A Bride's Request a Bridesmaid's Promise
Chapter 13 – Clueless Kouga
Later, when Kagome reflected back on the day Sango married Miroku, she could never believe how fast it seemed to fly by.
The girls woke up early and headed out to pump Sango full of pancakes, in preparation for the big day, claiming she would need the energy. Once, Sango had declared "if she saw another pancake she thought she'd explode". Ayame and Kagome relented with the great "Sango Stuffing" and the three of them clamoured into Ayame's car. Arriving at the hotel, Jakotsu introduced them to the minister of the ceremony and briefly ran over the ceremony.
Claiming a busy bride wasn't a nervous bride, Jakotsu proceeded to shoo the three girls over to the hair stylists. As they sat there with curling rods in their hair, the girls were attacked by the make-up artists to whom Jakotsu gave specific instructions.
"I want it barely there," he ranted waving his arms around like windmills. "I want their flower-like beauty to shine through, yet I want you to add some touch ups. All very natural, a touch of foundation, a bit of concealer, mascara, a thin line of eyeliner to bring out the colour in their eyes and just a tiny, tiny dusting of blush. I want a blushing bride not a mannequin. I want-"
One brave lady tapped her foot and daringly asked, "Does Jakotsu want some eye shadow in neutral colours for the bride and lilac for the bridesmaids."
Jakotsu paused mid rant and thought about that for a few seconds then nodded, "Yes, come to think of it I would. Oh, and make sure the mascara is waterproof; it's a wedding people cry."
Then much to the make-up artist's and hair stylist's relief Jakotsu deemed it about time to check up on the boys.
"He's sure paranoid that one," the pretty blonde, who was styling Kagome said.
"Understatement of the century," Kagome sighed.
"Is it me or does it seem that all geniuses we meet are eccentric?" Ayame asked puzzled.
"No, it's not just you hunn," the lady, who was pinning Sango's hair up replied. "The girl's and I have discovered that it's the eccentric ones that are the only worthy wedding planners. Their weddings are always miles better than the easygoing ones."
"Yeah," giggled the blonde. "I told my mother that when I get married, I'm going to hire the most eccentric wedding planner I can find."
"I had another question," Ayame said. "Is it just me or is Jakotsu………ummmm how do I put this politely…..extremely flamboyant?"
"If you mean interested in guys, darling, then yes," the woman styling her hair said. "Jakotsu is very open about the fact, he's even brought his boyfriend around a few times. Come to think of it he had a weird name too. Can you remember his name Jackie?"
"Ummmm, all I remember was his really long black hair," the woman styling Sango's hair sighed.
"It was Bandoso or something like that wasn't it?" Kagome's stylist asked causing Kagome to choke and as a result getting painfully poked by a bobby-pin.
"Oh, my gosh, hunn!" the woman exclaimed. "Are you alright? I'm so sorry!"
"Did you just say the guy's name was Bankotsu?" Kagome gasped through tears of mirth.
"Yes! That was it!" the woman styling Sango's hair exclaimed. "How do you know him?"
"Bankotsu!" Sango gasped struggling to breathe. "The one who- who-"
"The Bankotsu who named his company after his precious car?" Ayame laughed.
"Yes!" Kagome cried shoulders heaving with mirth. "Oh, my gosh, I can't believe he and Jakotsu are dating!"
"I know!" Sango giggled.
"Poor Jakotsu, he could really do much better," Ayame added.
"How do you three know him?" the first stylist asked.
"Let us in on all the juicy details!" the blonde said excitedly.
"Yes, please do!" the third giggled. "Including the whole naming a company after his car thing."
"Weeeeell," Kagome began. "I once made a horrible mistake and agreed to go out with Bankotsu and well you see…."
Kagome, then delighted the stylists with the story of how she and Bankotsu had dated and how she had eventually been forced to dump him because he was obsessed over his car.
The second, the stylists, finished with their hair they disappeared and were replaced by the make-up specialists. Ayame and Kagome both laughed at how Sango had to grip the chair with both hands to keep from trembling as her make-up person did her eyeliner.
"I hate eyeliner," she sighed when the lady finished. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay, Sango," Ayame teased. "There are plenty of woman who share your opinion. I have to say though you made the funniest faces, while you were trying not to blink."
"Ha ha," Sango said. "I thought, I might get a break from the two of you teasing me because it's my wedding day, but I guess I was wrong."
"Awwww, poor Sango," Kagome said. "Ayame, I think she's trying to tell us we're being mean."
"Well, I guess we could give her a little break," Ayame conceded. "But, only because it's your wedding. And because, you look so good in eyeliner sometime I'm going to have to teach you how to apply it."
"Don't get your hopes up," Sango warned. "I hate things coming near my eyes, I never wear make-up."
"Well, maybe now that you're married to Miroku you'll want to," Kagome protested. "You always look amazing, so when you go out you need to step it up to goddess or you'll loose him."
"Just because, the two of you love make-up doesn't mean I have to too," Sango countered. "I'd rather spend my money on other stuff."
"Like sexy lingerie," Ayame whispered loudly to Kagome, purposely making sure Sango could hear her.
Sango, nearly, had a heart attack and started coughing. "I can't believe the two of you!" she exclaimed. "I never knew you two had such sick minds."
"Well, you didn't get pregnant by yourself," Ayame said sneakily, causing Sango to flush a pretty colour of pink.
"Okay, ladies," Jakotsu said clapping his hands as he reappeared. "Time for the dresses, we're running a little late because of the hair. We, now, have exactly," he paused to look at his digital watch, which was currently counting down until Sango was supposed to walk the aisle. "Forty three minutes and twenty seconds. So, chop chop!"
"Yes, Jakotsu," Ayame and Kagome sighed, rolling their eyes.
"I'm sure we can manage to get Sango dressed in that ever so short amount of time," Ayame replied sarcastically rolling her eyes.
