** This story deals with rape, so if this sort of topic bothers you then be forewarned. **

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Author's Notes: Okay, it's official, there will be a third story! I have been blessed, yet again, by the god of inspiration (whoever that may be) so I will start work on it just as soon as this story is finished.
This is not the final chapter, there will be one more. I just couldn't rush the wedding by cramming it all into one chapter, so I've divided it into two sections. I hope you're all okay with that.
Several of you have asked me questions regarding both this story and the next, so rather then respond to all of you individually, I'll just answer the questions right now.

WILL THERE BE A THIRD STORY? Yes, there will be. WHAT IS IT ABOUT? I'm afraid I can't tell you that, it would give too much away. WHAT'S THE STORY CALLED? I'm leaning toward something along the lines of 'A Heroes Work Is Never Done'. WILL NANCY AND SESSHOUMARU GET TOGETHER IN THIS STORY OR THE NEXT ONE? Again, I can't tell you that, it gives too much away. But know this: I intend to move their relationship along at a reasonable pace. WILL YOU BE WRITING ANY LEMONS? Okay, a lot of you have asked me this, and the answer is no. I appreciate a good lemon once in a while, but only by older authors who, to be blunt, have a little experience. I don't believe that in my case a lemon is necessary. And besides, I've never had a boyfriend or been kissed, let alone anything else, so as it is I'm stretching my range of personal experience. lol I hope none of you are too disappointed by that.

Okay, so I hope that answers your questions, and now on with chapter twenty- two. Enjoy it, because there will only be one more chapter after this (sniffle). I love this story as much as all of you, so trust me when I say it's hard to let go. But, all good things must come to an end (boy, that's a cliché if you've ever heard one before). Enjoy!

Inu-guyver: You sound like superman with your arm healing so fast. Maybe you can send me some of those super-healing abilities, because my swimming career has been suffering from a shoulder injury for the past four years! Oh well, it happens, right? And your advice has been duly noted, I hope you'll find this chapter a little better in that respect. Thanks!

Crow T R0bot- Thanks for all your suggestions, I have been taking them into consideration. And by the way, do you have any other Japanese name suggestions? I really hate using American names but, unfortunately, my second language is German, so it doesn't do me much good.

Silver- Is it about college years? You could sort of say that (grins mischievously). But I'm not promising anything. I hope you like it, but unfortunately I can't say much more then that, or else I'd give it all away!

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Title: The Realistic Happily Ever After

Author: dolphingirl0113

Chapter: Twenty-Two

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

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The small blue Honda sped past the vineyard once before the driver realized her mistake, turned around, and headed up the long drive to the entrance gates. Once inside, she hastily parked (not very well) and ran inside, carrying a bag covering the dress she intended to wear for the wedding.

Sango looked up as the frazzled woman rushed into the main building, and smiled. "Hi."

Ms. White stopped to take a deep breath, checking her watch as she did so. It was five o'clock, just as she'd promised, though she had nearly killed herself keeping that promise.

"If you can say only one thing about Nancy White, it is that she is never late," she announced, and Sango smiled. "Where is she?"

"She's back there," the demon exterminator pointed toward a back room that was normally used as an office, but for today had been set up as a dressing room for Kagome and her brides' maids. Ms. White nodded, and moved forward.

When the two women entered the room, Kagome was sitting before a makeshift mirror while Mrs. Higurashi finished pinning her hair above her head in tight curls. She smiled when she saw her two friends' reflections.

"You're right on time," she said in a voice that hid how nervous she actually was. Ms. White smiled.

"You have no idea how much of a problem that actually was for me. A client called me today after being harassed by her soon to be abusive ex-husband, very distressed. Naturally I called her into the office to talk and calm her down so that she wouldn't do anything stupid, like agree to the man's demands out of fear, only to find out that she had brought the man with her, along with his lawyer. I wasn't exactly expecting to have a conference and play the role of marriage councilor." Ms. White set down her dress shoes and hung the dress up on a small rack holding the other dresses for the wedding.

"But you fixed the problem?" Kagome asked as she turned around.

"Sure, but it meant I didn't have time to change or anything. So, I hope you don't mind my using the room to change as well."

Kagome shrugged. "I don't care. The more the merrier." She turned back to her mother. "Thanks, mama."

"You look beautiful, sweetheart," Mrs. Higurashi said gently, a tear falling down her cheek. Kagome blushed.

