Man, was I elated to have finished this chapter! I was so happy I could've done cartwheels! But then everyone at work would've called the men in white, or black, on me. Plus, I'd have crashed to the floor (laughs).
Anyway, I look back on this story and I amaze myself at how awesome it actually is. Then I look at all the reviews I received, and it, like, totally blows my mind, man! (bowing) A huge "thank you very much" to everyone who reviewed and read "I'm Goin' to Miami". When I first posted this, I said I'd be happy if I only got 20 reviews for the whole story.
Y'all know I was ready to faint when I hit 271.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Shut up so we can finish readin' this already!" Inuyasha griped excitedly.
Holy crap, you actually WANT to read this?
"First, we thought it was just you makin' fun of us, but after reading it, we agree with your crazy fans; it kicks ass!" Koga added.
….. I'll be damned.
"Yeah, so hurry it up! We wanna see the next chapters!"
Chapter. (Covers ears from loud"WHAT?" from them) Don't gawk at me like that, Inuyasha! You'd been wishing for it for two years and now you got it! So th- oh quit cryin' ya babies! This is as far as my outline went!
To my readers, I'm not kidding. This is the last chapter of I'm Goin' to Miami. I had an excellent time writing this, but now it's time to end it. I am thinking about making a sequel though. I wonder if I can do it…. Minmay-chan get that mace away from my head! I was just wondering if I could give Miroku a kiss without Sango pile-drivin' me!
As always with the disclaimers, the ONLY thing I own here is the concept for the story. I own nothing else! (And for the duets, italics are the male part, bold italics are the female part, underlined italics are for both.) And as for a particular scene in here, that is accredited to my fanart muse Mikaila-dono. It's based on one of her fanarts but I found it too cute to resist. That ain't my idea, it's hers, Itake absolutely NO credit for it,so y'all know!
And now, the final chapter of my greatest fanfic, so now y'all can quit trippin' over Miroku! (hands out tissues to those who cried.) Thank you all so very much for reading. Ja ne (Later!)
(Loud standing ovation as LuClipse85 exits the stage)
"I'm Goin' To Miami"
Chapter 18
"I Knew You Were Waiting For Me"
Miroku found himself floating in darkness again. He looked around the black empty space, recognizing it as he had been there several times before. Last he remembered, Miroku was fighting Naraku, then was lying in Sango's arms looking into her teary eyes before losing consciousness.
I was warm in Sango's arms. Now I feel cold. What…?
A chill ran through his body. Recalling what had happened, Miroku stared in silence.
I tried to save Sango…and I died doing so. I overheard everything, she had defeated Naraku…
Sango…
My only regret is that we are separated again; but seeing you well and freed of Naraku, I will be at peace in death.
The thought brought a bit of solace to Miroku. He smiled to give himself some kind of comfort as he continued topass throughthe darkness, allowing himself to be taken to his final destination. He heard a faint sound. Listening closely, Miroku heard sounds in a remote distance.
The sound of running water.
It grew louder, as if Miroku were drawing close. As the quiet sound entered his ears, he found his eyes were closed. Miroku's floating stopped and he was laid down. Tentatively, his eyes stirred, fearing to open. His hands felt beneath him.
Grass.
Curiosity beckoned Miroku's eyes to slowly pry open, which quickly shut upon greeting a brilliant light. He sat up and opened them again, shading them from the light. Once they adjusted, his eyes stared in wonder.
Miroku lay in a beautiful meadow under a fairly cloudy sky. The grass stretched as far as he could see with wildflowers scattered all about. Beside him was a small stream, the water gently flowingdown and producing a soothing sound. He looked up toward the other side of it and found monarch butterflies fluttering about the flowers. A gentle breeze swept toward the meadow and the butterflies flew up with it, flying away into the bright sky.
Miroku watched the beautiful sight with a forlorn expression. A faint light shone in the corner of this right eye, capturing his attention. At the last second, Miroku remained still, afraid to look. The light tried to persuade him by growing a little brighter and inching closer, giving off a coaxing warmth. Miroku could not ignore the familiarity of the feeling. He summoned his eyes toward the light, his body instantly following.
In a sleeveless ivory white dress was his dearest Sango, a glowing aura surrounding her as she sat before him. Miroku stared spellbound, entranced by her radiance. Her giggle brought him out of his stupor but he soon fell back as he gazed at Sango's face.
She was smiling.
Before, Sango wore a face of heart-wrenching sorrow; but now, here she was before Miroku in sheer happiness.
