putting on a smile he cleared his throat.
"Oh great," Kagome whispered, the first thing she had said since the whole yahoo started.
"Dearly beloved," Miroku shouted to the crowd, "We are gathered here today to see the union...oh Inuyasha Ginga and Kagome...Higurashi!" He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. He didn't know exactly how this whole wedding ceremony went, and he didn't remember what the Elvis impersonator (whom had been his minister) had said. Time for him to wing it.
"Inuyasha Ginga, Kagome Higurashi, you are marrying each other because you love each other. So, now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.
"Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficult and fear assail your relationship…as they threaten all relationships at one time or another…remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives…remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight."
The whole church was silent as Miroku finished his speech that he had made up on the spot. The speech resembled so much of what Kagome and Inuyasha stood for. All they had gone through together and yet still managed to love and nurture each other. In a way he was jealous. But then he remembered that he had money and allowed himself a silent victory dance.
"Inuyasha and Kagome have requested that they recite their own vows," Miroku said, remembering that he had heard Mrs. Higurashi gushing about how romantic it was. He glanced at Inuyasha, "The groom may go first."
Inuyasha blushed and sighed softly as he made eye contact with Kagome, who was still hidden under the veil.
"I come here today, Kagome, to join my life to you for years before this company. In their presence I pledge to be true to you, to respect you, and to grow with you through the years. Time will pass, fortune may smile or frown, trials may come and go; no matter what we may encounter together, I vow here that this love will be my only love. I will make my home in your heart from this day forward and you shall always be the one I love from here on out," Inuyasha whispered, though loud enough for everyone to hear. Mrs. Higurashi smiled at her son in law and congratulated him silently on being so sweet.
"Now the bride," Miroku said and smiled reassuringly at Kagome. Kagome blushed and licked her lips as she swallowed. She shivered slightly and looked at her husband.
"Today, Inuyasha, I join my life to yours, not merely as your wife, but as your friend, your lover, and your confidant. Let me be the shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion of your life. With you I will walk my path from this day forward and I promise with all my being to be faithful and loving to you for the rest of my days. You shall be the one I love forever more and until the day I die. And every day after that," Kagome smiled brightly as she watched Inuyasha's eyes fill with gratitude, and touched by her sweet voice gracing his ears.
"Kagome Higurashi, do you take Inuyasha as your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to hold and to cherish as long as you both shall live?" Miroku asked, he wasn't sure if that was completely correct, but it was pretty damn close.
"I do," Kagome whispered and smiled.
"Inuyasha Ginga, do you take Kagome to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to hold, through sickness and health, through bad times and good times for as long as you both shall live?"
Inuyasha inhaled deeply and looked into Kagome's shimmering eyes, still holding a trace of doubt that he would run down the aisle and never come back. He smiled and nodded, "I do."
Miroku nodded his approval and motioned to Shippou.
"Shippou, the rings please," Miroku said calmly and kneeled down to retrieve the rings from the little orange-haired boy. "Thank you, Shippou, you may return." Shippou retreated to his spot on a little chair that he had found behind the alter and watched the skylight with a bored expression. This whole wedding was boring, he didn't care if Kagome and Souta were related to him now, and he wanted to get out of there.
Miroku waved his hand over the rings in a fancy little prayer-looking thing. Personally he thought it looked cool. Clearing his throat he looked at Inuyasha and Kagome.
"The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond, which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows Inuyasha and Kagome have made to one another. Bless O God these rings that Kagome and Inuyasha, who give them, and who wear them, may ever abide in thy peace. Living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives," he then turned to Inuyasha and gave him the ring that he was to slip onto Kagome's finger.
"Inuyasha, repeat after me," Miroku said and began to say the one thing he remembered from Sango and his wedding.
Inuyasha looked at Kagome and smiled softly at her face, it alit with happiness. "I, Inuyasha, give you, Kagome, this ring as a symbol of our vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, with this ring, I thee wed." He smiled again and slipped the ring onto Kagome's ring finger. The golden band fit perfectly on her slim finger.
"Kagome, please repeat after me," Miroku stated just as he had Inuyasha.