She was wearing a purple bathrobe, fluffy white slippers on her feet, and the elegant hair and makeup seemed out of place. But Kagome didn't care. Nothing mattered, save for the man who would be waiting for her at the end of the isle that evening.

"Where's Inuyasha?" she finally asked, more to break the silence then anything else.

"According to Miroku, he's harassing everyone with his nerves, and he apparently keeps yelling at Hojo," Sango stated. Obviously, she had talked to her husband several times throughout the day.

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Well, if you see any of them again, tell Inuyasha to leave Hojo alone."

Sango nodded with a smile. "I'll tell him, but it won't make any difference. The only person capable of keeping that hanyou under control is you."

"Hanyou?" Ms. White raised an eyebrow, and Sango opened her eyes in surprise, realizing what she had said.

"I-I-I mean that as a joke," she said quickly. "Inuyasha's so temperamental sometimes that Kagome and I think he has split personalities. So we call him a hanyou."

Ms. White chuckled. "You could just call him a schizophrenic. Hanyou seems a little strange, don't you think? I mean, half-demon?"

Kagome laughed, very tense, glaring at Sango for her mistake. "Well, I think with a name like Inuyasha, it fits."

"I guess you're right." The three women laughed, albeit two of them were very forced, and thankfully Ayame chose that moment to appear, Rin at her side.

"She's all ready!" the wolf-girl exclaimed, pointing to Rin, whose hair was curled into tight little ringlets, her eyes slightly accented with silver eye shadow, a hint of blush on her cheeks. Kagome smiled.

"You look beautiful Rin."

"Thank you," the girl replied shyly. "But why can't I go play with Shippou?"

"Because he is getting ready with the other men, and today the women and the men will stay apart."

"Oh," Rin pouted slightly, but then perked up. "But I'll see him tonight?"

Kagome loved the bond the two had forged, glad that Rin was over her disappointment when she learned that Kohaku was dead. Apparently, she had met the boy several times, and had grown quite fond of him.

"Yes, you will." Kagome turned to Ayame. "Did you see Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi?"

Ayame rolled her eyes. "You mean the girls who can't stop talking? Yeah, they're here and gawking at the place where you'll be married."

As though they had radar that told them when someone was talking about them, the three girls in question burst into the changing room, Ayumi the only one looking casual.

"Oh my gosh Kagome, the vineyard is so beautiful!"

"I know, I can't wait to see what it will look like tonight!"

"And your hair! Just think of how beautiful it will look under your veil!"

"Inuyasha won't be able to keep his eyes off of you!"

Eri and Yuka stopped talking momentarily to take a deep breath, and Kagome sighed with them, trying to gather her nerves. The mention of Inuyasha was enough to bring back all of her wedding jitters.

"You do look lovely Kagome," Ayumi said gently, and Kagome was once again wondering how someone like her, with perfect grades, ended up friends with girls like Eri and Yuka. But then again, Kagome said to herself, how did I?

The clock now read five-thirty, and considering the fact that Kagome had to be ready to walk down the aisle in a little over two hours, she decided it was time to get dressed. "Who wants to help me with my dress?"

Big mistake.

Eri and Yuka were all over the poor, unsuspecting gown, squealing about how cute Kagome would look. Seeing a disaster waiting to happen, Kagome backed up slightly, wishing she had phrased that a little differently.

Ms. White, as always, could be counted upon to save the day. She stepped up to the two girls, plucked the dress from them, and walked over to Kagome. "As the only one not in the wedding party, I will assist the bride while everyone else attends to their own appearance."

Kagome smiled gratefully at Ms. White, and after everyone else went to do their own makeup and hair, muttered "Thanks."

"Hey, no problem. They're excited, and they mean well, but at the same time you don't need any more hyper vibes in this room then necessary."

"Isn't that the truth," Kagome muttered as she slipped out of the robe so that she was clad in only her underwear, strapless bra, and pale white silk slip. She turned around, viewing her slim figure in the mirror, and smirked mischievously. "Maybe I should just walk down the isle like this?"

Ms. White laughed. "Don't even think about it. You did not buy this beautiful dress only to put it aside for lingerie the day of the wedding."

"You're probably right," Kagome said in a fake pout, the drone of conversation in the background as her bridesmaids dressed themselves. Kagome also watched as Ayame tried to dress Rin in her small gown, only to give up when she couldn't manage the zipper and hand it over to Ayumi.

