Chapter 18
The Wedding
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December came. The air grew colder, and the trees were bare of their leaves, leaving grey trunks to match the perfectly white snow, turning all of Tokyo into some winter wonderland. Kagome helped Sango into the white limo as she hugged her coat tighter around herself. The day was windy, the sky was clear, and there was just enough snow to make the day the most beautiful day of that year's winter.
They arrived at the church, and got out of the car, trying to keep Sango's dress in order while trying to keep themselves warm at the same time. They laughed hard as the wind whipped around furiously, and nearly blew Sango's veil off.
Kagome was her Maid of Honor, donned in a satin deep red dress, too terribly flimsy for the cold weather, but the church was warm inside.
They burst inside the church, sighing and groaning at the pleasure the heater gave them. Removing their coats, they fixed each other's hair quickly, Sango's mother fussing with her veil, and Sango fussing with Kagome's hair.
"I'm fine, you need to get ready!" Kagome told her urgently, and caught a glimpse of her self long enough to make her disheveled hair smooth again, then was walking down the aisle as soon as the music began.
Sesshoumaru saw her enter from his seat behind the family, where he was seated with all the friends, and smiled. She was the most beautiful woman in he room, he thought. The groomsmen, some of Miroku's cousins and one good friend from back home, and his Best Man, InuYasha, stood reassuringly by Miroku, waiting for the bridesmaids to make their entrance. Kagome made her way gracefully to the altar, and took her place beside it. She looked around for the flower girl; Rin was sitting with Rosa, and they waved to her. Kagome would have to apologize to Rin later for missing her petal- throwing skills. Her eyes then looked to her left, and she saw Miroku, and nearly cried as his own mother would. He looked so handsome. . . and like he was about to faint. Yet, he kept a slightly with-it look to his features, even though Kagome knew he was near freaking out.
Everyone held their breath as the rest of the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle (Julia, Yôko, Mitsuko, and Judy, and a friend of Sango's from highschool). The louder music began, everyone stood, and in came Sango. Kagome nearly cried *again*, but told herself to save it for later. How would that look, the Maid of Honor crying on the video tape? Ugh.
She had just seen her seconds ago, but somehow, Sango looked even more beautiful walking down that red-carpeted aisle. She glowed.
Kagome glanced at Miroku. He did nothing but stare. . . should she worry? He looked slightly pale. . .
Once Sango reached him, she saw his face and gracefully turned him toward the altar. She touched his arm sweetly, and he seemed to relax when she smiled at him.
The ceremony was beautiful. Neither the bride nor groom got choked up during their vows, but instead said them confidently and truthfully, and neither of them could stop smiling!
The kiss finally came, and everyone clapped and cheered as the newlyweds exited the grand church to, "Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Miroku Mazuhara!."
That's when Kagome caught InuYasha staring. She made an effort to be friendly and smiled at him nonchalantly; he smirked and turned away.
When everyone was at the large reception, Kagome found Sesshouamru. "You look beautiful," he said to her, kissing her on the forehead. "You held yourself up well during the ceremony."
"Oh, you noticed? It was all I could do not to break down and cry! They were so sweet up there!" she said as they sat down at a table.
Rin ran up to them, beaming. "Hi! Kagome, where were you?! You missed me walk!"
"I know, Rin!" she said, hugging the little girl. "Gomen nasai! We were running late. The hair salon took longer than we thought it would! But you know what?"
"What?"
"It'll all be on the video tape! We'll watch it together."
"Okay! Daddy, I'm hungry."
Sesshouamru smiled at her. "Okay, Rin." he turned to Kagome. "Want anything?"
"Just some wine. I'm too nervous to eat."
"Still nervous?" "Yeah, I haven't worked it off yet. I'll be alright in a little while."
Sesshouamru kissed her on the cheek and got up to get some food for Rin at the never-ending line at the food bar.
Kagome was only alone with Rin for a few seconds before Rosa found her. Her eyes looked red, but she was beaming just as much as Rin. "Sango looks so beautiful, and so do you!" she exclaimed, hugging Kagome.
"Thank you! It was a lot of work!" Kagome replied, sitting back down and motioning for Rosa to join her.
"Kagome, how did you not cry?! I couldn't help myself!"