"Sango…." Miroku whispered. She looks so divine. How is it she's here with me? I'm dead.
Sango only broadened her smile and wrapped her arms around Miroku's neck, resting her forehead atop his and peering into his indigo eyes. Gently, she caressed his face, her soft skin causing Miroku to melt, his eyes fluttering shut in pure bliss. He returned her touch, her sweet scent intoxicating him. Miroku's lips inched forward, longing for Sango's.
In that moment before he met her lips, everything went quiet and, his eyes still closed, Miroku noticed something strange. Sango's hands were still silky soft but seemed a bit rough….and large.
And her fingernails had become long and sharp.
"Oh Miroku! You're so fresh, you are! This old woman sure could use a strapping ample body like yours! C'mon, baby! Let's get our freak on!"
Miroku's eyes instantly popped open, thinking his dream had shifted into another nightmare.
Miroku was in a hospital room, lying in bed with an IV hooked into his arm. His eyes ventured to his hand, which was held by another; one he knew wasn't Sango's. He followed the person's arm….
And found Inuyasha, staring at the actor with a mock girly face, batting his eyes.
Miroku stared in shock.
"Glad you're awake, Houshi-sama. Would you like some 'chocolate'?" Inuyasha flirted in his Isaac Hayes voice before he and Shippo laughed their butts off.
Miroku snarled weakly and launched his fist into Inuyasha's chin, but it was too feeble to actually hurt him. He fell back onto his pillow, exhausted from just exerting the tiny amount of energy he had. Inuyasha and Shippo's laughter eased.
"You may as well have gotten hit by a baby, Inuyasha." Shippo commented. "Hey, you still with us, Miroku?"
Miroku opened his half-lidded eyes and smiled in reassurance. "Yes, butI gotta say that's a hell of a way to give me a heart attack."
His weak laugh told the two he was fine. The actor looked at them and found Shippo and Inuyasha bandaged up. It startled Miroku to see Inuyasha with a broken arm, but the half demon keh-ed and saw it as no big deal. It would heal in several more hours anyway. Shippo had a few bandages for the deep cuts scattered on his body. He showed off his heavily bandaged arm, hoping for a poor healing so he would have a battle scar to show Satsuki.
Kagome walked inside on a crutch. She had seen Inuyasha and Shippo's practical joke through the window and tried not to laugh so much. She had also been injured, scattered bruises and a twisted ankle. There was a gauze on her face where she had gotten cut, but her bright smiled remained, elated to see Miroku was awake.
She hugged him gently, careful not to agitate his injuries. "How're you feeling, Miroku?"
Miroku stared at the ceiling, doing a self-analysis. "My body aches all over, my abdomen is hurting, barely enough energy to speak, and I have the strength of a baby."
He got a laugh out of that.
"You really scared the hell out ofus, Miroku." Inuyasha spoke solemnly, "You took a serious beatdown and was just drippin' in blood."
Shippo spoke up. "Yeah, you had passed out when the fight was over and we were all scared you had died."
Miroku fell silent, looking at their faces. He had thought so as well, recalling his strange dream.
Inuyasha eased back in his chair, recalling everything in incredulity. "Keh! I can't believe all that hell we all went through, and the whole point in coming here was so Miroku could chill! That bastard Naraku shows up and it's Miami Vice all over again!"
Naraku's name reminded Miroku of the fight. In his dream, Sango had appeared before him, almost looking like an angel. The beeping of the heart monitor sped up, catching everyone's attention.
"What? What'd I say?" Inuyasha asked cluelessly, thinking he had invoked it.
"Sango…!" Miroku uttered in worry. "Where's Sango?"
Miroku frantically sat up in the bed, then screamed in pain andhunched over as he had agitated his injured body. He was urged to calm down and rest, but refused, insisting on knowing about Sango's well-being.
"You tryin' to kill yourself, man?" Inuyasha hollered, "Sango's injuries aren't serious! The doctors stitched her up good!"
Miroku stilled and rolled his eyes at him. "You realize that isn't helping me."
Kagome hissed, "Inuyasha, zip it! You're making Miroku more worried about her!"
"I'm just letting him know, Kagome!" Inuyasha responded back. "It ain't like Naraku cut us up and left Sango alone!"
"For the sake of Miroku's condition, we'd like to let him think that." Shippo flatly added.
Miroku stared down at his bed sheets, wondering if his dream was another premonition. Before he could worry any further, movement in the top of his eyes caught his attention. He lifted them and his mind rested.