"This is a beautiful dress," Ms. White said earnestly, removing the plastic cover so that the white fabric was allowed to cascade out and down to the ground. Kagome fingered it lovingly.

"It is, isn't it? You have no idea what I went through to find it. I mean, there are certainly hundreds of beautiful dresses out there, but none of them seemed like the right ones for me. Does that make any sense?"

"Absolutely," Ms. White removed the hanger so that she was holding the dress in her arms, unzipping the back. "It was the same way with me and my prom dress, though on a much smaller scale. I had to find the right dress, and it took me about five trips to the mall to find it." She looked up at the sky and sighed. "Man, that was a long time ago. I'm getting old."

"Please," Kagome chuckled, "As my mother says, a woman is not allowed to call herself old until she is no longer able to pee by herself."

Ms. White laughed. "I can't see your mother saying that, but I believe it."

"It's a philosophy she lives by," Kagome stated firmly, sounding completely serious.

"Well, enough about me for now." The blonde woman turned Kagome so that she was facing the mirror, resting her head on the girls' shoulder. "This day is about you, so don't let anyone steal your glory."

Before Kagome could respond, Ms. White was helping her into the dress, pulling it up over her hips and quickly fastening it in the back, covering the zipper with seven clasps in the shape of small roses.

It was strapless, and Kagome was having a hard time getting the top to stay up and still look the way she wanted. Ms. White, without hesitation, moved in front of the girl.

"Don't mind me, I'm good at this sort of thing." And without any other word of warning, pulled at the dress, pushing and pulling at Kagome's chest until the girl was bright red. Yet, when she stepped away, Kagome was pleased to see that the gown no longer wanted to fall down, and she looked very proportionate.

"Thanks," she said, though her face was still red. Ms. White shrugged.

"I had a sister, so we would help each other. I hope I didn't offend you."

"No, you just, um, surprised me a little." Ms. White laughed, and Kagome went slightly pink again.

"We won't put the veil on until we're a little closer to leaving," Ms. White said with certainty, and Kagome just nodded. "But for now, I need to get dressed."

Kagome nodded and sat down in a nearby chair, arranging the folds of fabric beneath her so that in the end she felt like a bloated snowman. She watched as her friends got ready, fixing each other's hair and makeup, occasionally calling over to her for advice, but for the most part leaving the bride to her thoughts.

"Inuyasha," she whispered, picturing the man in her mind with his silver hair and amber eyes. She wished at that moment more then anything to feel his arms around her waist, his voice comforting. She sighed and leaned into the back of the chair. "I guess this is what they mean by pre-wedding jitters."

A shriek brought her out of her thoughts, and Kagome looked over to see a startled Sesshoumaru standing in the doorway dressed in pants and a white tuxedo shirt and tie, missing only the jacket. His eyes were wide, and when Kagome looked over she saw Ms. White, dressed only in her bra and underwear, staring back at the demon lord.

"I, uh, thought this was where I would find Inuyasha," he stammered, his eyes still locked on Ms. White, or rather, her body. He was a man, after all.

"Well it's not," Yuka screamed, though Kagome wasn't sure why she was the one so distressed. At least she had all her clothes on. "Get out! Get out!"

"I-I, um, please forgive me," he stammered, looking down, his face hinting at pink. He quickly shut the door, and after glancing at a cherry red Nancy White, Kagome cracked up, doubling over in laughter.

"I'm glad someone found that entertaining," Ms. White finally grumbled, returning to dressing herself. Kagome kept laughing.

"D-did you see the way he was l-looking at you? I'll bet h-he has never s- seen a woman before like that." Ms. White blushed again, but raised her chin haughtily.

"Well, at least now the man knows what I'm all about, and I can't say I hide anything from him." She shrugged, and the blush faded from her cheeks. "He'll get over it. Besides," She smirked, "It was worth it to see the look on his face."

A knock sounded at the door, and all of the women retreated to the far corner like vampires from sunlight, except for Sango, who had a distinct feeling she knew who it was. And sure enough, she was right as she cracked the door and looked out.

"What do you want, Miroku?"

"I was just wanting to make sure you ladies were all okay. I heard about what happened with Sesshoumaru, and know that must have been very distressing."

Sango rolled her eyes. "We're just fine, but thanks for your concern." She closed the door on him swiftly, leaving no room for debate. Kagome grinned.