Kagome sighed. "I don't know. I made it somehow!"
"I didn't cry!" Rin said proudly, making Kagome and Rosa giggle. Rosa opened her arms wide so Rin could sit in her lap. She'd grown rather attached to the girl, just as she had with Kagome, and now Sango.
Kagome felt a tap on her shoulder, and turned around to see Miroku, half- smiling at her.
"Hey!" Kagome said, getting up to hug him.
He hugged her back and asked Rosa, "Can I borrow Kagome for a minute, mom?"
"Sure, sure, go ahead." she waved them off and continued to chatter with Rin.
Miroku led Kagome into a deserted hallway, and brought them out of sight of any passerby. "What's up?" she asked him; he looked so sad.
His face grew red, and he struggled with his voice. "I don't know how to say this. . ."
Deeply concerned, now, Kagome touched his arm. "What's wrong, Miroku? Tell me! You should be happy, today!"
"I am, believe me! I just. . . I wanted to thank you. . . for bring my best fried for so long. I couldn't have asked for a better one. . . " single tears streamed down his cheeks, and he wiped them away, quickly, laughing a little weakly.
Kagome realized what he was saying. "You're. . . I see. . . " she said a little sadly. "I'm not your best friend, anymore. Sango is. But you know something?" she told him, her eyes filling with tears. "I wouldn't want any other girl on the planet to take my place." she threw her arms around him, and he hugged her close to him.
"I love you, Kagome."
"I love you, too, Miroku."
They held each other tightly for a moment longer, Kagome's last hug as his best friend. Finally they pulled away, wiping each other's faces and fussing over themselves so they wouldn't worry anyone. "They'll be looking for me," Miroku told her, straightening his tux. "The first dance as husband and wife is soon," he said, returning to his happy-go-lucky personality.
Kagome smiled at him, trying not to cry again. She felt a sad sense of loss, now, as she watched her amazing friend Miroku, this amazing guy, handsome, and charismatic, as he lead her back into the large room. She was sniffling a little, and he elbowed her, making her laugh. "Oh, I almost forgot," he said when they stopped to part ways, "can you say a few words before the dance starts? You know, to lead us into it?"
Kagome nodded happily, and smiled. He kissed her on the cheek and waved as they called him over to prepare for the first song.
She took a deep breath to even her breathing, and joined Rosa and Rin back at their table. Sesshouamru was just returning with Rin's food. He said hello to Rosa as he handed Kagome a glass of wine and kept one for himself. The lights dimmed suddenly, and Sesshoumaru gave Kagome a small smile. He placed a hand on her back and lead her into the front of the crowd that was waiting to watch the newlyweds first dance.
Sango and Miroku appeared in the middle of the floor, Miroku holding a microphone, and everyone applauded. Miroku signaled for everyone to quiet down, and when they did, he spoke. "Uh, before we begin, I would like to introduce, a very close friend of mine, Kagome Higurashi."
He signaled to her, and she handed her glass to Sesshouamru, then gracefully joined her friends.
Everyone clapped for her, then quieted as she took the microphone from Miroku and held it to her mouth. "I was asked to say a few words, before the first dance," she said as a beginning to her speech. "And I've racked my brain trying to think of the perfect words, the perfect wish, but, all I came up with, is a few simple statements. Sango," she said looking at the bride, "and Miroku," she continued, looking at the groom, "were made for each other. I've noticed that happiness comes to them instinctively when they are with each other. And, being Miroku's closest friend for six years, this day is as exciting for me as it is for him, believe me! I've seen his relationships come and go, and none of them had ever really stuck in my mind as much as his relationship with Sango. So, naturally I was praying for a long time that they would end up happily ever after. And I truly believe they will. I love you guys. Congratulations."
The crowd clapped and cheered in agreement as Kagome hugged Sango and Miroku happily. Sango was wiping away tears, and Miroku was smiling proudly. The lighting dimmed some more, and Kagome quietly joined Sesshouamru as the music began. Kagome recognized the song my Ayumi Hamasaki, but could not recall it's name. She turned her attention to the couple on the floor, and leaned into Sesshoumaru, as he whispered into her ear, "That was wonderful. I think they're very proud."
She angled her head to smile at him, and kissed him sweetly. They watched as Sango and Miroku dance in lazy circles to the singer's delicate notes.