"Good," Jakotsu replied, missing Ayame's sarcasm. "I shall leave Sango in your capable hands then Ayame. I must say I'm looking forward to seeing the wedding dress; Sango has been mightily cruel and refused to let me see the dress before Miroku."
"I'll make sure everything is just perfect," Ayame said rubbing her hands together and rounding on Sango as Jakotsu reluctantly left.
Walking into the next room the girls stood quietly for a few seconds to admire the dress. After their eyes had had their fill Ayame sighed and walked over to take the dress off of the mannequin.
"Sango," she ordered. "Please, remove all unnecessary garments and Kagome and I will help you to lace up the corset."
"Corset?" Sango squeaked. "You never mentioned having to wear a corset!"
"Oh, I didn't?" Ayame winced. "No, you're right I forgot to tell you. I discovered a slight flaw in the dress. Due to the weight of the dress, the back, since it's strapless, tends to fall a little and that will make the front pucker. So, I found a corset that just laces up in the back and I've attached some clips to help hold the back of the dress up. Don't worry, it won't be really tight, I promise."
"Oh, alright," Sango said breathing easier as Ayame handed her a white corset made of a very strong fabric. "I'll give it a shot. Oh, my gosh, I didn't think it would be this heavy!"
"It needs to be to keep the back of the dress up," Ayame explained while Kagome helped Sango by tightly lacing the back of the corset up.
"Its like something out of Gone With the Wind," Kagome panted, struggling to tighten the laces. "Are you feeling okay Sango?"
"I am," Sango said. "But if you go any tighter I think I might have problems."
"Is this tight enough, Ayame?" Kagome asked as Ayame came over to double check.
"I think that should be good. We can put the dress on and if it's not we can do it a bit tighter." Ayame handed the dress to Sango, who proceeded to put it on very carefully. She then turned to Ayame, who fastened the small metal clips onto the hooks she had sewn onto the corset.
All three girls gasped at how pretty Sango suddenly looked.
"Oh, my gosh," Kagome breathed. "Sango, you're breath taking."
"I never thought such beauty was possible. It's amazing how different you look with your hair up and a little make-up," Ayame murmured raising a hand to her mouth.
"I look so beautiful," Sango exclaimed. "I can't believe, I'm actually getting married. It's like some sort of dream that I don't want to wake up from."
"Speaking of dreams come true," Ayame said walking over and picking up the glass slippers Kagome had made Sango, "the finishing touch for your special day. Kagome, would you like to do the honours?"
"Thank you Ayame, yes, I would," Kagome nodded, feeling very close to tears as she took the slippers with trembling hands. Gently, she sank to one knee and slipped the first glass slipper on Sango's foot. Gulping, Kagome gently ran her fingers over the last slipper; it felt that once she slipped this on it was final, Sango would get married and move forward in her life, onto the next phase, while she was left behind. Taking a deep breath, Kagome purposely slid the slipper on Sango's waiting foot and rose to fling her arms around her.
"You have to promise, that we'll still be best friends after this," she choked out trying her hardest not to cry and ruin the make-up artist's hard work. "You have to promise, you won't forget about me after you and Miroku get married and start your own life."
"Oh, Kagome," Sango sighed, wrapping her arms around her trembling friend. "I promise. I'll still be the same Sango after I get married. I could never forget about you, ever."
"Come get in here, Ayame," Kagome squeaked, due the emotion making her throat tight. "I know you're feeling the exact same way I am."
Ayame nodded weakly, biting her lip trying desperately not to cry. Walking over, the three girls hugged. Standing like that for a good ten minutes, not saying anything just….being. Slowly, once they were finished with their intimate moment, they all took deep breaths and looked each other in the eye, smiling sadly. Kagome looked from Sango then to Ayame and then back to Sango dressed in her wedding dress and lowered her head.
She was about to apologise for getting all emotional when both Ayame and Sango said simultaneously, "don't."
"Huh?" Kagome asked startled.
"You were about to apologise," Ayame explained.
"And we didn't want you too," Sango went on. "That hug is something I'm going to remember fondly when I look back on my wedding day. You guys, are the closest thing to a family I've got, that's why I wanted you to give me away. I don't have a father and we've been closer than sisters."
"Yeah," Ayame nodded.
"Sisters," Kagome nodded.
"Anyone up for some blood vows?" Ayame asked jokingly.
Sango and Kagome laughed and patted Ayame heavily on the shoulder.
"Ayame," Kagome said. Sango finished, "what would we do without you?"
"Ummm, let me think, go down the aisle naked?" Ayame teased. "Now, come on, as much as I hate to be the party pooper, if Jakotsu comes back and we're not dressed he's going to have a fit."
"Ok," Sango nodded. "I'll help you guys get ready, before I put the veil on. It would only get in my way."
"Sounds good," Kagome said taking her shirt and jeans off, Ayame followed suit and soon both had their dresses on.
"Oh, come on Sango," Kagome pleaded. "Stop hogging the mirror and let me see my dress."
"Yeah," Ayame agreed. "Don't be so vain."
"Oh, fine," Sango said and reluctantly moved aside so Kagome could see herself.
"Oh, my gosh," Kagome said twirling around to see the back. "I look good! Ayame you're a miracle worker!" Walking closer to the mirror Kagome had no choice but to admit she looked drop dead gorgeous. The colour of the dress was perfect, it brought out the colour in her eyes and made her appear to glow with happiness.
"Yes, Kagome," Ayame said slinging her arm around Kagome's shoulders. "We do look hot, don't we."
"You bet," Sango grinned. "Kouga's not going to be able to keep his eyes off you."
"I certainly hope so," Ayame giggled. "Who knows, maybe after all this he'll propose to me!"
"That would be so cool," Kagome agreed.
"Awwww, Kagome," Ayame said, "don't sound so jealous. Inuyasha won't be able to keep his eyes off you either."
