Ok…I know that I have a lot of explaining to do for my long and unproductive absence, so here goes…
The problem is…I am now on the volleyball team at my school. This takes the time that I use in the evenings to update away from me. Also, our team has had four ALL DAY tournaments to deal with and one evening game that lasted for a few hours as well, and that took away my prime writing days…Saturdays…
Not that I can only blame volleyball for my long absence, some of it was laziness, and still even some of it was the fact that my mother's computer broke down for a month and I couldn't write when I went over to her house either. So, many things have contributed to this lack of updates. So I'd like to formerly apologize to all of my faithful reviewers, and even those who don't review, because this wasn't fair to you. I am sorry.
Ok, this is going to be Sango and Miroku's wedding, which is going to be a cross between a traditional Shinto wedding, (which Kachie helped me with immensely,) and a Christian wedding. That way, there get to be bridesmaids and groomsmen and stuff! Also, I can make it a bit longer that way.
I will be adding bits and pieces of what has happened over the past year in there as well, to…entice…you guys to read my multiple sequels…I won't give too much away though…just because I still have to formulate most of it in my head…all I have are the basics…
Now, I have had reviewers both like and dislike my idea of multiple sequels. The reason I wanted to do it this way is so that it would be easier for me to focus on the SPECIFIC couples. As you know, I have trouble focusing on any specific pairing. If I have separate stories, then it is easier for me to focus on whom I WANT to focus on. Ok? Is that a good enough reason? I thought so…but hey, you still have time to try to change my mind if you must…
This chapter is dedicated to my buddy Barbara…you know who you are chika…thanks for letting me vent via e-mail and thanks for your advice…this final chappie goes out to you!!! All hail Jersey!!! (You know what I mean! -!)
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the idea for the damn plot…
Inuyasha- Duh…if you owned us…we'd all be dead by now!
Sesshoumaru- We did die idiot…and I still love her…so what's your problem?
Inuyasha- She started it! She MADE us die!!!
Sesshoumaru- And? She wrote in for Midoriko to bring us back to life and that
we all won and that the damn monk and the slayer are going to
marry…so I'd say it turned out just fine…stop being a wimp!
Inuyasha- I am NOT a wimp you stupid ball of fluff!
Me- OK! Now…back to the disclaimer…I own nothing…
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Epilogue: The First of the Vows
Sango sighed, as she turned in front of Kagome's giant mirror for the hundredth time in the past fifteen minutes. It was her wedding day. She could not believe that the day had finally come…or had even come at all.
Sango was wearing a white wedding kimono trimmed in gold and embroidered elaborately with golden roses. She also wore a golden Obi and golden sandals, which Kagome had bought her as an early wedding gift. She looked lovely.
Kagome and Hekele walked into the small hut with some utensils to do Sango's hair and make-up with just then. They were all smiles.
"Sango…you look amazing…I bet Miroku is going to drop his jaw when he sees you!" Kagome teased. Sango blushed and looked at the floor, attempting to hide the offending pink that had graced her cheeks. She hoped that Miroku liked the kimono; she had kept it hidden because she wanted to surprise him on their wedding.
It was her mother's wedding kimono. She had found it in the wreckage of the demon slayer village on one of her trips with Miroku and Kohaku over the past year; the three had decided to begin repairs and hopefully bring the town back to life and attract newcomers.
Sango had never been so happy in her entire life when Miroku had suggested the idea. She had wanted to do so anyways, but had figured against it because of their wedding and all the planning that it involved.
When she had found the dress in the rubble of her former hut, it was hidden away inside of her mother's old trunk. It had been torn in a few places and was very dirty, but she had kept it anyways. As soon as she had shown it to Kagome, Hekele, and Kachie, the three had immediately recommended repairing it and using it as her own wedding kimono. Sango hadn't thought that it was possible to repair the old thing, but Kagome's mother and her three friends had persisted until it was as good as new. When Sango had seen the finished product, she had cried.
"You guys…I want to thank you again…for all you've done…" she said. Hekele, who was currently putting Sango's hair into small corn-rolls, smiled.
"It's no problem…really…we had a ball!" she said happily. Kagome nodded as she began to do Sango's make-up.
"We enjoy assisting in special occasions…see? We're taking care of you right now!" she piped. Sango laughed.
"Yeah…I guess you are, huh? Ow! Hekele, must those be so tight?" she muttered the last part.
"Yup…you don't want them falling out do you?" she said. Sango muttered a 'no' and piped down about the mild pain being implemented into her scalp.
"You two look beautiful. Those kimonos were a great choice…" she said instead, admiring her two bride's maids.
They both were wearing dark blue two-toned kimonos. Hekele and the rest of the regular bridesmaids' other tone was silver, and they had silver trimming as well. Kagome, being the maid of honor, had gold as the second tone and trimming. Rin, who was the flower girl, had a soft pink kimono and lavender trimming.