"'It would be nice if we could put away and throw out everything except what really mattered, but reality is just cruel.
In such times, I see you laughing whenever I close my eyes.
Until the day I reach eternal sleep, that smiling face will have to stay with me without fail.
People are all sad, so they go and forget, but-
For that which I should love, For that which gives me love, I will do what I can.
Back then, when we met, it was all awkward. We went the long way, didn't we? We got hurt, didn't we?
Until the day I reach eternal sleep, that smiling face will have to stay with me without fail.
Back then, when we met, it was all awkward. We went the long way, didn't we? We got there in the end.'"
"Dearest" -- Ayumi Hamasaki, English Translation
Written by -- Do As Infinity
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InuYasha watched from across the floor as Kagome kissed his brother, and his chest tightened unbearably, until he couldn't breathe. He shook himself out of it and watched Sango and Miroku as a sweet song began to play for them. He was happy for them.
He straightened his tux a little, fidgeting with the collar. He was sometimes forced to wear tuxes when he was younger, and he had never liked them. They were just too stiff and itchy. He stood there pleasantly, or, tried to anyway, until there was a tap on his shoulder. InuYasha turned around to see a caterer.
"Tokunawa InuYasha?"
"Yes?"
"You have a phone call. I was told to tell you it is very important."
Worried now, InuYasha followed the young man out of the room, and into a smaller room, to a phone they had waiting for him. The man left him alone when he put the receiver to his ear.
"Hello?" he asked, his throat dry. He swallowed, hoping it would help. It didn't.
"InuYasha?"
". . . Mom?" He stared incredulously ahead. He hadn't heard from his mother in two years.
"InuYasha, your father. . . " her voice choked, and she paused. InuYasha stood still, bracing himself as best he could for whatever horrible news this was.
When she got herself under control, his mother tried again. "InuYasha. . . your father has. . . passed away. He died of a heart attack this morning," she said, her voice straining as she began to cry once again. She tried to suppress it, and tried to speak again. "You need to - you need to t-tell you brother. . . "
InuYasha could not speak. He was dead? His father was actually dead? Impossible. . . no. . . it was impossible. . . Dads weren't supposed to die. Dads were supposed to see you get married. Dads were supposed to shake your hand and tell you how proud they are of you when you finally find the perfect job.
They weren't supposed to die.
"InuYasha?"
His mother's voice brought him back. "Uh," he said dryly, "yeah, Mom, I'm here. Are you okay?"
She sniffled, "Not really. Not right now. You and Sesshoumaru need to get here as soon a possible. Your family needs you, InuYasha."
"I'll be there, Mom. I promise. I'm at a friend's wedding right now. . . you remember Sango from highschool?" his voice was solemn.
"Yes. She's getting married? That's nice." she said tonelessly.
"Yeah. Let me say goodbye to them, and I'll let Sesshouamru know. We'll leave as soon as possible."
"Goodbye, InuYasha."
"Bye, Mom."
He hung the phone up and stood for a minute, staring at it. He collapsed then into a near chair, and rubbed his face with his hands, to get his bearings straight.
He stood, and swayed a little, but caught the table, and began a slow walk back out into the large room. There was a different, more upbeat song now, and couples spotted the dance floor. The song was jazzy, and he could see Sango and Miroku dancing around happily on the floor. Miroku would dip her, and then they would spin around happily. They spun so much they made InuYasha dizzy, and he almost lost his footing, but corrected himself and approached them, trying to find his voice on the way.
He tapped Miroku when he reached them, and a smiling Miroku turned to face him, but InuYasha didn't hear what he said.
"I. . . I have to leave. . . " he muttered to them. The music seemed too loud, and he could barely hear himself.
He watched both Sango and Miroku as their faces slowly became concerned when he did not try to repeat himself. Miroku shook him, and InuYasha's whole body snapped, and he suddenly came back down to earth. "Uh," he said, his voice loud and clear this time, "I have to leave. I got some, uh, bad news. I'm sorry."
Sango gasped. "Is everything all right? Do you need any help? What's happened?"
"No, Sango. It's. . . my. . . my Dad. He had a heart attack this morning." He decided to leave out the part about his father dying. He didn't want to ruin their honeymoon.