"Well, that wouldn't be much of an accomplishment," Kagome laughed. "Ayame, you and I are the single women under the age of thirty attending this wedding!"
"Still," Sango argued. "You look hot enough to be a model. Inuyasha will be a fool if he lets you go."
"Well, I guess we'll see how that goes after tonight," Ayame sighed. "I've known Inuyasha for almost all my life and even I have no idea how things between the two of you will work out. I'm sorry Kagome I know your probably anxious but I really can't say that I'm 100 percent sure Inuyasha won't just walk away. I really wish I could but I just can't."
"Well, what's your confidence level about right now?" Kagome asked shakily looking at her reflection in the mirror. She had forgotten that their truce ended tonight and that once Sango and Miroku drove off in their limo, he was free to go.
"I'd say about an 85 percent," Ayame said thoughtfully. "Ask me later though, at dinner or something."
"Ok," Kagome replied and then forced a smile. "Well I think that's enough wondering what's going to happen to me, let's get that veil on you, Sango. After all you can't walk down the aisle without it."
"Of course not," Ayame agreed and briskly pulled the veil out of the box she had stored it in. "Kagome, will you help me. We've only got one shot at this. We'll ruin Sango's hair if it doesn't go on just right."
"Oooh," Sango teased. "Better not mess up you guys. Not that I want to put pressure on you or anything like that."
"Oh, you shush," Kagome scolded.
"Yes, hold still," Ayame commanded.
Very slowly, the two of them lowered the veil onto Sango's head; where Ayame immediately went to work securing it so I wouldn't fall off. Stepping back she nodded her head in approval. "Perfect."
Sango turned slowly to look at her reflection.
"Oh, Sango," Kagome sighed. "You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen."
"That dress truly is my masterpiece," Ayame said her throat tightening painfully as she looked at it.
"Oh, Ayame," Kagome said hugging Ayame, because she realized just how close her friend was to tears. "I promise that if I ever get married that you can design my dress too."
"Yeah," Sango agreed. "And remember, you made me promise that you could make my baby's clothing."
"Mhmmm, you have nothing to worry about. You'll create another masterpiece, I'm sure you will," Kagome promised.
"Ladies!" Jakotsu screeched dashing into the room. "Please, please, please tell me Sango is ready!"
"Yep," Ayame said shaking her heading briskly so Jakotsu wouldn't realise she had been about to cry over a dress. "We just finished."
"Oh, thank heavens," Jakotsu said sagging up against the door. "I almost lost track of the time, I was so frazzled by Miroku. Sango are you aware that your husband has a,"
"A cowlick that refuses to lie flat?" Sango asked knowing exactly what Jakotsu was talking about.
"Yes!" Jakotsu cried. "It is impossible to get it to lie flat! The wedding is going to be a failure!"
"Now, now, Jakotsu," Kagome said trying not to giggle. "It's alright, I'm sure no one will even notice Miroku's cowlick after Sango enters. Take a peek, she just takes your breath away, doesn't she?"
Jakotsu looked at Sango and broke down completely, "Sango, darling, you look so gorgeous! I've never seen such beauty, such grace, such poise."
Sango smiled wryly.
"See Jakotsu," Kagome said helping Jakotsu to stand once more. "Everything will turn out beautifully, I promise."
"Of course, it will!" Jakotsu exclaimed, shocked that she ever could have doubted that it would. "Now, Miroku is about to go out. I want you ready; I'll be back in just a minute to bring you to the back where you will be entering from."
"All three of us will be ready," Sango promised.
"Good," Jakotsu said, opening the door and walking out. The girl's were just about to start laughing when he poked his head back in and said. "I hope you are aware girls that you need shoes." Then he disappeared, leaving the girls to look at each other in confusion.
"Shoes?" Sango echoed. "But didn't he see that I'm wearing mine."
Ayame and Kagome suddenly gasped and looked down at their own bare feet. "Oh, shoot!" they cried simultaneously and immediately grabbed their pantyhose and sat down to put them on. They were just putting their high heels on when Jakotsu reappeared. "Are you ready ladies? We have ten minutes before you are to walk down the aisle."
"Can you just give us one second, Jakotsu?" Sango asked. "We just want to say some goodbyes, to the old times."
"Of course," Jakotsu said knowingly and turned and shut the door. "Don't be too long though. I'll be waiting just outside when you're ready."
"Alright," Sango said and then turned back to her friends when he shut the door. "You guys, I just wanted to say thank you for everything you've done for me. I'm so happy to be getting married but I just wanted to say that I promise, I won't change after I get married. I'll still be the same old Sango."
"And we'll still be the same old friends that love you with all our hearts," Kagome said hugging her friend, kissing her quickly on the cheek and stepping back so Ayame could hug her as well.
"Miroku is lucky to be marrying someone as special as you," Ayame told her kissing her on the cheek, as well.
"Thank you," Sango said, and then taking a deep breath smiled bravely and said, "well, I think I'm ready to walk down the aisle."
"That's good," Kagome said opening the door for them. "No cold feet?"
"Nope," Sango smiled shaking her head slightly.
"Well, let's go give you away then," Kagome said taking Sango's hand.
"Yeah," Ayame said grabbing Sango's other hand and pulling her out the door. "Let's go conquer this wedding!"
Sango having nothing better to say simply laughed.
"Shh!" Jakotsu hissed as the girls came out. "Everyone's just beginning to settle down. Miroku's already out there waiting for you. You'll enter as soon as the music begins and what do you need to remember above all else?"
"To smile," Sango replied.
"Not to trip," Kagome added.
"And to say I do," Ayame finished
"Right," Jakotsu said pleased, listening intently to what was going on outside of their view. He impatiently tapped his headset and spoke into it. "Are we ready for the flowers girls, yet?"
"Affirmative," came the reply.