Sango entered the room, staring happily at Miroku. He saw she wasn't heavily injured as Inuyasha had indicated and felt relieved. Remembering he was far from recovery, Sango hurried to the bed and inquired how he was feeling. Shippo restated all of Miroku's ailments and how he was trying to reopen them, sounding like a tattletale. Sango was not about to allow Miroku to prolong his recovering and urged him to lie back down. Miroku protested, saying he wasn't that bad; his injuries didn't hurt as much anymore. At the last minute, his memory jogged. He looked up and just as he thought, Sango was staring him down. A sly smirk made its way to her face.
"You remember what happened the last time you said that, Miroku?" She asked.
Miroku vainly tried to hold back a perverted smile, but the memory was too much. "Of course, Sango; why do you think I'm still up?"
Sango rolled up her eyes. "Boy, lay down!" She ordered, easing him onto the bed.
She stifled a giggle while the others looked in curiosity. Guessing it had something to do with their time "together in bed", Inuyasha dared not ask why. He changed the subject back to the Miami Vice thing, everyone catching on and doing the same. In the midst of the conversation, Kagome glanced at Miroku, then at Sango, then back at Miroku. Her smile softened when she recalled their previous ordeal and she cleared Inuyasha and Shippo out the room, along with herself.
"What're you doing? Visiting hours ain't over yet!" Inuyasha argued.
Kagome got them out the door and quietly closed it with a large happy smile.
"Keep it down, Inuyasha." She whispered as he stared, confused. "They've gone through hell and back. Let's give them some time alone."
Sango stared at the door, reading through Kagome's antics.
"Sneaky, isn't she?" Miroku joked.
He heard Sango chuckle in agreement, then yawned, beginning to feel tired. Miroku glanced up and locked eyes with her. She was smiling, but her eyes were filling with tears, a few of which ran down her face. Immediately, Miroku worriedly asked what was wrong, reaching up and wiping them away. It worried him more when Sango took his hand in hers, holding it tightly to her cheek.
Miroku anguished at the sight. "Sango, what is it?"
A sob escaped her as she tried to collect herself.
"I was afraid…" Her throat choked up. "Watching you fight Naraku…seeing just how seriously injured you were. You were unconscious for four days straight. I was so afraid you would die, Miroku. I was so happy to see you were alive."
More of her tears fell. Sango's eyes opened when she felt Miroku softly spread his palm onto her cheek, his thumb wiping at the tear streaks. His indigo eyes peered inside hers, warm and sincere.
"Sango, I'm sorry to have made you cry. But I was not going to let Naraku harm you. I said I'd be damned if I allowed him to, and I meant every word of it.
"Some say time heals all wounds, but after that fight we had, mine only deepened. The time I spent separated from you was unbearable. Every day, every second, every waking moment you were on my mind. I wanted to hold you just one more time, to look into your eyes once again. The thought that it would never happen broke me. I found you again and I had come back to life. There was no way I would ever allow Naraku to take you from me again."
Sango was deeply moved. "I missed you so bad after that fight too. Everyday I wished to be with you. Naraku had deceived me into thinking you had betrayed me and for all those years had me believe everything was my fault. When I saw you at the luau, 'elated' didn't begin to cover how I felt. Even when you went at my butt it made me happy that you hadn't changed."
Miroku chuckled at that, keeping his hands on her face as he continued, "I didn't care what happened to me, so long as you were safe. At the same time, I did my best to stay alive for you; I couldn't bear to pass into the next world leaving you crying. If it is for your protection, I would gladly give my life for yours.
"I love you, Sango."
Sango's eyes overflowed with happiness.
"And I love you, Miroku."
Miroku smiled joyfully at those words, thengot annoyed as his energy began to diminish. Sango giggled as he whined about it and gently rested her head atop his. Looking into his sleepy eyes, she coaxed Miroku to rest, saying she'd still be there when he woke up. As Sango lightly brushed the back of her fingers against his cheek, Miroku's eyes closed, conceding to sleep and a content smile on his lips. Inuyasha, Kagome and Shippo watched discreetly through the window. Shippo silently cheered for them while Kagome smiled gleefully, trying to hold back her delighted squeals. Inuyasha simply stared, his ears moving about in disbelief.
"Miroku quit The Playa's Club?" He whispered to himself. "Just when the hell did he start diggin' on Sango? Nobody tells me anything, man!"
Inuyasha met Kagome and Shippo's exasperated glares. Question marks popped all around his head, accompanied by an indignant "What?".