"I'm so sorry," she said sadly, hugging him tightly, Miroku doing the same in turn.
He told them good bye. "Don't worry. Everything's gonna be fine. Send me a postcard, huh?" he added with a pat on Miroku's arm so they wouldn't worry.
They nodded, and he left them to themselves.
Now, to find his brother.
He looked around the dance floor, and spotted Sesshouamru and Kagome dancing, in good spirits, their heads filled with wine.
He took a deep breath and approached them, tapping Sesshoumaru on the shoulder as he had done to Miroku.
He stood his ground at the faint glare he received, then let the news reach his brother's ears.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Something bad has happened."
Kagome watched a pale InuYasha as he looked Sesshouamru in the eye. What was wrong? What's happened?
Sesshouamru let go of her and turned to his brother, concerned. InuYasha nearly spoke, but then turned and looked at Kagome. He grabbed Sesshoumaru's elbow and led him over to a secluded corner.
Kagome watched them from where she stood. Sesshoumaru was turned so she could see his face, but InuYasha's back was toward her.
She watched as Sesshouamru listened for a few moments, and then, something on his face broke. The change was barely visible, but she knew him too well, and his eyes had grown wide at something. He stared unbelievingly at InuYasha for a moment, then turned away and ran a hand through his hair, looking very stressed all of a sudden. He asked him a question. When he received his answer, he sighed, and rubbed his hands over his face.
'What the hell has happened?' she wondered to herself, now extremely worried for the half-brothers.
InuYasha watched Sesshouamru pace around in front of him, and told him something else. Sesshouamru stopped mid-step and looked at him as if he were crazy. He then proceeded to shake his head, and say something in argument. This made InuYasha angry; his body language looked stressed, as if he didn't want to put up with it at the moment.
They argued for a few moments longer, managing to keep their voices just above a whisper so as not to cause a scene. Then, it seemed as if Sesshouamru gave in, and he nodded, irritated, and stalked back over to Kagome.
He took her arm lightly, and led her out of the room.
When they reach an empty hall way, she asked seriously, "What's happened?"
He looked at her, his eyebrows drawn together in a worried way. "My father. . . he died today. He, uh, had a heart attack this morning."
Kagome's eyebrows shot up. "What? Oh, my. . . " she threw her arms around Sesshouamru, and he hugged her back limply. "I'm so sorry. . . " she told him, knowing it wasn't helping.
"I have to go to the. . . you know. . ."
Kagome nodded, pulling away. "Yeah. When is it?"
"It's in two days. I have to go to his house with InuYasha. They, uh. . . they want me to be there," he said sourly ,with a frown. Then, his expression turned pleading. "Will you come with me? I mean, if you can?"
"Of course, I will!" she told him, hugging him again.
"And I, uh, don't want to bring Rin. I'll need someone to keep her."
"Rosa can do it!" she thought for a moment. "Do you want to leave now?"
He sighed, and looked at the ground heavily. "Yeah. There would be no point in staying, the whole evening's already been ruined."
Kagome nodded sympathetically, and placed a hand on his shoulder to lead him back into the large room. "You go ahead and leave," she told him. "I brought a change of clothes with me so I wouldn't freeze on the way home. I'll go home soon and pack as fast as I can, okay? I want to stay and let Sango and Miroku know. I'll call you when I'm ready, and I'll see if Rosa won't mind keeping Rin."
Sesshouamru listened to her, but he stared at the ground. "What if Rosa can't keep her?" he heard her ask.
"Kikyou." he sighed. "Kikyou will have to keep her."
"Okay. . ." she said. "Get out of here," she said, hugging him and kissing his lips. "I'll see you later."
He nodded, and turned to leave, But she caught him by bringing a hand to his cheek. "Hey." she whispered.
He stopped and looked up at her.
"We'll be okay. *You'll* be okay." she told him.
He nodded faintly, and left. Her words rang in his ears, comforting him on the ride home.
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OOOOOH, suspense!
This has got to be my favorite chapter - I couln't stop writing! How'd you like the English translation of "Dearest?" Yeah, I figured posting it in Japanese wouldn't do any good.
Thanks for the great reviews, everyone! You've all been so wonderful!