The kimono's had all been made in Kagome's era, since Kagome's mother had pointed out to Sango that she could have more options and that the kimonos could be made faster as well. Heck, half of the wedding was arranged in the other era…
Kagome beamed at her friend. "Yeah…maybe…hey, where are Kachie and Kagura? And Kanna and Rin? They should be in here helping us!" she asked. Hekele rolled her eyes.
"Kachie is putting on her make-up, Kagura is in there with her enforcing my ruling that she had better put on the make-up or die, Rin is greeting the guests like the adorable munchkin she is, and Kanna is probably talking to Kohaku…" she said slyly. Sango grinned.
"I still can't believe that those two got so close…of all the people…YOU and Sesshoumaru was even more predictable than those two…" she said to her friend as she finished with the tiny painful rolls and moved on to putting the rest of her hair into a bun. Hekele beamed.
"Yes…my protector…" she said happily. Kagome sighed.
"Ok…I'm done Sango…want some help Hekele?" she asked. Hekele shook her head.
"Nope…I'm just about finished…hey, could you go grab the rest of the girls? We need to get out there soon…" she requested. Kagome gave her a nod and went outside the hut.
Within a moment, Hekele was finished with Sango's hair. She showed her to the mirror that she and Kagome had brought back with them on their last trip through the well.
"Well, wha'cha think?" she asked. Sango smiled.
"It's great…thank you…"
"Anytime…now, for the checklist!"
Sango smiled, they had been through this little ritual before, "Ok."
"Something old?"
Sango touched her kimono, "Check."
"Something new?"
"Check, check," Sango declared as she showed off her shoes.
"Something borrowed?"
Sango lifted a gold pendant in the shape of a heart that she had borrowed from Kachie, just for the occasion, "Check."
"Something blue?"
Sango smiled and took from her kimono's sleeve pocket a small square of blue fabric that had been left over from the making of her friends' kimonos, "Check."
Hekele grinned as Kagome returned into the room with Kachie, Kagura, Kanna, and Rin, "Ok folks…let's get this girl's show on the road!"
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Meanwhile, with Miroku and the other guys:
"I can't believe that I'm actually getting married…" Miroku said in a daze. He had been like this for the past few hours, and his groomsmen were getting a bit fed up with it.
"Well, we can't believe that she actually said yes to a lecher like you…I mean, come on…she had a lord ask her, and she turned around and said 'yes' to you…I find it odd…" Inuyasha said, feeding off of the former monk's negative energy. The atmosphere was just too happy for him, plus, he was preoccupied with something else…
Sesshoumaru and Koga seemed interested. "She was proposed to by a lord and she turned him down? When did this happen?" Koga asked. Sesshoumaru merely nodded. He too seemed a bit annoyed with the joyous essence floating about in the air.
Inuyasha grinned, "Oh, this was way back before Hekele joined the group even. This guy rode up looking for Sango, asking her to exterminate a demon for his boss. Then his boss, the lord, rode up and asked her. He recognized her from when her family had exterminated a demon a few years back and started confessing his love for her and then proposed…it was great…" Inuyasha said, recalling the fond memory. He had thought the entire thing rather amusing. Miroku hadn't.
"I do not believe that it was all that great, Inuyasha; Sango seemed very torn during those few days…" Miroku said slowly. Inuyasha grinned.
"Oh, I don't know why, either she stays with a group of idiots and follows a perverted monk around hoping that he returned the same feelings she had for him, even though he gropes every woman he sees, or she stays put in one place with a guaranteed happy life, descent future, and where she knew she was appreciated…she chose you…why? I wonder sometimes…" Inuyasha retorted.
Koga was trying not to laugh and Sesshoumaru was genuinely pondering why Sango had in fact stayed with the group. Now it was no question, for she knew of Miroku's feelings for her…but then she didn't. Oh well, lucky for the monk she had such deep feelings for him then too, eh?
"Well, she knew deep down what she wanted and wished to pursue it. I am only glad that 'it' was me…" Miroku said gracefully. Inuyasha scowled…there was no good way to make fun of that one…
Sesshoumaru stepped up to the plate and decided to keep the jeering on a moment longer, "Are you certain she merely didn't wish to sit back and allow you to deflower every woman you saw?" Inuyasha gave him a proud look and Sesshoumaru decided it best to take it as a compliment from his younger sibling.
Miroku rolled his eyes…right when he had thought that he had outsmarted them… "Hey, for the record, I never deflowered anyone…" he defended. Inuyasha smirked.
"Yeah…cuz Sango wouldn't let you…"
Shippo and Kohaku entered the hut just then. "Hurry it up! The girls are already ready!!! Sheesh! It's time to start the ceremony!!!" Shippo bounced up and down. Kohaku rolled his eyes but nodded. Souta, whom had been picked as one of Miroku's groomsmen, peeked into the room.