Turning to the two little girls in pink dresses, Jakotsu motioned for them to head out.
"Well, here we go," Ayame said raising her arm for Sango to take while Kagome did the same.
"Best friends forever," Kagome whispered as Jakotsu, whose eyes were filling with tears, nodded very slowly and smiled.
"That's our cue," Sango murmured and so the three stepped out into the aisle just as the music began.
Looking at Miroku, Inuyasha tried not to laugh. He had never seen his best friend so happy and scared at the same time. Happy, that it was his wedding, yet terrified at the prospect of Sango leaving him waiting at the alter.
"What if she has second thoughts and remembers someone she loved a long time ago, or she's been battling with her emotions for an ex boyfriend?" he had asked while donning his tux.
"Don't worry," Inuyasha had tried to reassure him. "She'll show."
"But what if she doesn't?"
"She will," Inuyasha promised. "You've just been watching too many chick flicks."
Out of the corner of his eye, Inuyasha saw the flower girls enter and heard the music begin. He, along with everyone in the church, turned to watch the bride's entrance. As Sango stepped through the archway a startled intake of breath could be heard, Inuyasha had never seen Sango look as beautiful as she did at that moment. He looked over at Miroku and smirked at the look of awe that crossed his friends face. Turning back to Sango, he was glad to see her serene smile, so he had been right she did show.
Turning his attention to Kagome who was on Sango's left side, Inuyasha was positive his heart missed a few beats. If it had it certainly would have explained the moment of him unable to breath and how he couldn't seem to form two coherent thoughts. As he watched her, watch Sango, he took in everything from the beautiful dress to the adorable way certain tendrils of hair had escaped their pins and hung down framing either side of her face. If he hadn't known it was Kagome, he would never have believed the woman walking towards him was his childhood enemy.
Inuyasha watched his love stop and gently lift the veil over Sango's head, and then she and Ayame gently kissed Sango on the cheek and then smiling stepped back so that she could walk to Miroku.
Inuyasha gently nudged Miroku to knock him out of his trance and smiled when Miroku turned his awe struck look on him. The rest of the ceremony flew by in a blur after that because at that moment, smiling gently like an angel, Kagome decided to shyly look up and catch his eye. When she met his eye, her smile broadened and he knew that he would remember that smile until the day he died.
The next thing he knew the priest had pronounced Miroku and Sango husband and wife. He watched as Miroku lifted the veil off Sango's face and promptly wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionate. For one fleeting second, Inuyasha wondered what it would feel like to lift the veil and see Kagome smile at him, like she always did and to be able to kiss her and know she loved him. Know that she loved him, the thought echoed through his head. Knowing that would make him the happiest man in the world, maybe marriage wasn't quite as horrible as he had always thought it would be, maybe it could be wonderful, if Kagome was the one he was marrying.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he raised his hand to clap loudly with everyone else as Miroku twirled Sango around, the light glinting off her glass slippers, as he continued to kiss her. Looking at Kagome, their eyes met again and he smiled at her, as crazy as he sometimes was he knew there was no way he was letting her slip through his fingers again.
Kagome, unlike Inuyasha, had hung onto every word that had passed the priest's lips. Whoever knew if she'd ever hear them again? She kept casting furtive glances at Inuyasha every once in a while, just to make sure that it was actually him standing opposite of her in the tux. He looked so unbelievable good; Kagome found herself wishing he wore a tux all the time.
"Get a hold of yourself, girl," she mentally chided herself. "The next thing you know you're going to be drooling and making a complete idiot of yourself. Focus! Focus! Do not look at Inuyasha, watch the wedding. Watch Sango not him!"
When Sango and Miroku kissed, Kagome felt one fat tear escape and joined Inuyasha in clapping. Looking at Ayame she smiled and noticed that she wasn't the only one crying.
As the two lovebirds broke apart, Kagome heard Miroku whisper, "I love you."
"I love you too," Sango whispered back and kissed him softly on the lips.
Clenching her eyes shut, Kagome to stem the tears; she wouldn't cry, she refused to!
The bride and groom were then approached by many well-wishers and Kagome stepped back to admire the lovely moment. The wedding ceremony had been absolutely beautiful; it couldn't have been more perfect.
"I thought, weddings were supposed to be happy things," Inuyasha commented, startling Kagome almost out of her skin.
"Inuyasha!" she exclaimed. "Where'd you come from?"
"Same place you just were, in the center of chaos," he grinned and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Aren't you cold?" he asked rubbing her arm. "You're arms are bare!"
"I'm fine," Kagome replied touched by his concern. "I was too wrapped up in the ceremony to really notice."
"You look lovely though," Inuyasha commented. "I knew that colour would look lovely on you." Realizing what he had just admitted he hurriedly rambled on. "I mean, I thought it would look nice with Sango's dress, she looks beautiful doesn't she? Ayame really did do an amazing job."
"Yes," Kagome agreed looking over at Sango, who was still wrapped in Miroku's arms and saying thank you to everyone complimenting her. "She does look beautiful." Then she giggled.
"What?" Inuyasha asked.
"I thought, Miroku's eyes were going to fall out when he saw her," Kagome said tilting her head back and laughing.
Inuyasha smiled, partly because of the memory and partly because of how pretty Kagome looked laughing.
"The dress really is amazing. Are we doing pictures with the real dress or the practical one?"
"Both I think," Kagome said slowly. "I wish Ayame had made a practical one for us as well, you wouldn't believe how hard it is to walk in this thing!"
"Are you going to be able to dance all right?" Inuyasha asked trying not to laugh. "I think, if you try you might just fall flat on your face."
"Your probably right," Kagome smiled and then lightly punched him. "But that's no reason to rub it in. I still bet I can dance better than you."
"HA!" Inuyasha scoffed. "That I doubt."
"Doubt what?" Ayame said walking up with Kouga's arm around her waist.