Love ya! Honey Bee
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December came. The air grew colder, and the trees were bare of their leaves, leaving grey trunks to match the perfectly white snow, turning all of Tokyo into some winter wonderland. Kagome helped Sango into the white limo as she hugged her coat tighter around herself. The day was windy, the sky was clear, and there was just enough snow to make the day the most beautiful day of that year's winter.
They arrived at the church, and got out of the car, trying to keep Sango's dress in order while trying to keep themselves warm at the same time. They laughed hard as the wind whipped around furiously, and nearly blew Sango's veil off.
Kagome was her Maid of Honor, donned in a satin deep red dress, too terribly flimsy for the cold weather, but the church was warm inside.
They burst inside the church, sighing and groaning at the pleasure the heater gave them. Removing their coats, they fixed each other's hair quickly, Sango's mother fussing with her veil, and Sango fussing with Kagome's hair.
"I'm fine, you need to get ready!" Kagome told her urgently, and caught a glimpse of her self long enough to make her disheveled hair smooth again, then was walking down the aisle as soon as the music began.
Sesshoumaru saw her enter from his seat behind the family, where he was seated with all the friends, and smiled. She was the most beautiful woman in he room, he thought. The groomsmen, some of Miroku's cousins and one good friend from back home, and his Best Man, InuYasha, stood reassuringly by Miroku, waiting for the bridesmaids to make their entrance. Kagome made her way gracefully to the altar, and took her place beside it. She looked around for the flower girl; Rin was sitting with Rosa, and they waved to her. Kagome would have to apologize to Rin later for missing her petal- throwing skills. Her eyes then looked to her left, and she saw Miroku, and nearly cried as his own mother would. He looked so handsome. . . and like he was about to faint. Yet, he kept a slightly with-it look to his features, even though Kagome knew he was near freaking out.
Everyone held their breath as the rest of the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle (Julia, Yôko, Mitsuko, and Judy, and a friend of Sango's from highschool). The louder music began, everyone stood, and in came Sango. Kagome nearly cried *again*, but told herself to save it for later. How would that look, the Maid of Honor crying on the video tape? Ugh.
She had just seen her seconds ago, but somehow, Sango looked even more beautiful walking down that red-carpeted aisle. She glowed.
Kagome glanced at Miroku. He did nothing but stare. . . should she worry? He looked slightly pale. . .
Once Sango reached him, she saw his face and gracefully turned him toward the altar. She touched his arm sweetly, and he seemed to relax when she smiled at him.
The ceremony was beautiful. Neither the bride nor groom got choked up during their vows, but instead said them confidently and truthfully, and neither of them could stop smiling!
The kiss finally came, and everyone clapped and cheered as the newlyweds exited the grand church to, "Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Miroku Mazuhara!."
That's when Kagome caught InuYasha staring. She made an effort to be friendly and smiled at him nonchalantly; he smirked and turned away.
When everyone was at the large reception, Kagome found Sesshouamru. "You look beautiful," he said to her, kissing her on the forehead. "You held yourself up well during the ceremony."
"Oh, you noticed? It was all I could do not to break down and cry! They were so sweet up there!" she said as they sat down at a table.
Rin ran up to them, beaming. "Hi! Kagome, where were you?! You missed me walk!"
"I know, Rin!" she said, hugging the little girl. "Gomen nasai! We were running late. The hair salon took longer than we thought it would! But you know what?"
"What?"
"It'll all be on the video tape! We'll watch it together."
"Okay! Daddy, I'm hungry."
Sesshouamru smiled at her. "Okay, Rin." he turned to Kagome. "Want anything?"
"Just some wine. I'm too nervous to eat."
"Still nervous?" "Yeah, I haven't worked it off yet. I'll be alright in a little while."
Sesshouamru kissed her on the cheek and got up to get some food for Rin at the never-ending line at the food bar.
Kagome was only alone with Rin for a few seconds before Rosa found her. Her eyes looked red, but she was beaming just as much as Rin. "Sango looks so beautiful, and so do you!" she exclaimed, hugging Kagome.
"Thank you! It was a lot of work!" Kagome replied, sitting back down and motioning for Rosa to join her.
"Kagome, how did you not cry?! I couldn't help myself!"