"You could have been a little nicer. After all, he was only interested in your wellbeing."

"Please, the only thing he was worried about was whether or not we all had our clothes on."

Kagome and Ayame laughed, while the others just stared. They were obviously still clueless about Miroku's behavior, and still even more unsure about the fact that he was slapped by his wife at least twice a day.

The door opened, and everyone tensed, Ms. White covering herself. But it was only Mrs. Higurashi, and everyone relaxed.

"The first guests are here Kagome, so you'd better make sure you're ready to go in another thirty minutes."

Kagome nodded and glanced at the clock, shocked when it said six-thirty. Had it really been that long?

"Mama?" Mrs. Higurashi turned back around. "Is Inuyasha, um, completely ready?" She accented the word completely, and thankfully her mother seemed to understand.

"Not quite, but don't worry about it sweetheart, everything will be fine." She shut the door, and Kagome nodded. It would take a lot of explaining about Inuyasha's hair and eye color change, but it would be even worse to explain dog ears, since a baseball cap was out of the question.

All of the women in the room stepped forward as though lining up for inspection, twirling around elegantly in their gowns, though Sango and Ayame still seemed a little unsteady in high heels.

Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi all had their hair curled, and were excitedly adjusting the fabric on their gowns. Kagome smiled and turned to Ayame, who was staring in the mirror.

"What's wrong, Ayame?" The redhead was gaping at her reflection.

"I can't believe that's me," she whispered, and Kagome grinned.

"It is, and you look beautiful."

Ayame turned around and smiled at the woman who had become such a dear friend. Her red hair fell over her shoulders and down her back in large curls, and her green eyes sparkled.

"Thank you Kagome," her voice turned serious. "You know, when we first met I only saw you as a threat. I hated that Kouga loved you more then he loved me." Kagome looked down, but Ayame smiled. "But now that I know you better, I can see why he feels the way he does, and I don't mind."

"Ayame," Kagome met the girl's eyes, green mixing with deep brown. Ayame put up a hand for silence.

"He made a promise to me when I was young and without a home or family. He made the promise out of a sense of duty, and it was only I, in love with the handsome leader of the wolf tribe, who really took it to heart." Her smile only grew brighter. "I'm not saying this to make you feel uncomfortable, but just so that you understand something. I truly enjoy having you as a friend, and don't want that to change. Okay?"

Kagome stared at the girl for several seconds, but then smiled and embraced her fondly. "Thanks Ayame. Your friendship is important to me too."

She stepped back and allowed the wolf-girl to return to admiring her reflection, turning her attention to Sango, who was standing off to the side, her hands clasped in front of her.

The gown was beautiful, almost identical to the brides' maids gowns, except hers was outlined in silver. Her hair fell down her back like dark waves on the sea, and silver eye shadow gave her a mysterious air.

Kagome felt tears welling up in her eyes.

What did she say to a woman who had become her sister in every way over the past three, nearly four years? How could she put into words what she meant to her, or thank her for all she had done?

Sango must have been feeling the same way, because tears were in her eyes as well as the two girls moved forward and embraced.

"Thank you," Kagome whispered.

"For what?"

"For just being you, and being there for me every step of the way. You kept me sane when it came to Inuyasha, and without you I would have given up hope a long time ago."

The exterminator smiled and touched her friend's cheek. "You are my sister, Kagome-chan. I would do anything for you. You helped me when my brother Kohaku died, and, more importantly, you had faith in Miroku's love for me long before I ever saw it. We are tied together, forever."

Kagome nodded, and then chuckled to break the serious moment. "Listen to us. We sound like we're saying goodbye."

Sango looked up thoughtfully. "In a way we are. We are saying goodbye to a segment of our lives. From now on, we will be married, with new problems to face. But that doesn't mean we can't still be close."

Kagome nodded. "Exactly."

They stared at each other for several more minutes, content in each other's presence, and slowly Kagome felt her nerves calm down.

"Well, I think it's about time for you to get going," Ms. White said as she approached the pair, transformed.

Her hair was curled, falling down her back in golden ringlets, and she was wearing a black dress that tied up at the nape of her neck, leaving her back bare, the plunging v-neck showing off her womanly bust. The gown hugged her curves loosely, accenting every line of her body in a sensual way, and Kagome couldn't help but picture the reaction Sesshoumaru, the stoic demon lord, would have when he saw her later that evening.