"Come on already!!!" he yelled, "Or I'll send Kagome in after you…and you know she'll get you out, one way or another…"
At this Inuyasha cringed…the last thing he wanted was to have that rosary put back on…and if Kagome even pretended to connect him with the slightest error in their friends' wedding…she would find a way to put him under fifty feet of dirt before he could say 'shit'…
"…Let's get out there…shall we?" he said apprehensively.
"I always knew Kagome had you on a leash…" Koga smirked. Before Inuyasha retaliated, Kachie burst into the room with an annoyed look on her face.
"Guys! Get your butts out here before I nail them in place!!! And you Koga! Were you the hold-up?!? You were the one I heard talking!!! And why are you insulting the other people in the wedding?!? My god! Can't you and Inuyasha NOT fight for once?! Argh!!!" and with that, she threw up her arms and walked out of the hut.
The men just stood in place for a moment in complete shock…that had to be the second time that had happened to Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, and Miroku, for they recalled Hekele's first tantrum, but for Koga the random outburst was rather unusual, not to mention scary…
Inuyasha forced a grin, and he began to slink out of the hut as he spoke, "You were saying something about ME being on a leash?" Koga growled and darted after Inuyasha, nearly knocking Shippo, Kohaku, and Souta over.
It was then that Hekele poked her head into the hut, "Sorry about Kachie…I think she's irritated that she can't wear her usual make-up…but seriously, hurry up! We want this ceremony to get under-way!!!" Hekele removed her head from the hut, earning an eye roll from the entire group.
The boys exited the hut only to see all the girls, (minus Sango of course; she was still in the hut so that Miroku wouldn't see her yet,) dressed in their elegant kimonos.
Their jaws dropped. The boys had never seen them in such lovely clothing before… The girls' hair was done up as well, and they also wore a small amount of make-up. They looked positively beautiful. When Kachie had had her little tantrum, no one had even noticed how dressed up and lovely she was. Despite the fact that the boys knew that the girls would be all decked out and fancy, they were still in a bit of awe at the beauties before them.
A few of the boys blushed slightly as they eyed their loves, but they didn't fail to notice that they were being surveyed as well.
The men were wearing midnight black kimonos that were embroidered with silver twigs and leaves; Inuyasha's done with a golden thread instead. The girls were in biscuit land…
Inuyasha smiled and walked up to Kagome, embracing her lovingly, "You look beautiful…" Kagome smiled slightly and blushed at his antics. She laid her head on his shoulder.
"And you don't look too bad yourself…" she replied.
Hekele, from where she was standing next to Sesshoumaru and Rin, rolled her eyes, "Come on you two! Play, 'Flirt-stupidly-through-compliments,' later…we have a wedding to get over with!!!"
Inuyasha and Kagome blushed a bit but parted and headed to where the wedding party was to be lining up. The nervous groom and the rest of the party followed them.
Hekele was about to do the same when Sesshoumaru lightly pulled her to him and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She looked at him questioningly and his lips curled into a soft smile, "You look outstanding in that kimono…"
Hekele smiled a bit and tried to hide her blush, "You're just trying to get me into trouble because I wouldn't let Inuyasha and Kagome play that game…" She said it accusingly, but with a smile. Sesshoumaru smirked slightly as he led her after the group, whom Rin had followed hurriedly.
"Perhaps…but perhaps you are just a bit self-conscious…"
"Stop it! I don't feel like playing your mind games right now!"
"Mind games? Whatever are you speaking of?"
"Stop it!"
"Stop what?"
"Kagome!!! Sesshoumaru won't leave my dwindling sanity alone!!!" Hekele called out to her friend, who rolled her eyes.
"He's not my boyfriend, so he's not my problem…enjoy!" Kagome said cheerfully as Miroku made his way up the isle to await the wedding party and Sango.
Sesshoumaru smirked at the young miko, who in return grinned at him. The past year had changed a lot of things, and though Sesshoumaru would be the last person to admit it…everyone had formed stronger friendships with each other, including himself.
Kagome and Inuyasha were standing at the front of the line, Hekele and Sesshoumaru directly behind them, Kachie and Kouga were next, and Kagura and Souta followed them. Rin and Shippo brought up the rear; Rin turned behind her and trotted over to Sango's 'dressing room'.
"Sango-chan…it is all right to come out now…Miroku-san is at the front," she said sweetly. Within moments, Sango came outside of the hut.
"Thank you Rin-chan…I am so nervous…" the older girl confessed. Rin grabbed her hand and led her to the back of the wedding party, which was beginning to move.
"Don't worry Sango…this is going to go just fine…" Kagome whispered as Inuyasha led her down to the front of the Shrine. Hekele gave her a similar confidence.