"That I can dance better than she can," Inuyasha explained, envious of how easily Kouga was able to wrap his arm around Ayame. "I said I highly doubt it in that dress."
"Oh, Inuyasha," Ayame sighed exasperated. "Did it honestly not cross you mind that I had thought of that?"
"Uhh," Inuyasha said. "No."
"Of course, she did dimwit," Kouga drawled. "Ayame thinks of everything."
Inuyasha snarled and was about to reply when he felt Kagome's restraining arm and simply snorted.
"Thank you Kouga, that's very sweet," Ayame smiled pecking him on the cheek. "But, please try not to pick any fights with Inuyasha today." She admired her perfectly manicured nails briefly before adding. "I'd have to kill you if you did, and you know how much I'd hate that."
Kouga gulped, and it was quite clear that Ayame had already gone over this with him.
Inuyasha smirked, a triumphant smirk until Ayame turned a frosty look on him. "That goes the same for you, Inuyasha."
He gulped and slowly nodded.
"Oh, look!" Kagome exclaimed, trying to avoid any awkward silences. "The photographers ready! We better go." Grabbing Inuyasha's wrist, she pulled him after her.
It seemed to Inuyasha his wrist was on fire when Kagome grabbed it. He gulped and tried to stop his face from blushing, he didn't want Kouga knowing Kagome affected him this deeply.
"Kagome!" Sango called waving her over. "Where'd you disappear to?"
"Oh, just over there," Kagome said slightly breathlessly. "So, what was it like? Getting married, it's so hard to wrap my mind around."
"It was wonderful," Sango gushed and kissed Miroku again. "I'm so happy, I feel like I could fly."
"I agree," Miroku said kissing the top of her head affectionately. "You girls did an amazing job on making her look breathtaking."
"Thanks," Kagome said. "But it was Ayame who did most of the work." Turning around she waved at Ayame and yelled. "Hey Ayame! You're missing out on hearing compliments!"
"Coming," Ayame yelled back and dragged Kouga with her. "Sorry, now what was that you said? Compliments, from Miroku, could this day get any better?"
"Yes," Kagome grinned. "Miroku was just saying how gorgeous Sango looked, weren't you."
"Uh, yes," Miroku agreed, not liking being put on the spot like that. "She looks very good."
"Oh, come on Miroku," Inuyasha joked. "Good is an understatement, you're eyes almost fell out."
"Well, she looked so radiant my brain just sort of turned off," Miroku admitted sheepishly. "The dress…..all I have to say is wow. I may not be an expert on wedding dresses but I thought it was gorgeous, magnificent even."
"Why, thank you," Ayame said giving a slight bow. "The tux I made looks good on you too. Ever consider modelling for me?"
"Now, now Ayame," Sango interjected. "I don't want love struck girls phoning him day and night if he advertises for you."
"I think, I could arrange that," Ayame smiled and then patted Miroku on the shoulder. "But seriously, consider it Miroku. I pay well, very well."
"Anything for you, Ayame," Miroku smiled.
"Excuse me, sorry to interrupt," a man said approaching them with a camera around his neck. "But are you all ready for the photos?"
"Um, I think so," Sango replied. "Everyone's here right?" She did a quick head count and then nodded. "Yep, everyone's here."
"Perfect," the man said. "Well, then if you'll just follow me."
"Certainly," Miroku said and he and Sango walked after him as he led them to where he would be taking their photos.
"Ok," the man said. "The bride and the groom will be in the middle with hmmm let me think. We have two very startling hair colours to deal with….so the lady with red hair will go on the left and you with the long white hair will go on the right." Both moved accordingly and then the photographer examined Kagome and Kouga. "Well, as for you both, you," he said to Kouga, "will go stand beside the woman with red hair and you, Miss will go stand beside the man with white hair."
Once everyone was in position, the man said "cheese" and took ten photos and then moved onto the pictures of just Sango and Miroku. Kagome stood by Inuyasha as they watched Sango and Miroku being instructed into ten different poses. After those, it was time for a picture of Sango with her bridesmaids.
"I hope you know Sango," Kagome said when they were finished and watching Miroku take pictures with Kouga and Inuyasha. "That I expect copies of all of these photos."
"Moi aussi," Ayame said and then explained at their confused faces. "That's French for me too."
"Oh," Kagome and Sango giggled. "Alright then, don't worry, after everything you guys have done, you defiantly get photos."
"Good," Ayame nodded. "So, what happens next?"
"Well, first I'm going to change dresses and then we're going to have champagne and cake. After that, some people will probably leave to go home and everyone else will just mingle until supper time."
"Sounds like fun," Ayame said eyes on Kouga who was smiling his most handsome smile at the photographer's assistant, a pretty little brunette who looked, as if she was about to faint. "If you two will pardon me, I need to go save my boyfriend and drop a little reminder that he's currently involved in a relationship."
"Uh oh," Kagome sighed. "Kouga's in for it."
"I don't think, he's doing it intentionally though," Sango observed. "I think, he's so used to flirting with pretty girls he doesn't even notice he's doing it until Ayame points it out. It more of a habit than trying to pick them up, if you ask me."
"I think, you might be right," Kagome said. "But that doesn't make it any easier for Ayame. I really don't know how she can stand it."
"I think, she knows he doesn't mean to," Sango said. "Her understanding of what makes him tick is what's saving their relationship. Kouga has no idea how lucky he is that Ayame refuses to give up once she's set her mind on something."
"Well, she's the only woman I know that has the slightest hope of making the relationship work. Most women would have given up long ago," Kagome sighed. "I know I sure did. You have to admit that even though Kouga's still pretty vain, he's a lot better than what he used to be."
"Yeah," Sango agreed. "Ayame's a good influence on him."
"Defiantly," Kagome replied nodding her head as she watched Ayame slip her hand into his as the photographer laughed at something Kouga had just said.