Kagome nodded and allowed Ms. White to elegantly place the veil on top of her head, letting it fall over her face. She then had Kagome step up on a small stool, and undid the clasp holding back the train of fabric in the back, letting it circle her body elegantly as Sango handed Kagome her bouquet of red and white roses.

Everyone gasped, and Kagome felt extremely self-conscious. Unable to bear the attention, she turned slightly so that she could look into the mirror, and felt herself start at the beautiful stranger she saw in the mirror.

The dress hugged her slim waist until it reached her hips, and then fell away from her body with the help of a subtle hoop skirt, the train of the dress extending elegantly behind her. The gown was outlined in pearls, which also came up from the bottom to her waist in a gentle arc, an exact imitation in the back as well. The veil rested on her head with the help of a silver tiara that glinted under the lights of the room, and fell over her face like a gentle wisp of cloud, giving her the innocent look of a bride, her hair curled atop her head save for a few strands falling down at her temples.

Breaking the moment of silence was the sound of the door opening, and Kagome turned gracefully on her stool to see her mother gazing at her with pure love in her eyes. Behind her, to Kagome's delight, was Kaede, dressed in a purple Kimono.

"Lady Kaede!" Kagome cried, wishing she could run to the woman, but afraid of ripping her dress in the process. The old woman's eyes glistened with tears as she stepped forward, and everyone in the room parted to let her move to Kagome's side.

"Child, you look beautiful," she whispered in her old, gravelly voice. "I am so happy for you."

Kagome took one of the old, wrinkled hands in her own, relaxing at its warmth, and smiled. This woman was as much of a grandmother to her as Sango was a sister. "I'm so glad you could come," she said gently.

"I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Aside from my sister, I have never loved anyone as much as you and Inuyasha."

Kagome smiled again before releasing the hand and turning to her mother as the sound of orchestra music wafted through the partially open door. Obviously, the string quartet had arrived.

"Mama," she whispered, and Mrs. Higurashi moved quickly to her daughter's side, helping her off the stool and taking the younger woman in her arms.

"Oh Kagome, my beautiful Kagome," she whispered, "I'm so proud of you." Kagome clutched at her mother as though she were still young and unsure, a part of her not wanting to let go.

"I'm afraid," she finally whispered, and Mrs. Higurashi smiled that smile only a mother could give.

"I know sweetheart," she touched her daughter's cheek tenderly. "But I also know you will make a wonderful wife. Inuyasha is a lucky man."

Kagome smiled and leaned into the touch briefly before finally pulling away and standing up straight as her mother moved to fix her train behind her. She turned to her friends, some from school and others from another time across the well. They all grinned.

"I can't believe you're getting married!" Eri and Yuka shrieked, giving her a huge embrace while being careful to not ruin her dress. Kagome smiled fondly, knowing now that they were her friends because they were always there for her, no matter how annoying they could manage to be.

"Let's go Nancy," Mrs. Higurashi said to Ms. White, and the woman nodded, winking at Kagome as she followed the other two women out the door.

"You'll take the world by storm Kagome," she called over her shoulder, and Kagome grinned.

The sound of conversation was growing by the minute, and Kagome felt her nerves return full force as the orchestra continued playing their gay little ditties, knowing all the chairs that had been set up were now being filled by over one hundred and fifty people.

After another twenty minutes of waiting, her grandfather appeared and smiled at her lovingly. "It is time."

The other women in the room nodded and moved out the door, Ayame holding Rin's hand to guide her to her place, leaving Kagome alone. She walked up to her grandfather and smiled as she looped her arm through his, though he was much shorter then she, especially in heels.

"You look so beautiful Kagome," he said kindly, "Just like your mother on her wedding day."

"Thanks grandpa," she replied, and smiled again, taking a deep breath as the music began for the procession to begin, knowing that everyone in the audience was watching as first Sango and Miroku walked in, followed by Kouga and Ayame, Ayumi and Sesshoumaru, Eri and Souta, and Yuka and Hojo.

The little cooing noises told her that Rin and Shippou had made their appearance, and she smiled, knowing they must look absolutely adorable. She walked out of the room with her grandfather, and out into the courtyard, still just out of sight.

A slight pause followed, before the musicians struck up the undeniable tune of 'here comes the bride'. She heard everyone rise to their feet, and allowed her grandfather to lead her forward, stepping into the spotlight as she walked toward her new life.