"Sango, you have worked so hard for this day…and we've all worked hard with you…it'll be fine…besides…worse case scenario, we'll have to resurrect the monk after he drops dead because of how good you look!" she said as Sesshoumaru led her after the others. Kagura just gave her a thumbs up before Souta led her out, and Rin and Shippo gave Sango two big hugs before picking up their respective items and heading out, Shippo following Rin as she tossed Sakura petals everywhere.
Ok Sango…you can do this…all you have to do is walk up that isle…Oh Kami…I never actually knew how scary this was…I…don't think I can go up there all by myself…all those people… Her jumbled thoughts were interrupted when she felt two arms link with each of hers.
"You didn't forget about us did you?" Kohaku joked. Kanna was on the other side of Sango, grinning at the bride.
"…We thought you deserved, and needed, someone to give you away at the alter…so…Kohaku volunteered…and since I can't just walk up that big long isle alone…I volunteered too!" she chirped. Sango looked at the two, relieved that they hadn't gone ahead of her as was planned. She sighed as they both began to lead her down the isle. She whispered to them her gratitude.
"…Thanks guys…"
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Miroku looked up to see Sango being led to the front of the shrine by Kohaku and Kanna. He was relieved that she hadn't had to go down the isle alone…he had been terrified himself when he had. It was an odd sort of fear, it was as if the guests were judging him…and it was unnerving.
It was then that Miroku noticed Sango in all her glory. She had never looked so radiant in all the many times he had seen her. Her skin seemed to glow as though she was some kind of beacon of light…some kind of saint. Her eyes sparkled and shone with life and happiness, and Miroku was proud to note that he had put a good portion of it there. Her hair was done in a messy type of bun with what the girls called 'corn-rolls' on the top of her head, and her kimono…oh…her kimono was astounding! It looked as though it were made in the heavens for Kami's loveliest angel…and the woman wearing it did nothing to curb that thought!
When Sango, Kohaku, and Kanna reached the alter at the front of the Shrine, they bowed respectfully before the Lady Kaede, whom had lovingly accepted the task of performing the ceremony for two of the young people she had grown so fond of. She prayed that she would have the honor again soon from her other young friends as well…
The three parted, each moving to their respected spots. Sango joined Miroku at the isle and took his hand when he offered it. Sango blushed a bit when she saw Miroku's broad smile.
Once he had the opportunity, Miroku whispered to her, "You look incredible Sango-chan, never have you shone with such beauty…" Sango's blush deepened on reflex as he said it.
Lady Kaede smiled at the two young adults before her. Yes, she was overjoyed to have the honor of performing this ceremony, but she would reflect on how much it meant to her after it was over with.
(AN: Ok, now that we are into the actual ceremony, things are gonna get hairy…my sources were vague on the actual ceremony, so, if any of you have ever been to a Shinto ceremony, or know better than I how one works…I am very sorry to you as well. Now…I do not understand the purification service, so I am going to bluff my way through it…sorry again…)
Lady Kaede dutifully began the purification ceremony of all that was present, though, since all members of both parties were demons or demonesses except for Souta, it was mostly for show and tradition. When Kaede chanted, she made certain that the spell was harmless to her young friends, and when she spread the sacred herbs, she made certain to miss the members of the wedding party.
With the purification finished, she proceeded to speak to the guests, "My dear friends, ye are present to witness the binding marriage of our good friend Houshi Miroku, and our beloved Taijya Sango. May they now present their vows of faithfulness…"
Miroku stood then, lightly pulling Sango up at his side, took both her hands in his own, and began his vows, "…Sango-chan, you and I have had an amazing journey leading to this day. Our friendship, and relationship, have endured many arguments, though most, I must admit, were the result of my…uh…habit…" Miroku paused long enough for the villagers and the wedding party to stop chuckling before continuing, "We have been through so many hardships, and even in death did we not part. In life, no matter the circumstances, parting with you would be the biggest mistake that I could ever make. I hope you understand that…" Miroku heard the distinct 'awe' from the women present and smiled a bit when Sango nodded her head contently at his words.
Sango then spoke, "Miroku…you are an incredible man, the most incredible man that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. What you say of our long journey here, and your habits are true, but I can't see myself as anyone else's bride, no matter what their looks, character, or level of nobility. You are the only man that I could ever love and cherish as I do…thank you for choosing me as your own…" Miroku nodded to her lovingly in response to her touching words.
Lady Kaede smiled at the two and then said her piece, "Ye must now commence the San-San-Kudo ritual…"
(AN: San-San-Kudo 'Three Times Three Exchange' of nuptial cups filled with ceremonial sake which is drunk by the bride and groom.)
Sango and Miroku proceeded to the ceremonial table behind the Lady Kaede and began drinking the sake in the ritualistic manner. When they were finished, Lady Kaede motioned for mikos to bring out trays with cups of sake out for the guests and wedding party. The mikos were selected from neighboring villages due to the lack of them in this one. Once everyone was finished, the mikos took the cups and trays back into the Shrine.