"Now, Kouga," she chided. "Don't go breaking this pretty lady's heart, I've told you it's simply not nice to lead them on like this."
Sango and Kagome expected the girl to blush and apologize for flirting, like most girls caught in her situation did. This girl however refused to back down.
"Who made you his mother," she demanded haughtily. "I don't care if you are his girlfriend. Who's to say he can't flirt with me. Maybe, he secretly likes me and is thinking about dumping you. Did you ever think of that? Well, did you?"
Ayame was momentarily taken back by the girl's insolence but the stunned feeling didn't last for long. Her eyes narrowed dangerously and she let go of Kouga's hand and stepped between the pushy photographer and her target. "I never said he couldn't flirt with you," Ayame clarified in a voice so cold the girl stepped back surprised. "I just didn't want him distracting you, from your job, which in case you've forgotten is photographing, my best friend's wedding. But if that's not the case and you actually were trying to seduce my boyfriend, I'm sure a little conversation with your boss might be in order."
"Of course, I wasn't," the girl said hurriedly and making some excuse hurried off.
"Wow," Kagome and Sango breathed. "That girl's lucky Ayame didn't claw her eyes out!"
"Next time, you find yourself in the mood to flirt with stupid hormonal bimbos, warn me so I can leave the two of you alone," Ayame said to Kouga trying not to let her voice waver. "I'd hate to cramp your style with my stupid possessive girlfriend attack."
As she moved to walk back to Sango and Kagome clearly hurt and close to tears by what had just happened Kouga intercepted her and whirled her around. "Don't be mad, Ayame," he teased. "You know I didn't mean any of it."
"So, then why didn't you say anything when she lashed out at me and accused me of being nothing more than some possessive girlfriend," Ayame demanded and Sango and Kagome looked guiltily at each other. Suddenly, it seemed Kouga and Ayame's relationship wasn't quite as steady as they thought it was.
"Did you just expect me to stand on the sidelines watching you flirt with her?" Ayame demanded. "Answer me! You know I hate having to watch; so why do you insist on flirting with other women. Especially, when you know, I'm not even standing ten feet away!"
"Ayame," Kouga tried to say but Ayame cut him off.
"No, don't even think of apologizing," Ayame snarled angrily pointing one perfectly manicured nail at his nose. "I don't want to hear it. I just can't take you right now; I told you, how I would be emotional today and how I wouldn't be able to take you flirting with other women today of all days. But nooooooo, the second you see a pretty face what I said flies straight out of your head. I'm sick of being the only one who tries to make our relationship work! Don't you dare talk to me, until you can promise me, you're ready to make a commitment."
Flicking a piece of her hair out of her eyes, Ayame walked slowly back over to Sango and Kagome. Sensing she didn't want to be argued with Kagome and Sango silently followed her back to the changing room. "Sorry, Sango," she apologized as she helped her into the second dress. Fishing a tissue out from the front of her dress she looked at it sadly. "I put it there, figuring I might cry during the ceremony." Patting her eyes she went on, "I'm really sorry, Sango, I don't know what came over me. I really didn't want to do anything to distract from your special day and then that girl just…just…"
"Made you lose it?" Sango offered.
"Yes," Ayame sniffed. "It just makes me so mad when he does that, and then he didn't even bother to back me up. I really just want him to say he loves me and know that it's the truth.
"I think, he does love you, Ayame," Sango said sitting down on the couch with Ayame and placing her hands over hers. "It's like Miroku, I had the hardest time making him understand how much it hurt me to see him groping other women, but the second he understood, he was so sorry for hurting me he promised never to do it again. What did he say now, I'm trying to remember the exact words…oh yes…. he said "my meaningless flirting with women who mean absolutely nothing to me almost made me lose the one person I love with all my heart and would do anything for."
"I remember it perfectly, we had gone out for a nice supper one evening and he was flirting as usual with the waitress and suddenly, I just couldn't stand it any more and ran out of the restaurant crying my eyes out. He chased after me and we fought. We, well actually, I yelled he just sort of stood there stunned, as I poured my heart out to him. I left him standing there, swearing that if he ever came within ten feet of me again I would hurt him so bad he wouldn't be able to come near me again. Nearly, a week went by before my associates lured me out of my bed and away from my ice cream so I could attend this charity fundraiser with them. I can't even really remember what it was for, a fundraiser for the children's hospital, I think. Anyway, half way through the evening, Miroku got up on the stage and said "I dedicate this song to someone, whom I hurt very much. She's currently sitting in the audience and I would like to ask her to stand up." My friends forced me to stand up and I was so angry and embarrassed I wanted to kill him. The next thing I knew he was singing, 'The Man in Love with You' by George Straight. It was so romantic and beautiful, I started to cry. When he finished, he looked right at me and said, "Sango, I love you and I always will. I promise that if you give me second chance I'll never stray, I promise, that if you give me a second chance I'll never look at another woman as long as I live. I love you, Sango and if you can find it in your heart to forgive me for hurting you, please come up here because there's something important I want to ask you."
"What happened?" Ayame asked eagerly.
"I walked up on the stage and once I got there he held out his hand and I gently placed mine in his and he brought me close to him and kissed me so passionately, my knees felt weak. Then he sank onto one knee and produced this little beauty," Sango said holding out her ring, "and proposed."
"What did he say?" Kagome asked totally engrossed in the story even though she had already heard it before.
"He said, "Sango, I love you more than any woman I've ever known and ever will know. I love you so much I don't know how I could possibly let you walk away. You're the woman I want to marry, raise a family with and eventually grow old with. I don't want to be the man everyone loves anymore, all I want to be is the man in love with you. Will you marry me?"
"That's so romantic," Ayame whispered. "You're the luckiest woman, Sango."
"We had our fare share of hard times first," Sango said softly. "It's still hard to believe we made it. I don't think anyone expected us to."