Kagome sighed. "I don't know. I made it somehow!"
"I didn't cry!" Rin said proudly, making Kagome and Rosa giggle. Rosa opened her arms wide so Rin could sit in her lap. She'd grown rather attached to the girl, just as she had with Kagome, and now Sango.
Kagome felt a tap on her shoulder, and turned around to see Miroku, half- smiling at her.
"Hey!" Kagome said, getting up to hug him.
He hugged her back and asked Rosa, "Can I borrow Kagome for a minute, mom?"
"Sure, sure, go ahead." she waved them off and continued to chatter with Rin.
Miroku led Kagome into a deserted hallway, and brought them out of sight of any passerby. "What's up?" she asked him; he looked so sad.
His face grew red, and he struggled with his voice. "I don't know how to say this. . ."
Deeply concerned, now, Kagome touched his arm. "What's wrong, Miroku? Tell me! You should be happy, today!"
"I am, believe me! I just. . . I wanted to thank you. . . for bring my best fried for so long. I couldn't have asked for a better one. . . " single tears streamed down his cheeks, and he wiped them away, quickly, laughing a little weakly.
Kagome realized what he was saying. "You're. . . I see. . . " she said a little sadly. "I'm not your best friend, anymore. Sango is. But you know something?" she told him, her eyes filling with tears. "I wouldn't want any other girl on the planet to take my place." she threw her arms around him, and he hugged her close to him.
"I love you, Kagome."
"I love you, too, Miroku."
They held each other tightly for a moment longer, Kagome's last hug as his best friend. Finally they pulled away, wiping each other's faces and fussing over themselves so they wouldn't worry anyone. "They'll be looking for me," Miroku told her, straightening his tux. "The first dance as husband and wife is soon," he said, returning to his happy-go-lucky personality.
Kagome smiled at him, trying not to cry again. She felt a sad sense of loss, now, as she watched her amazing friend Miroku, this amazing guy, handsome, and charismatic, as he lead her back into the large room. She was sniffling a little, and he elbowed her, making her laugh. "Oh, I almost forgot," he said when they stopped to part ways, "can you say a few words before the dance starts? You know, to lead us into it?"
Kagome nodded happily, and smiled. He kissed her on the cheek and waved as they called him over to prepare for the first song.
She took a deep breath to even her breathing, and joined Rosa and Rin back at their table. Sesshouamru was just returning with Rin's food. He said hello to Rosa as he handed Kagome a glass of wine and kept one for himself. The lights dimmed suddenly, and Sesshoumaru gave Kagome a small smile. He placed a hand on her back and lead her into the front of the crowd that was waiting to watch the newlyweds first dance.
Sango and Miroku appeared in the middle of the floor, Miroku holding a microphone, and everyone applauded. Miroku signaled for everyone to quiet down, and when they did, he spoke. "Uh, before we begin, I would like to introduce, a very close friend of mine, Kagome Higurashi."
He signaled to her, and she handed her glass to Sesshouamru, then gracefully joined her friends.
Everyone clapped for her, then quieted as she took the microphone from Miroku and held it to her mouth. "I was asked to say a few words, before the first dance," she said as a beginning to her speech. "And I've racked my brain trying to think of the perfect words, the perfect wish, but, all I came up with, is a few simple statements. Sango," she said looking at the bride, "and Miroku," she continued, looking at the groom, "were made for each other. I've noticed that happiness comes to them instinctively when they are with each other. And, being Miroku's closest friend for six years, this day is as exciting for me as it is for him, believe me! I've seen his relationships come and go, and none of them had ever really stuck in my mind as much as his relationship with Sango. So, naturally I was praying for a long time that they would end up happily ever after. And I truly believe they will. I love you guys. Congratulations."
The crowd clapped and cheered in agreement as Kagome hugged Sango and Miroku happily. Sango was wiping away tears, and Miroku was smiling proudly. The lighting dimmed some more, and Kagome quietly joined Sesshouamru as the music began. Kagome recognized the song my Ayumi Hamasaki, but could not recall it's name. She turned her attention to the couple on the floor, and leaned into Sesshoumaru, as he whispered into her ear, "That was wonderful. I think they're very proud."
She angled her head to smile at him, and kissed him sweetly. They watched as Sango and Miroku dance in lazy circles to the singer's delicate notes.