Shippo was then called up to present the wedding rings before Sango and Miroku. Miroku playfully ruffled his hair a bit as he took one of the rings and presented it to Sango. He took her slender hand in his and gracefully slid the ring onto her finger. Likewise, she did the same to him. When they were finished, Lady Kaede spoke once more.
"I pronounce thee husband and wife. Ye may kiss the bride Miroku…but don't over do it please…" she said with a bit of joking in her voice. The villagers present and the wedding party let out a genuine laugh at the old miko's joke as the bride and groom kissed. And no, kiddies, Miroku didn't over do it…
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At the reception, three hours later:
Miroku lovingly twirled Sango as they danced to the traditional music that was being played. Everyone was having a great time; even Shippo was dancing with Rin, though neither was that good at it yet. Out of sheer boredom, Kagura was dancing with Souta for the third time other than the required first dance. Souta was getting used to having the older girl at his side over the past few hours, but he was still a bit freaked out when SHE asked HIM to dance.
Note to self: find poor Kagura a better dancing partner… he thought to himself. Kagura didn't seem to mind his distant look though; she was already scanning the crowd for a more suited partner…
Kohaku fidgeted slightly from his seat on the sidelines. He wanted to ask Kanna to dance, but he was nervous as all get out.
Ok…it's not like she's going to be mean about it if she decides to decline…so why am I so nervous…we're just friends… he thought to himself. Kanna herself was sitting on the other end of the dance floor, looking to be a mixture of bored and excited, which Kohaku found rather entertaining. He caught her gaze and blushed slightly.
What's my problem? We've already danced together once…of course…we kind of had to…but still… he reasoned. He stood up from where he was seated and slowly walked around the dance floor to where she was. Once he was a few feet from her, Kanna smiled at him, causing him to blush.
"Umm, Kanna? Would you like dance…with me?" he asked quietly. Kanna blushed a bit, which Kohaku took to be a good sign, and nodded. Kohaku gave her his hand and politely helped her up and led her to the dance floor. After a few songs, they decided to part.
"Thank you for the dance Kohaku-kun…" Kanna said sweetly. Kohaku blushed once more.
"No prob-" he was interrupted when Kanna stood on the tips of her toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Just as quickly as it had happened, it was over, and Kanna was bouncing away, red as a tomato. Kohaku saw as Kagura slugged her in the arm while grinning.
Bright red himself, Kohaku just stood there, stunned, "Well…I guess that went well…"
Sesshoumaru and Hekele found themselves on the dance floor for the sixth time since their first dance that evening. Sesshoumaru could tell that Hekele was having the time of her life, which made him happy, especially considering all that had taken place over the past year. He spun her around once and then, upon seeing her surprised smile, raised her hand to his lips and placed on it a gentle kiss.
Hekele smiled at his actions, she couldn't help but love him, and the fact that he had been more openly affectionate towards her as of late made her feel all the more loved as well. She blushed on reflex when he kissed her hand, for though she liked it when he was open about his feelings, she still wasn't quite used to it…
Kachie and Koga decided to sit out a few songs, since they had danced to most of them. Kachie leaned on Koga's shoulder.
"I had no idea that you could dance Koga…where on earth did you learn?" she asked mischievously. Koga grinned.
"I am a prince you know. Just because I live in a cave with a bunch of wolves doesn't mean that I don't have any class…" he replied. Kachie narrowed her eyes.
"Ms. Higurashi taught you didn't she?"
Koga sweat-dropped, "Is it that obvious?"
Kachie smiled at him, "No, not really, but the fact that you spoke as though you practiced your answer to that question gave it away. Did she teach Inuyasha as well?" Koga smirked.
"No…Kagome taught him…after he tripped a couple of times and broke Hekele's game system…You could hear the yelling from a mile away…I'm sure of it…"
Kachie paused, "Was that the day that she stayed home sick? About six months ago?" Koga nodded.
"She was in the middle of playing her new game too…she was so pissed…she blurted out what happened to Kagome the instant she got home…"
Kachie rolled her eyes, "Oh yeah…I had detention that day…" Koga gave her a squeeze and then looked at her once more.
"Why did you have detention…you never told us what you did to get in trouble," he asked. Kachie growled.
"And I still ain't tellin'!" she grounded out. It wasn't her fault that she got the chemicals wrong during the chemistry experiment…her stupid partner had told her what to mix together after all…
Koga rolled his eyes, deciding to drop the subject, and stood back up. He extended his hand out to her, "Shall we get back out there now?" Kachie grinned as she took his hand.
"Sure!"
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Inuyasha paced back and forth a bit, nervous. He had to get this over with. No, that was the wrong way to put it…he wanted to get this over with. He had to talk to Kagome. But…he was so scared! Yes, Inuyasha, the mighty hanyou who fears nothing, was scared.