"I Kagome, give you, Inuyasha, this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, with this ring, I thee wed," She whispered and slipped Inuyasha's wedding ring onto his ring finger.
Miroku smiled softly at the intensity in such a simple gesture. When the rings were on both fingers, their hands stayed connected and they started into each other's eyes like there was no one there.
"Is there anyone here at all who believes that these two should not be joined? If you do, then I'll knock the shit out of you!" Miroku called to the silent guests, some crying, some smiling, and Mrs. Higurashi doing both while video taping the whole scene.
Silence met this statement and Miroku smirked, expecting no less.
He then returned his attention to the glowing couple. "In as much as you have each pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion, I now pronounce you husband and wife, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."
Inuyasha grinned, knowing what was coming next. Miroku allowed a grin as well, his perverted self never slept.
"Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder. Inuyasha, you may kiss your bride!" Miroku smirked in approval as he said the one thing he'd been dying to say since he took over as minister.
Inuyasha's grin became a small smile as he lifted the veil that covered Kagome's face. Her blue eyes shinned and shimmered as she gazed into his violet pools. This was the end of the beginning and the beginning of the rest of their lives. Leaning down, he allowed his eyes to close as he captured Kagome into a sweet and gentle kiss.
Clapping and 'woot's were heard throughout the church room. About one minute later, the guests were beginning to get a little bored. And the children were mortified. Miroku glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed. "Ok, as much as this is very interesting. Save it for the honeymoon, lover boy."
They turned towards the guest as Miroku shouted, "I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Inuyasha Ginga!"
Inuyasha broke away, but didn't seem to hear him as he gazed at Kagome lovingly. Gripping her hand, he led her down the steps and down the aisle, his eyes never leaving hers. All jitters and doubts were gone from his mind, as he got lost in her beautiful blue gaze. Kagome felt the same way as she felt trapped in the violet orbs. Their hands stayed connected, Kagome smiled and admired the ring she wore.
She was officially married. She never really thought of true love until she met Inuyasha.
Inuyasha smiled as they exited and hung out for a bit, knowing that the stupid guests had to blow bubbles in their face before they could drive away into the sunset or whatever they were supposed to do.
When they were sure that the guests had filed out, they dared to leave the church. The long line of guests cheered as bubbles filtered through the air and up to the heavens. Inuyasha smiled and held Kagome's hand as they traveled through the winter air to the limo that would take them back to the shrine where the reception party would be.
As they situated themselves, Kagome threw the veil off and some extra parts of the dress that had been annoying her. She smiled and leaned back into Inuyasha's firm chest. "Feels good to sit down."
"Tell me about it," Inuyasha chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her stomach, holding her to him.
"I can't believe Miroku did that," Kagome said, excited. "I was so sure when the minister collapsed that our wedding was ruined!"
"Ha, you think your mother would allow that to happen?"
"Our mother," Kagome whispered and blushed before grinning widely. She snuggled farther into Inuyasha and placed her head on his shoulder. "It's hard to believe it finally happened."
"I'm glad it's over with, now you won't be so angsty about not being married," Inuyasha joked and wasn't the least bit surprised when Kagome punched him. "Ow, hey don't be like that, Kagome."
"I'm just glad that something actually went right for a change, could you imagine what it would be like if we messed up our wedding?" Kagome asked giggling as she imagined different scenarios. Inuyasha started laughing as well until they were breaking out into a full blown laughing fest.
The reception was going well, everyone was happy and since the couple had forgotten to actually take wedding pictures, it was happening outside next to the God Tree. Inuyasha and Kagome both thought that was prettier than inside the church or the house.
After the pictures were taken, Inuyasha and Kagome sat on the bench next to the tree and watched as snow fell from the sky. December 23, their wedding date. And probably the only people they knew, besides Sango and Miroku, who didn't have a summer wedding. Kagome smiled, thinking that she liked the winter better than the summer anyway.
Inuyasha sighed and squeezed Kagome's hand softly, telling her silently to look at him. She shifted her blue-eyed gaze to him and smiled softly, squeezing his hand in return to tell him she was listening.
