Disclaimer: R-U-M-I-K-O! T-A-K-A-H-A-S-H-I! Now! What does that spell? RUMIKO TAKAHASHI!!!!!! And she owns the show Inuyasha…Not me…Arigatou.

Love Me as I Am

Chapter 44- Joyous Beginnings

Suki was already at the cave decorating. Yasuo was there as well. It came in quite handy to have him there just in case there was something that needed to be hung and Suki just couldn't reach. Kuno, Asako, and Kuneau played happily on the floor, keeping themselves occupied playing with some of the youngest kits.

"The Shinto priest has arrived Miss Suki." alerted one teenage kitsune who had just come inside.

Suki smiled.

"Arigatou Taro. Do let him in."

Taro nodded his head and disappeared.

"Are you almost finished over there Yasuo?"

Yasuo nodded and gave her the thumbs up.

"Yep. We've done quite a nice job don't you think?" he said smiling as his eyes scanned the cave.

Suki nodded.

"I think it's beautiful."

~*~*~

Kilala zoomed ahead; Kunara nestled against her back. Rin and Sesshomaru rode in the carriage pulled by Ah and Un.

"It feels strange…not to have Jaken with us. Don't you think?"

"Are you saying you miss that toad?"

"No. Actually. Ever since I was young he got a bit on my nerves. Always yelling at me for talking and such. Though I would have to admit…he never really did anything wrong."

"No. Except be a baka."

Rin giggled and nodded.

"Yes. On occasion. But can you not say he helped every once in a while."

"Hn."

Rin smiled at his obstinance. He was more headstrong than a mule sometimes. Rin looked around, not recognizing where they were landing.

"W-where are we?"

"This is where the letter says. It's the home of the kitsune youkai. You remember the kitsune youkai Shippo do you not?"

Rin grinned.

"That little cutie? Of course I do. You mean to tell me…that this is where he lives now. He's settled down I take it."

Sesshomaru growled to himself. He knew he was being selfish but hearing her call some other youkai cute ticked him off nonetheless.

Rin noticed and took his hand as they walked into the cave, Kunara following close behind and grimacing childishly at the gesture.

Everyone was there now and seated comfortably on the cushions provided by Mrs. Higurashi. Sota and Kara were there as well, holding hands as usual. Only now Kara wore an engagement ring. Kagome studied it from a distance. It was much larger than hers, but that didn't matter. The size of the diamond was nothing compared to the feelings Kagome gained from it.

The ceremony began as the Shinto priest stood in the middle of the room. Small drinks of sake were passed out to symbolize family unity between Miroku and Sango's family and Inuyasha and Kagome's family. Suki sat next to Yasuo and played her _______ (A/N Can anyone find me the name of that Japanese instrument that's really popular in their traditional music? You know. The one you hear and you go, "Hey, that song's Japanese.") each note a blessing to Kanaye and Trinity and a pleasure for everyone to hear. She went on to sing and everyone found themselves in a trance-like state, for it was very captivating. Yasuo did nothing but listen as she said the words 'Kore kara zutto itsumademo.' (For always and forever.)

When finally the song was over the celebration began. Three priestesses entered the cave carrying yanagi-daru-teki, or wine casks for everyone. Inuyasha couldn't help staring, for they were each wearing red and white dressed exactly like Kikyo. After the priest said a blessing over Trinity and Kanaye and chanted a litany to long life and marriage it was time for the reception.

Trinity held Kanaye's hand and put her other one on his back. He places his free hand on her waist and they shared the first dance. It was a slow one and very fitting for the new young couple. After the song was over Rin let go of Sesshomaru's hand and walked over to Suki. Sesshomaru watched curiously as Rin switched places with her and started playing the instrument. Suki stood up and walked over to Yasuo, slipping her hand into his and pulling him over to where Trinity and Kanaye were dancing. Mrs. Higurashi moved to the other side to watch them dance.

"No way. I ain't doin' it."

Kagome gave him puppy dog eyes and stuck out her bottom lip.

"I ain't buyin' it."

Kagome stopped and put her hands in her lap.

"Okay…

Her head was turned down so Inuyasha couldn't see her face.

"A-are you crying?"

Kagome sniffed noticeably and rubbed her eyes.

"N-no. Nevermind."

Inuyasha sighed and pulled her into his lap.

"Would it make you happy?"

Kagome nodded slowly.

"Alright…I'll do it."

Inuyasha wiped the tear out of her eye with his thumb.

"Y-you will?"

He nodded and stood up, taking her with him.

~*~*~ As a reminder, if you haven't read the prequel to this story maybe you should. It's called "Precarious Relationships" and since I've been getting SOOOOO many good reviews for this one (Arigatou! Arigatou so much!) I think you guys should read it. You really do seem to like this one. Anyways, it explains Kagome and Inuyasha's troubles with Kagome's pregnancy and further gets into their relationship together. Inuyasha gets used to a little 'modernness' in Kagome's time…such as baths and Sota's game system. It explains about Miroku and Sango's engagement (Fluff/WAFF and more more more…lots of Miroku humor also for all you guys that missed it in this story) Read it if you're having withdrawal from this one (like…if I haven't updated in a while.) Oh ya…and if you get the chance…onegai…could you review it? Well, Sayonara Minna-san! ~*~*~ Miyu

P.s. For those of you that read this note before…I had messed up and put sequel rather than prequel…there IS no sequel to this story because this IS a sequel. I'm REALLY sorry for the confusion.