"Inuyasha? Are you all right?" Kagome said, making the hanyou jump in surprise. He had been so deep in thought that he hadn't even noticed her coming.
"Uhh…yea, I'm ok…" he said 'brilliantly'. Kagome smiled.
"Inuyasha, what's the matter? I can tell that you're hiding something…" she pressed.
Deciding to get it over with, Inuyasha gave in, "Kagome…can I talk to you?"
Alarmed, Kagome gave him a concerned look, "Of course Inuyasha…what's wrong?"
Not wanting Kagome to get the wrong idea, he spoke quickly, "Nothing's wrong…promise, I just need to ask you some-"
"Kagome!!! There you are! Sango is getting ready to throw her bouquet! How would it look if her maid of honor wasn't there to try and catch it? Let's go!" Hekele interrupted, pulling Kagome away from Inuyasha, who shot the girl a glare.
"Ahh! Ok, ok! I'm coming! Inuyasha, I'll be right back!!!" Kagome yelled as she was dragged away. Inuyasha continued to glare at Hekele, who merely grinned at him once Kagome was out of sight.
"Don't worry…I'm just setting up the mood…It'll be more fun to watch her reaction if she's already blushing…" she said slyly.
Inuyasha growled, "You are cruel. I had just worked up my nerves to ask her."
"Ah, stop your whining, once you've got the guts, they don't leave ya. Got it Dog-boy? Besides, the girl who catches the flowers is supposedly the one who gets married next. What could be more special than asking her right after she catches the bouquet?" Hekele reasoned. Inuyasha paused, he hadn't thought of that. It sure would be interesting to see the surprise on Kagome's face when it happened…
"Hey…wait a second…what makes you think she'll catch it?" he asked suspiciously. Hekele grinned.
"You'll see…"
Inuyasha shook his head, "Evil…"
"Why thank you!"
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"Ok everybody! Get ready!" Sango called to the women behind her. She heard the giggles of her friends, who had taken up the front row. She waited for the count of three, and tossed the bouquet behind her.
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Hekele saw the flowers in mid air and nodded to Kagura, Kanna, Kachie, and Rin. When the bouquet seemed to head in Hekele and Rin's direction, Kanna, Kagura, and Kachie rushed towards it, 'accidentally' bumping into Kagome in the process. Kagome was knocked onto Hekele and the bouquet sailed right into her arms, considering that Rin had dived out of the way in order to keep from being squashed.
The six friends sat in a heap on the ground for a second before bursting out in laughter. Kagome held the bouquet up high with a triumphant grin for everyone to see. Hekele gave her a light smack upside the head.
"Ya didn't have to flatten me! Everyone! Up, now!" she yelled playfully, earning a laugh from everyone. Sango walked up to the tangle and shook her head.
"A bit competitive aren't we?" she joked, knowing full well what had taken place. She stepped aside as Kachie stood up, having been the lucky person on top. Everyone else got up, leaving Hekele on the ground and Rin dusting herself off. Sesshoumaru just looked at the two and sighed. They were completely hopeless at times…
He stepped up to Hekele and held out his hand, "Care for some assistance?" Hekele smiled and accepted the offer.
"Yes please…I think they squished my bones…" she replied. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes as he pulled her up.
"It appears your little plan backfired…" he whispered to her. Hekele grinned and hugged him.
"Not really, I just got banged up in the process…now let's just hope that your brother doesn't get cold feet…" she whispered back as Inuyasha led Kagome by the hand away from the group.
Sango grinned at the sight and turned to Ms. Higurashi, "Is the video camera ready?" Kagome's mother just smiled.
"Yes, it is."
Sango nodded to her and then spoke to everyone, "Ok…time to see the other reason we all came here tonight!" Everyone laughed and watched as the bride, groom, and wedding party, (including Ms. H.,) slowly made their way to where the hanyou had taken Kagome. Thank God they were all down wind…
Kagome's grandfather looked at the Lady Kaede and sighed, "You do realize that it is taking everything in me not to go after them and not to stop Inuyasha from taking my little Kagome from me, right?"
Kaede smiled, "Be at ease my friend, Inuyasha will take good care of her…and she isn't so little anymore…she has grown so much in the past two years…I think she is ready for this…"
Mr. Higurashi gave a half smile, "Oh, I know she is, but I don't know if I am ready to watch my granddaughter finish growing up quite yet…"
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"Inuyasha? Where are we going?" Kagome asked as they walked through the forest. Inuyasha actually smiled.
"To the place where we first met…" he said contently. Kagome smiled a bit.
"And why are we going there?" she asked slyly. Inuyasha picked up on her game and decided to play along.
"I can't tell you."
"Why not?"
"Cuz I said so."
Kagome laughed, "That's a rotten reason Inuyasha…" Inuyasha smiled.
"So? It's still a reason."