"Kagome I," he paused, silently gaining his courage, even though they were finally married, he was still a little shy about all this, "There's something I need to tell you that I was afraid to say in front of all those people and with Miroku in hearing range."
Kagome smiled, "I'm listening."
Inuyasha pulled out a small sheet of paper from his tuxedo pocket, "I was a little embarrassed." He justified and opened it, "These are my true vows."
Kagome smiled warmly, showing she understood.
"Kagome," he read, "You are my greatest and only love. Until I met you I didn't give true love much thought, but since you've came into my life, I've struggled desperately to try and find the words to tell you how much I love you, adore you. It is difficult for me to verbalize my feelings for you, because mere words cannot begin to express my deepest of love for you. I thank God for giving me to you, Kagome, and I pledge to be the most faithful husband I can be. I give you my mind, my body, my heart and my soul and I promise to love and to cherish you as long as we both shall live."
He fell silent as he gazed at the darkening sky with a far off look on his face. He allowed a shadow of a smile at the thought of the wedding earlier that day.
Kagome leaned up against him and leaned her head onto his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I love you, too, Inuyasha."
"You better," Inuyasha said, "because you're stuck with me."
Kagome giggled and snuggled up to him peacefully. The two sat in silence as they watched stars scatter across the sky. This was the ending of the beginning, and the beginning of the rest of their lives. They had so much ahead of them, they were going to have a family, and he was finally married to her, after so long.
"There you are," Mrs. Higurashi said as she appeared, "Come along, its time for you two to come inside and eat your cake!"
Inuyasha smiled, "Yes Mrs. Higurashi."
"You stupid boy, you can call me Mom now!" Mrs. Higurashi smiled and walked towards the house, "We're all family here."
Once inside, Kagome and Inuyasha were instructed to have their cake. The tradition was to feed each other the cake, but knowing that stupid couple, that's not what the people got. Instead, Miroku found two pieces of cake shoved and smeared across his face. Miroku grinned and allowed the couple to stand on either side of him and take a picture. Oh the memories.
They shared a few dances, had some stuff to eat, got a little tipsy when Miroku spiked the punch, and had a toast. All was right in the world. And Inuyasha was glad that God had a fucked up sense of humor, or else this would never have happened.
When everyone was a little drunk, besides Kagome (good responsible mother), the guests began to file out and head home, having limos take them, Mrs. Higurashi planning ahead and knowing they'd all be drunk off their asses.
Alone in the living room, with the music playing faintly behind them, Kagome dragged Inuyasha into the middle and clicked the CD skip to her favorite song.
'I can't get no satisfaction' by the rolling stones.
"Oh no, not this song?" Inuyasha groaned as the memories of Inuyasha and Kagome dancing to this song came back full force. That seemed so long ago, yet so close. He allowed himself to dance with Kagome, as she happily got lost in her favorite American Song.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes on more than one occasion.
When the song faded, the first song that they had danced to that evening came on. It was their 'song', if you will. The first song they ever danced to as a couple.
"Dance with me," Kagome smiled, her eyes shining.
The song 'Dearest' came pouring softly from the speakers as the gentle breeze like melody made the two figures drift along to the beat. The lyrics were beautiful and so true and they found that they could forever dance to the soothing melody.
"I love you," Kagome whispered, but it came as no surprise, the words had been uttered so many times. But this time, the sincerity, the passion, the absolute truth of the words hit Inuyasha full force and the gentle words wrapped themselves around his heart.
He smiled softly and kissed her closed eyelids. "I love you too," he whispered.
They continued to sway to the music until Kagome finally dropped off into a peaceful sleep. Tomorrow they'd be leaving for their honeymoon, the wedding gift from Sesshoumaru and Rin.
He brushed some of Kagome's hair away, "If only you knew how much."
When you are sad, I will dry your tears.
When you are scared, I will comfort your fears.
When you are worried, I will give you hope.
When you are confused, I will help you cope.
And when you are lost, and can't see the light,
I will be your beacon, shining ever so bright.
This is my oath; I pledge to the end.
Why you may ask?
Because you are my lover and friend.