"'It would be nice if we could put away and throw out everything except what really mattered, but reality is just cruel.
In such times, I see you laughing whenever I close my eyes.
Until the day I reach eternal sleep, that smiling face will have to stay with me without fail.
People are all sad, so they go and forget, but-
For that which I should love, For that which gives me love, I will do what I can.
Back then, when we met, it was all awkward. We went the long way, didn't we? We got hurt, didn't we?
Until the day I reach eternal sleep, that smiling face will have to stay with me without fail.
Back then, when we met, it was all awkward. We went the long way, didn't we? We got there in the end.'"
"Dearest" -- Ayumi Hamasaki, English Translation
Written by -- Do As Infinity
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
InuYasha watched from across the floor as Kagome kissed his brother, and his chest tightened unbearably, until he couldn't breathe. He shook himself out of it and watched Sango and Miroku as a sweet song began to play for them. He was happy for them.
He straightened his tux a little, fidgeting with the collar. He was sometimes forced to wear tuxes when he was younger, and he had never liked them. They were just too stiff and itchy. He stood there pleasantly, or, tried to anyway, until there was a tap on his shoulder. InuYasha turned around to see a caterer.
"Tokunawa InuYasha?"
"Yes?"
"You have a phone call. I was told to tell you it is very important."
Worried now, InuYasha followed the young man out of the room, and into a smaller room, to a phone they had waiting for him. The man left him alone when he put the receiver to his ear.
"Hello?" he asked, his throat dry. He swallowed, hoping it would help. It didn't.
"InuYasha?"
". . . Mom?" He stared incredulously ahead. He hadn't heard from his mother in two years.
"InuYasha, your father. . . " her voice choked, and she paused. InuYasha stood still, bracing himself as best he could for whatever horrible news this was.
When she got herself under control, his mother tried again. "InuYasha. . . your father has. . . passed away. He died of a heart attack this morning," she said, her voice straining as she began to cry once again. She tried to suppress it, and tried to speak again. "You need to - you need to t-tell you brother. . . "
InuYasha could not speak. He was dead? His father was actually dead? Impossible. . . no. . . it was impossible. . . Dads weren't supposed to die. Dads were supposed to see you get married. Dads were supposed to shake your hand and tell you how proud they are of you when you finally find the perfect job.
They weren't supposed to die.
"InuYasha?"
His mother's voice brought him back. "Uh," he said dryly, "yeah, Mom, I'm here. Are you okay?"
She sniffled, "Not really. Not right now. You and Sesshoumaru need to get here as soon a possible. Your family needs you, InuYasha."
"I'll be there, Mom. I promise. I'm at a friend's wedding right now. . . you remember Sango from highschool?" his voice was solemn.
"Yes. She's getting married? That's nice." she said tonelessly.
"Yeah. Let me say goodbye to them, and I'll let Sesshouamru know. We'll leave as soon as possible."
"Goodbye, InuYasha."
"Bye, Mom."
He hung the phone up and stood for a minute, staring at it. He collapsed then into a near chair, and rubbed his face with his hands, to get his bearings straight.
He stood, and swayed a little, but caught the table, and began a slow walk back out into the large room. There was a different, more upbeat song now, and couples spotted the dance floor. The song was jazzy, and he could see Sango and Miroku dancing around happily on the floor. Miroku would dip her, and then they would spin around happily. They spun so much they made InuYasha dizzy, and he almost lost his footing, but corrected himself and approached them, trying to find his voice on the way.
He tapped Miroku when he reached them, and a smiling Miroku turned to face him, but InuYasha didn't hear what he said.
"I. . . I have to leave. . . " he muttered to them. The music seemed too loud, and he could barely hear himself.
He watched both Sango and Miroku as their faces slowly became concerned when he did not try to repeat himself. Miroku shook him, and InuYasha's whole body snapped, and he suddenly came back down to earth. "Uh," he said, his voice loud and clear this time, "I have to leave. I got some, uh, bad news. I'm sorry."
Sango gasped. "Is everything all right? Do you need any help? What's happened?"
"No, Sango. It's. . . my. . . my Dad. He had a heart attack this morning." He decided to leave out the part about his father dying. He didn't want to ruin their honeymoon.