Kagome made a face but gave an agreeable nod, "That's true I guess…" The two continued to walk until they reached the God Tree. When they stopped, Inuyasha surprised Kagome by picking her up and hopping onto one of the lower branches. Once Kagome was sitting down and stable, she spoke.
"I've been a demon for a whole year now Inuyasha…I could have gotten up here on my own…" she stated, but she did so with a smile. Inuyasha shrugged.
"Force of habit I guess, you don't mind do you?" he asked, suddenly a bit afraid of bruising Kagome's independence. She had made it perfectly clear that she had wanted to become as strong as she could, and as independent as she could, using her new demonic powers. He wouldn't want to make her feel bad right before he asked her his question now would he?
Kagome gave a content sigh and leaned on his shoulder, "Nope…not really…It was sweet of you." Inuyasha gave a mental sigh of relief. He had been known over the past year to have been a little over protective of Kagome, and it had annoyed her quite a bit. Inuyasha was relieved that he hadn't started another argument on the subject.
"So…Inuyasha? What was it that you wanted to talk about?" Kagome asked, breaking the silence. Inuyasha sighed, he had to go through with it now…and he prayed for good karma.
"Umm…well…I wanted to ask you something…" he said, trying to piece how he would ask her in his mind. It was easy to figure it out ahead of time…but when it came down to the actual question, his nerves had erased all his plans.
"Well…ok, ask away then!" Kagome said cheerfully, noticing how out of it he seemed. Inuyasha smiled slightly. He wrapped his arm around her and gave her a little squeeze.
"Well, we've been through a lot, haven't we? Shard hunting, Naraku, other evil demons…evil half brothers…" Inuyasha paused when a muffled growl reached his ears, followed by something that sounded surprisingly like a giggle. So…they're nearby are they… "And then after all that, we had to deal with even more evil demons, most of them my evil half brother…" Inuyasha tried desperately to hide a smirk when another muffled growl was heard, this time followed by a clunk to the head and even more repressed giggles. This time, Kagome caught on that they were being watched and decided to play along.
"Inuyasha, if you are trying to ask me to purify Sesshoumaru the next time you two argue, I don't think that Hekele would be too happy with me…" she said slyly. Hekele must have been doing a good job of keeping Sesshoumaru's temper under control, because they didn't even hear a sound after that comment…
Inuyasha couldn't help but laugh, "Naw…I'm just messin' with ya…even he's not that bad…but…like I said…you and I've been through a lot, right?" he asked, becoming serious as he continued to get back on track to what he had been saying. Ironically, knowing that those two are here to keep me from chickening out is actually helping…But couldn't they have at least told me that they were gonna keep me on a tight tether?!?!
Kagome nodded to Inuyasha, "Yeah…and besides all of the dangerous stuff, we fought more than enough times to make up for it…" She smiled though, as if teasing Inuyasha.
Inuyasha gave a small growl, "Hey, am I gonna take the blame for all those petty arguments to my grave, or are you going to keep reminding me that I'm an idiot?"
"Both, but don't worry…you're my favorite idiot anyway!" Kagome laughed. Inuyasha pouted for a moment, but then smiled. At least she's in a good mood…
"Well, whatever…you do realize that you are making it very hard for me to be serious, don't you?" he said. It was getting too difficult to make the whole thing romantic…especially with 'Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb' spying on the two. But Inuyasha could have fun messing with her mind as he popped his question…
"And what is so serious that you would drag me away from the party to talk about? What couldn't wait?" Kagome pressed. Inuyasha smirked.
"Oh…it's something big. Something that could change our lives forever…" he said sarcastically. Kagome rolled her eyes at him.
"Yeah right…C'mon, just tell me so that we can get back to the party…puh-lease?" she asked.
Inuyasha grinned, "Well, big this news is. Perhaps ready to hear it, you are not!" Inuyasha was trying to hide his smirk. Hekele had forced him to sit through the whole 'Star Wars Trilogy' one night, and right now he was using that freaky green dude's voice…what was his name….Yoda?
Kagome just stared at him, "Inuyasha…you have officially lost your sanity…besides…no news could be so big that I couldn't handle it…"
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Really?"
"Really."
"No going back now…"
"Well duh."
"Last chance…"
"I get the message!"
"I love you and would be honored if you would stand by me forever and be my mate," Inuyasha said, taking out the ring he had purchased and showing it to her.
Kagome just stared in disbelief at the ring. She then looked at Inuyasha and did the same thing. She just stared. In total and complete shock. "Did…did you just…p-p-propose?" she asked, still not believing her ears. Inuyasha nodded slightly, a bit nervous about her reaction. Was complete and utter shock a good thing?
Kagome's eyes welled up with tears of joy, and she, quite literally, pounced on Inuyasha, giving him a tight squeeze. Inuyasha, quite surprised himself, simply returned the embrace lovingly, a look of relief about his features.