"I should go find Kouga and apologise," Ayame said fretfully standing up. "He's probably feeling absolutely horrible right now."
"Nonsense," Kagome chided. "You still have to help me finish lacing Sango up!" At Ayame's hurt expression she winked. "Let him suffer for a while, digest what you said, he'll come running back soon enough if what you had meant anything to him."
"But what if he doesn't," Ayame asked.
"Then he doesn't deserve you," Kagome said firmly. "Miroku changed for Sango because he wanted to. Give Kouga the chance to think through what you said. Let him put his priorities in place and then give him the chance to change himself, before you go apologizing for freaking out. Your apology will do nothing for your relationship in the long run, you meant what you said. You weren't lying when you said you were feeling hurt and betrayed. He needs to understand how you're feeling and he then needs to recognise his bad habit. My mother, once said 'you can't change a person's bad habits for them, they need to change them for themselves.'"
"True," Sango nodded. "Now, dry those tears. Even if he doesn't come back, you'll still be a gorgeous, witty, and talented woman that men drool over. The only difference will be you're single."
"Yeah, you and I can go to singles clubs together," Kagome smiled. "It'll be fun!"
"Oh, you guys," Ayame smiled standing up and turning Sango around to start lacing the corset up. "What would I do without you two to cheer me up. Now, let's get back out there and enjoy some champagne and cake!"
"I second that motion," Kagome sighed. "Did you see the cake Jakotsu ordered? I swear, I was actually salivating when he showed it to me!"
"Wouldn't put it past you Kags," Ayame teased. "You always did love cake."
"Yeah," Sango teased. "Especially white cake."
"Yumm," Kagome said and without thinking. "I'm going to eat so much cake today; I really hope I don't get sick!"
Ayame froze mid lace pull, Sango whirled around in surprise and both looked at Kagome shocked. "What!" Kagome squealed embarrassed. "Weddings are meant for eating cake!"
"No," Ayame said slowly still not believing her ears. "It's not that, it's just that…"
"That this is the first time, since your family passed away you haven't cared that dessert is fattening," Sango said bursting into tears and flinging her arms around Kagome. "I never thought I'd hear those words cross you mouth!"
"Kagome, hun," Ayame said placing her hand on Kagome's forehead. "Are you feeling ok?"
"Yeah," Kagome said.
"Well, at least you're not sick then," Ayame said thoughtfully, trying to lighten the mood. "I guess, you've already tasted some of this champagne then!"
"No, honestly, you guys I'm perfectly fine," Kagome assured them. "I'm not sick and I'm most certainly have not already been into the champagne. I guess, I've just moved on."
"This really is the happiest day of my life," Sango said hugging Kagome tighter.
"And I'm sure a certain white-haired, golden-eyed someone we all happen to know has nothing to do with this startling transformation," Ayame smiled mischievously.
"Actually, he does," Kagome replied startling the other two so much their jaws dropped.
"He does!" Ayame squealed delighted.
"And you're actually admitting it!" Sango explained. "Good heavens, you really must be in love!"
"Did I tell you, he asked me to dance with him tonight?" Kagome asked excitedly. "He was so cute, trying to work up the nerve and then he almost ended up not asking me but then he did and I was so happy!"
"With him exclusively or just one dance?" Ayame asked eagerly.
"I don't know," Kagome said slowly. "But we'll soon see!"
"Even if it's just one dance it's still a good thing," Sango said hurriedly. "He wouldn't have been nervous asking you to dance, if you meant nothing to him. Right?"
"Right," Ayame agreed. "He's defiantly into you, Kagome. No questions in mind."
"So, you think, it's impossible that he'd ever leave right!" Kagome asked. "If he likes me it's not as if he's just going to walk away, right?"
"Definitely," Ayame said. "Now, lets hurry up and get you back out there so he can talk to you some more! I swear, the more time you two spend together the more he falls in love with you."
XOXOXOXOX
"I swear," Miroku sighed, nudging Inuyasha's ribs suggestively. "The more time you and Kagome spend together the more you seem to change. It's so weird, you've changed more within the past two weeks than you have ever since I met you!"
"Yeah," Kouga smiled. "Next thing we know you'll be spewing poetry out like a fountain and sending her red roses every evening."
"Now, now, Kouga," Miroku replied and then added in a baby voice. "We should be happy that widdle Yashie has learned to wuv someone."
"Just who the hell are you calling 'widdle Yashie' moron?" Inuyasha demanded, his left eye twitching noticeably.
"Watch your mouth, dog-breath," Kouga snarled. "In case, you haven't noticed there are children around."
"What's eating you, Kouga?" grumbled Inuyasha.
"Nothing's wrong with me," Kouga said purposely trying to sound laid back.
"Does this have anything to do with the little lovers spat I observed earlier between you and Ayame over that pretty photographer?" Miroku asked, oh so, innocently.
"Shut your mouth, Miroku," Kouga snapped, but it was too late Inuyasha had heard.
"What argument between you and Ayame?" he demanded.
"It's nothing," Kouga growled hanging his head.
"On the contrary," Miroku said slowly. "I'd say it's quite the opposite. Now, tell me what happened Kouga, I'm an expert when it comes to angry women."
"I'm sure you are," Inuyasha smirked, enjoying Kouga's discomfort.
"Inuyasha, please don't interrupt," Miroku replied in his most doctor like voice. "This session is very important for Kouga's future relationship with Ayame."
"I'm not saying anything while he's listening," Kouga said stubbornly.
"Nonsense," Miroku said dismissing Kouga's demand. "Inuyasha knows Ayame far better than I do, his input will be very valuable when talking about your relationship."
"Stop calling it a bloody relationship," Kouga said grabbing Miroku's collar. Realizing what he had just done, he let go of Miroku and took a step back. "That's exactly it," Kouga said miserably sinking into the nearest chair. "I don't think there is any relationship anymore."