Miroku remained hospitalized for another week, aggravating Inuyasha since the actor's body was very slow to heal. He was released afterward and was able to spend the last couple days of the vacation with the others. Under the doctor's orders, Miroku had to sit back and take it easy, and therefore served as the photographer. Inuyasha threatened to send him back in a body bag if he didn't get rid of the photos of Sohma Ayame hitting on him, his brother, Yuki, begging Miroku to out of mortification.
On the trip back to Tokyo, it was virtually the same as when they had came to Miami; Miroku slept and Shippo talked. He couldn't stop marveling over Sango's kidnapping and the battle with Naraku and talked about it as if it were a movie. Inuyasha's face twitched sporadically each time his prayers for silence were denied. Kagome tried to stop laughing at the scene, but the look on his face was too great not to. The hanyou held out for another minute before snapping, lifting and shaking the kitsune by the throat screaming "SHUT UP, YA DAMNED FOX! SHUTUP! SHUTUP! SHUTUP!" Kagome tried to stop him and yelled "sit" several times. Sango tried to hide her embarrassment by acting like she didn't know them while Miroku pretended to be asleep after being woken up.
Back home, the group returned to work after taking another few days off. They needed a vacation from their "vacation". When Miroku felt rested enough, he braced himself before hitting "play" on his answering machine.
To his relief, Hachi called first. "Miroku-sama! It's good to hear your voice again! We haven't spoken in so long!"
"It's only been two weeks, Hachi. Did you miss me that much?" Miroku laughed.
"Well, of course." Hachi answered brightly. "It's been pretty dull around here with you gone, Miroku-sama. The ladies have been sending you emails, letters, and even lingerie. Since you hadn't called any of them, they thought you were deathly ill."
Miroku laughed along with Hachi. "I apologize for taking a longer vacation than I intended, Hachi. I had one unbelievable experience, then Inuyasha and I had to take a vacation from our vacation."
"Sounds interesting, I'll bet you two had a blast in Miami!" Hachi mused.
Miroku rolled his eyes. You have no idea. "Oh, we did, Hachi. But I'm beat from our outing today. I'll be in tomorrow; I'll tell you everything that happened."
"Miroku-sama, before you go," Hachi took a minute to search for an important memo. "Just to let you know in advance, you have A LOT of offers lined up. Akida1-san is dying for you to star in 'My Dearest Miroku', and then we have another producer, ScribeFigaro-san, who would like you for his movie, 'If You Need Her'. Plus, one from PopJam (Japanese TV show), a few others for reality TV and such…."
Weeks went by and mid-July rolled around. Miroku and the others spent the day at Inuyasha's house, admiring the sunset on his porch. Inuyasha played soccer with Shippo as he waited for Kagome to say her apple and pecan pies were ready. Originally, the game was soccer, but quickly turned to dodgeball as the hanyou grew restless with hunger.
PING!
"The time went off early." Kagome looked at him in suspicion.
Inuyasha falsely pleaded innocent as he made quick tracks behind her into the kitchen. Shippo hopped down from the fence and hurried inside, claiming the first taste of both pies. Sango sat beside Miroku as Shippo and Inuyasha bickered inside the house. She chuckled to herself, saying they'd never change, thinking the two acted like brothers. Sango brought her eyes back to the sunset, admiring its beauty when she saw Miroku staring into space before him. Looking closer, she saw him in very deep thought. Not wanting to interrupt, Sango left him alone, keeping her eyes on him.
"I take it you're enjoying the view, Sango?" Miroku teased, meeting her playful smile.
"Very much actually." She answered. "You looked like you were thinking hard about something."
Miroku's smile remained, though he stayed silent for a short while. "I didn't think I was that lost in thought. I'd been trying to practice it out in my head, but it never seems to sound right."
"Try saying it. It'll help if you say it outloud." Sango suggested.
Miroku tensed a little, then took a deep breath and exhaled. "Okay, I'll say it outloud."
Miroku turned to Sango and, looking into her eyes, took her hand in his.
"Miroku…?" Her face flushed pink.
"Sango," Miroku spoke softly. "In the past, I was always on the prowl. Flirting with women was pretty much my life, next to acting. I would always turn when one caught my eye. They were all the same to me, but I still went after them. All of that changed when I met you. When I'm with you, I get a different thrill. It's one I have the most difficulty describing. 'Euphoric' doesn't seem to come close. Everything becomes so much brighter and more enjoyable whenever I'm with you."