"So…" he said as the two sat in the tree, "…is that a yes, or am I going to have to take this ring back to the store with a broken heart?" Kagome instantly stopped hugging him long enough to look him in the face.
"Of course it's a yes! I love you! Why would I say anything else?" she asked. Inuyasha shrugged.
"I dunno, maybe you wanted to cause a scene cuz Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb decided to spy on us…" he said, gesturing to the bushes. As if on cue, Hekele and a very disgruntled Sesshoumaru made themselves visible as they walked into the clearing.
"I'm certain that you could have made your proposal without bringing me into the conversation…" Sesshoumaru said. Inuyasha grinned.
"What did Hekele hit you with? You've actually got a bruise on your forehead!" Inuyasha said, pointing to Sesshoumaru's head. Sesshoumaru growled and side-glanced Hekele, who was giving him a sympathetic smile.
"It was a rock, if you must know, and it wasn't Hekele who hit me with it…it was Kagura…damn wench…" he growled, glancing at the bushes. Then, much to Inuyasha and Kagome's horror, the entire wedding party, including Kagome's mother, stepped out of the shadows. And even worse…Kagome's mother had a video camera…and it was on…
"Mom…please tell me that you weren't spying on us while Inuyasha made his proposal…and please tell me that that camera wasn't on either…" Kagome said worriedly. The two hopped down from the tree then, and Kagome's mom gave a slight smile.
"I'm sorry honey…but that would be lying…" she said. Kagome groaned and buried her head into Inuyasha's chest, hoping to hide her embarrassment. Then, Inuyasha lightly slipped the ring onto her finger, making her look up to him in surprise.
"Still willing to stay with me forever…even if we have to deal with this every stinking minute of every stinking day?" he asked jokingly. Kagome nodded.
"Of course, Inuyasha…I wouldn't have it any other way…" she said with a grin. She leaned up and gave him a light kiss, which he returned lovingly. It was then that Shippo spoke up.
"So…that makes you guys my parents now…right?" he asked. Inuyasha looked at Kagome for a second before nodding.
"Sure…why not?" he said indifferently. Shippo grinned and pounced on the pair, giving them a huge hug.
"So…can I stay up late tonight?" he asked slowly. Kagome laughed and Inuyasha couldn't help but mess up the kit's hair.
"Sure Shippo, you can stay up late…tonight," Kagome replied. Shippo squeezed the two tighter before whispering to them.
"I'm glad you guys are my parents…"
Kagome began stroking his head lightly. Who knew that hers and Inuyasha's union could mean so much to the kit? Perhaps it's because we're saying that we'll never be apart…he feels more secure… she thought.
Kachie looked at the newly engaged and sighed, "Ok love birds…let's get back to the party! C'mon!" Koga laughed at her antics and wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Well? Are you all coming or not? If we stay here much longer, Kaede, Kagome's grandfather, and the villagers are going to think that something went wrong!" he jested. Then Kagome and Inuyasha went pale.
"The…whole…village…knows?" they said in unison. Hekele sweat dropped and hid behind Sesshoumaru.
"Not everyone…I'm sure a few of them are in other villages visiting family members and such…" she called from her hiding spot. Kagura had to jump out of the way as Kagome and Inuyasha began to give chase to the girl. Sesshoumaru even moved out of the way…
Hekele took off for the village with Kagome, Inuyasha, and the others in tow, "I'm sorry!!! I didn't know that you'd get mad about it! I swear!!!"
"Hekele! We are sooooo gonna kick your ass!" Kagome yelled as she and Inuyasha tore after the girl. Sesshoumaru Koga, and Miroku sighed. Then Kagura decided to make things uncomfortable.
"So…which one of you two canines are going to propose next? I mean, 'Mr. No Commitment' over there beat both of you to the punch…that's pitiful enough…" she said lightly. However, the comment received its desired effect. Both Koga and Sesshoumaru turned a bit pale. Koga decided to get both of them out of their current predicament with a brilliant comeback…
"Err…Hey! Wait for us!" When he was no longer in sight, (which only took a few seconds,) the remainder of the group turned to Sesshoumaru, whom had mysteriously disappeared as well.
Miroku then made the one comment concerning his male friends that he had so desperately wanted to make ever since his engagement to Sango, "Chickens…"
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Me- The End.
Sesshoumaru- Good, now go study for your finals…you've been neglecting your studying! I thought that these were important tests!!!
Me- They are…but I've been neglecting my reviewers even more…so, I decided to put studying off for another day!
Kachie- But you haven't studied at all?!?!?!?!
Me- I still have time…
Kagome- Your first three exams are tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!
Me- Oh shit…dear reviewers…pray for me…
Kachie- Pray for me too!!!
Me- Ok…you reviewers have one chance to convince me to do alternating chapters instead of different stories…If you send me 20 reviews asking for me to change my mind…then I will do so. I will only accept votes from logged in reviewers…that way no one can review twice…Good Luck…