"What!" Inuyasha and Miroku exclaimed shocked, A) because Kouga had actually told them what was wrong and B) because they had always taken Kouga and Ayame's relationship as a constant.
"The two of you broke up!" Miroku asked.
"If you broke up with Ayame on Sango's wedding day I'm gonna," Inuyasha threatened but Miroku held up a restraining hand.
"Kouga?" he asked gently
"I didn't break up with her, I think she's the one who broke up with me," Kouga replied slowly head in his hands.
"You think?" Inuyasha echoed disbelieving.
"Did she actually say, the two of you were over?" Miroku asked for clarification.
"Well, no," Kouga said. "But I think that's what she meant."
"What exactly did she say, Kouga?" Miroku asked calmly.
"She said to just leave her alone because she just couldn't deal with me right then, and how she was sick of being the only one in the relationship who was trying to make it work," Kouga said.
"Anything else?" Miroku prompted.
"Yeah, she said not to bother talking to her every again until I was prepared to commit to being her boyfriend," Kouga went on.
"Oh, dear," Miroku said looking at Inuyasha, who just stood there glaring at Kouga, as if it actually was possible to kill someone by glaring.
"I just don't get why she suddenly blew up at me like that," Kouga said cluelessly.
"Hmmm," Inuyasha said sarcastically. "Let me think. Did you by any chance happen to be flirting with someone else at the time?"
"Well, yeah, but I do it all the time and she's never gotten mad before!" Kouga said angrily.
"She probably has Kouga," Miroku said slowly. "But she's probably never shown you how much it gets to her."
"Well, only an idiot wouldn't think his girlfriend wouldn't get mad if he was constantly flirting with other women," Inuyasha said. "Honestly, Kouga, think about it for one second. How would you feel if you saw Ayame, hanging off some man she didn't even know?"
"I wouldn't know," Kouga said. "She's never done that before."
Both Miroku and Inuyasha sighed deeply, sometimes Kouga could be so dense it wasn't even funny.
"Imagine for one second," Miroku said. "That Ayame really had decided to break up and you saw her dancing with some other guy tonight. How would you feel ? How would you feel if you saw her kiss that same guy goodnight?"
"I'd want to punch him," Kouga snarled.
"Finally, some progress," Inuyasha muttered under his breath. In a regular voice he went on. "That's probably how Ayame feels every time she sees you flirting with some random girl."
"I think, it's safe to assume that Ayame is feeling a little neglected and a little jealous Kouga," Miroku said. "Did you tell her she looked pretty today?"
"She knows she looks hot," Kouga shrugged. "Why would I tell her that? Ayame would never wear something that didn't look good. I've never met a girl with a better sense of fashion."
"Haven't you ever told her that you think that?" Miroku asked.
"No," Kouga said and slowly it started to dawn on him. "You mean," he said slowly. "That when ever Ayame sees me flirting with other chicks she feels jealous because I never flirt with her?"
"Close," Miroku sighed. "Ayame isn't jealous because you're not flirting with her, she's jealous because you're ignoring her and giving all your attention to some other woman. She thinks that you don't value your relationship; that you don't think her as pretty as the other women you flirt with because you never compliment her. That's why she said she was sick of being the only one who's trying to make the relationship work."
"But I don't think our relationship's pointless," Kouga protested. "She knows that, she knows that I don't want to date other women. Doesn't she?"
Miroku and Inuyasha remained silent, Kouga was so close if they let him talk it through for just a little further he'd have it!
"Oooooooh, shit," Kouga swore. "Ayame thinks that I don't love her! That's it isn't it? She's upset because she thinks I'd rather be with those other girls!"
Inuyasha and Miroku looked at each other, looked up at the heavens and said a brief thank you.
"I think," Miroku sighed. "You finally understand."
"So, if I stop flirting with other women Ayame will forgive me," Kouga said determined. "I can do that?"
"As much as I hate to burst your happy little bubble," Miroku winced. "I don't think that will be quite as easy as you seem to think."
"Yeah and Miroku, the ex-letch, will know all there is to know about giving up women," Inuyasha smirked. "I might listen to him if I were you. I think I'm going to go track down the girls and see just how mad Ayame really is."
"Ok," Miroku said. "Hurry back though, toasts will be starting soon and then we get cake!"
"Don't worry, I'll be back momentarily," Inuyasha promised.
"So, what should I say when I see her," he heard Kouga ask the second his back was turned.
Poor Ayame, Inuyasha thought, how she can possibly love that poor stupid idiot, I have no clue.
"Inuyasha!" a voice called and he whirled around to come face to face with Kaede.
"Hey, old hag," he said mockingly. "You're looking mighty spry this afternoon."
"Inuyasha, ye shouldn't tease the elderly. I would have thought Kagome might have taught ye some manners by now."
"Don't count on it," Inuyasha replied. "But before I go, have you seen the girls around anywhere? I have no idea where they are."
"I believe they went to change Sango's dress," Kaede said wisely. "Ye didn't expect Sango to have to survive in such a dress all evening did you?"
"Of course not," Inuyasha huffed. "I just didn't know they would disappear to do that immediately after pictures is all."
"They should nearly be finished," Kaede said. "When you see them be sure to remind Sango, that an old lady like myself would love a piece of cake even if I can't get up to get it myself."
"Will do," Inuyasha said walking off. All he knew was he better find Ayame and not let her near Kouga until that idiot was damn well ready to apologise.
Hey, sorry for the long time it took me to write this, my muse has been a little sad.Thank you everyone for being patient with me during this rough time (for those of you who don't know my uncle passed away because of Hurricane Katrina)A quick thank you to Mary my neta-reader, everyone say "thank you Mary" She's a totally awsome beta-reader and Mary thank you soooooo soo sooooooooo much for being my beta-reader I LOVE YOU!