He kept his warm gaze and knelt on his knee. "Those years I was separated from you in body and mind, I felt a void that kept pulling at my heart. There was something missing in my life, and I've realized it was you."
Miroku held out his palm to reveal a small velvet box. Sango fell silent as a 10-karat diamond ring shone brilliantly in the sunset light. Miroku gave a humble smileat Sango's widened eyes.
"Taijiya Sango, will you marry me?"
Sango's body was completely still as her hand slowly lowered from her mouth, her eyes locked on the ring. The moment had shocked her as Miroku's proposal stuck in her head. She couldn't believe this was happening.
Miroku blinked; his nerves were almost shot when he saw her beginning to cry. Her eyes closed, her head lowering. Miroku inched closer to her, fearful that something was wrong. Sango then fell on her knees and wrapped her arms around his neck. Miroku fell still, his heart racing in anxiety.
Sango calmed down enough to speak, "I'm sorry, Miroku,"
His heart nearly stopped.
"I'm sorry about that." She continued, smiling, "I just didn't see that coming."
Miroku wasn't sure how to take that, so he just laughed to keep himself together. Sango held him close and sent his heart racing again.
"I love you. I love you so much." Sango whispered in elation, then whispered in his ear,
"Yes. I will marry you, Houshi Miroku."
Sango laughed as Miroku shouted joyfully and lifted her up, spinning her in the air and embracing her tightly.
"Sango…"
"Miroku…
"Miroku….?"
"Yes, Sango?" Miroku inquired slyly with his Cheshire Cat grin.
Sango teardropped as Miroku's hand had found its way to her butt and was slightly squeezing. The actor laughed as he received a half-hearted slap to the face.
"We're not married yet, you know." Sango said with a smirk.
"But you're so irresistible." Miroku playfully whined, his grin was plastered onto his face. "If I may redeem myself, your luscious bottom is the only one I will ever be attracted to."
Miroku stared at Sango's still face, wondering if he had said something wrong. Her face softened to a small smile and Miroku relaxed, up until he saw slyness. He was about to ask about it when he froze. Miroku's eyes flew open and his face turned a deep crimson as Sango's hands found their way to HIS butt, gently squeezing andsavoring the feel. Sango's sly smile grew as she saw her fiancé's lips curl back to his trademark grin.
"Likewise." Sango purred, softly taking the nape of Miroku's neck and pulling him into a kiss.
Kagome's jaw was on the floor as she witnessed the whole scene from the window blinds. "No, she didn't!" She whispered incredulously.
"She did." Inuyasha responded flatly, just as stupefied as Kagome.
Shippo stared with his mouth agape. "Is Sango gonna be that freaky come the honeymoon?"
Kagome and Inuyasha turned red as they considered the question, then got snapped out of it by Sango's screaming when she found them spying on her.
In the following September, bells sounded loudly from a grand chapel. A large audience cheered as Miroku and Sango walked out arm in arm as husband and wife. Miroku's godfather, Mushin, merrily held up his sake cup as homage to the couple. Hachi cried in happiness, trying not to get too emotional. Kagome watched as Sango passed, getting misty eyed. Inuyasha pummeled Miroku with rice, while Shippo didn't understand the custom of it."Inuyasha, what's the point of throwing good rice at weddings? It's not like they're gonna take any of it home." Shippo complained.
Inuyasha continued throwing rice as the groom passed. "It's just some old Western tradition, supposed to bring good luck or something like that. I'm just goin' with it."
The hanyou brought the birds to the kitsune's attention, wearing a devious smile. "And I heard when ya do this, the birds eat it up and they explode!"
Shippo's grin matched Inuyasha's and went crazy hurling the rice. Grandpa Higurashi snatched the bag from them, scolding them and saying the wedding decorations didn't include bird guts all over the place.
The wedding reception got underway that evening as Inuyasha had the band open with Queen's "Born to Love You", then followed with a few dance favorites. The floor was then cleared for the bride and groom. Miroku took his bride to the dance floor and began their dance to their wedding song.
If you say my eyes are beautiful
It's because they're looking at you
And if you could only see yourself
You'd feel the same way too
You could say that I am a dreamer
Who's had a dream come true
If you say my eyes are beautiful
It's because they're looking at you
Oooohh, ooh, ooooh
If you wonder why I'm smiling
It's because I'm happy with you
And the warm sensations touch my heart
And fill me through and through
I could hold you close forever
And never let you go
If you say my eyes are beautiful
It's because I just love you so
Ohhh, oohh, oh oh
Now my heart is an open door
Won't you come inside for more
You give love so sweetly now
Take my love
Take me completely now
Miroku's eyes locked on Sango's, enraptured by what he saw inside them. Unable to resist, he spun her and dipped her, indulging in seeing her smile. They continued their dance, Sango gazing into her husband's eyes just as enraptured as him. She inched closer, voicing her heart through the song.