"I'm so sorry," she said sadly, hugging him tightly, Miroku doing the same in turn.
He told them good bye. "Don't worry. Everything's gonna be fine. Send me a postcard, huh?" he added with a pat on Miroku's arm so they wouldn't worry.
They nodded, and he left them to themselves.
Now, to find his brother.
He looked around the dance floor, and spotted Sesshouamru and Kagome dancing, in good spirits, their heads filled with wine.
He took a deep breath and approached them, tapping Sesshoumaru on the shoulder as he had done to Miroku.
He stood his ground at the faint glare he received, then let the news reach his brother's ears.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Something bad has happened."
Kagome watched a pale InuYasha as he looked Sesshouamru in the eye. What was wrong? What's happened?
Sesshouamru let go of her and turned to his brother, concerned. InuYasha nearly spoke, but then turned and looked at Kagome. He grabbed Sesshoumaru's elbow and led him over to a secluded corner.
Kagome watched them from where she stood. Sesshoumaru was turned so she could see his face, but InuYasha's back was toward her.
She watched as Sesshouamru listened for a few moments, and then, something on his face broke. The change was barely visible, but she knew him too well, and his eyes had grown wide at something. He stared unbelievingly at InuYasha for a moment, then turned away and ran a hand through his hair, looking very stressed all of a sudden. He asked him a question. When he received his answer, he sighed, and rubbed his hands over his face.
'What the hell has happened?' she wondered to herself, now extremely worried for the half-brothers.
InuYasha watched Sesshouamru pace around in front of him, and told him something else. Sesshouamru stopped mid-step and looked at him as if he were crazy. He then proceeded to shake his head, and say something in argument. This made InuYasha angry; his body language looked stressed, as if he didn't want to put up with it at the moment.
They argued for a few moments longer, managing to keep their voices just above a whisper so as not to cause a scene. Then, it seemed as if Sesshouamru gave in, and he nodded, irritated, and stalked back over to Kagome.
He took her arm lightly, and led her out of the room.
When they reach an empty hall way, she asked seriously, "What's happened?"
He looked at her, his eyebrows drawn together in a worried way. "My father. . . he died today. He, uh, had a heart attack this morning."
Kagome's eyebrows shot up. "What? Oh, my. . . " she threw her arms around Sesshouamru, and he hugged her back limply. "I'm so sorry. . . " she told him, knowing it wasn't helping.
"I have to go to the. . . you know. . ."
Kagome nodded, pulling away. "Yeah. When is it?"
"It's in two days. I have to go to his house with InuYasha. They, uh. . . they want me to be there," he said sourly ,with a frown. Then, his expression turned pleading. "Will you come with me? I mean, if you can?"
"Of course, I will!" she told him, hugging him again.
"And I, uh, don't want to bring Rin. I'll need someone to keep her."
"Rosa can do it!" she thought for a moment. "Do you want to leave now?"
He sighed, and looked at the ground heavily. "Yeah. There would be no point in staying, the whole evening's already been ruined."
Kagome nodded sympathetically, and placed a hand on his shoulder to lead him back into the large room. "You go ahead and leave," she told him. "I brought a change of clothes with me so I wouldn't freeze on the way home. I'll go home soon and pack as fast as I can, okay? I want to stay and let Sango and Miroku know. I'll call you when I'm ready, and I'll see if Rosa won't mind keeping Rin."
Sesshouamru listened to her, but he stared at the ground. "What if Rosa can't keep her?" he heard her ask.
"Kikyou." he sighed. "Kikyou will have to keep her."
"Okay. . ." she said. "Get out of here," she said, hugging him and kissing his lips. "I'll see you later."
He nodded, and turned to leave, But she caught him by bringing a hand to his cheek. "Hey." she whispered.
He stopped and looked up at her.
"We'll be okay. *You'll* be okay." she told him.
He nodded faintly, and left. Her words rang in his ears, comforting him on the ride home.
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OOOOOH, suspense!
This has got to be my favorite chapter - I couln't stop writing! How'd you like the English translation of "Dearest?" Yeah, I figured posting it in Japanese wouldn't do any good.
Thanks for the great reviews, everyone! You've all been so wonderful!
Love ya! Honey Bee