Ohhhh-ohh-ohhh
If you say my eyes are beautiful
It's because they're looking at you
And my eyes are just the windows
For my feelings to come through
Miroku gladly voiced his in return,
And by far
You are more beautiful
Than anything I ever knew
If you say my eyes are beautiful
If you say my eyes are beautiful
If you say my eyes, my eyes are beautiful
It's because
It's because
They're looking at you
Miroku and Sango's lips met as their dance concluded, the guests applauding while Hachi started crying again. Shippo sniffled while Inuyasha keh-ed at both of them, trying to fight getting emotional. The reception party continued while Sango took Miroku to talk with his in-laws, specifically with his father-in-law as he had heard various things about him. The next thing the guests knew, the groom was running every which way to escape Sango's father, laughing their heads off as he was chased outside getting chewed out. Miroku put it in gear when his father-in-law broke out his hiraikotsu. The guests watched in amusement, placing bets that Miroku would get it bad. Kohaku recorded every moment of it on his video camera, thinking his brother-in-law didn't have a chance.
"I take it your old man didn't buy the 'possessed hand' excuse?" Koga nonchalantly asked Sango, shoving cake in his mouth.
She shook her head, teardropping. "No, and 'I was looking for something' only made it worse."
Looking at the pages in my life
Faded memories of me and you
Mistakes you know I've made a few
I took some shots and fell from time to time
Baby, you were there to pull me through
We've been around the block a time or two
I'm gonna lay it on the line
Ask me how we've come this far
The answer's written in my eyes
Every time I look at you
Baby, I see something new
It takes me higher than before
It makes me want you more
I don't wanna sleep tonight
Dreaming's just a waste of time
When I look at what my life's been comin' to
I'm all about lovin' you
Inuyasha laid in his favorite tree at the local park, listening to his iPod while admiring the starry sky. Bon Jovi's "All About Lovin' You" had passed a while ago but the song remained with him. Unable to get it out his head, he replayed it. Inuyasha closed his eyes, just enjoying the peaceful setting when Kagome's smiling face appeared to him, reaching out invitingly to him.
Inuyasha smiled. "Keh, no wonder it got stuck in my head."
He opened his eyes and swore he saw Kagome's name in the stars. Inuyasha just stared at the sky and thought about the vacation, his time with Kagome. In the beginning, they had practically relived the first season of InuYasha the way they fought. Inuyasha recalled the "intimacy" at the arcade and flushed pink, smiling as he remembered how soft her skin was.
"I still can't get over our date." Inuyasha mused to himself, laughing at how he and Kagome had acted like children.
Kagome remained on his mind, every memory he had of her replayed. Among the ones that just echoed relentlessly were all the memories of when she had accepted him for what he was. Kagome embraced him as a half-demon, as well as a human,and never once put him down for it.
I keep thinking she's grateful for that. If I was human, she wouldn't be able to coddle my ears.
Upon thinking about her more, Inuyasha paused his thoughts for a short while, trying to sum everything up.
"I can't get her out of my mind. I can feel her aura when she's near. She stays by my side no matter what, even when I act like an ass. She says I make her happy. Plus, she's not ashamed of me... I wonder if she knows how much that means to me?"
"I do now, Inuyasha."
Kagome caught him off guard. Inuyasha sat up but ended up losing his balance and fell out of the tree, crashing face first into the ground.
She turned him onto his back, checking for injuries. "Inuyasha, are you okay?"
His body twitched in pain as he stared up, seeing the stars moving in circles. "Note to self: quit talking to myself."
Inuyasha sat up, rubbing his head. He looked to his side and saw Kagome sitting beside him staring with concern.
"I'm sorry, Inuyasha."
The hanyou keh-ed, blowing it off. "Don't worry about it. It didn't hurt."
Kagome blinked, pointing to the ground. "THAT didn't hurt?"
There was a large dent in the ground where Inuyasha had struck his head. He rose an eyebrow at Kagome, wondering why she freaked out over that. "All the times you sat me on the show, that's nothing, Kagome."
She couldn't help but laugh. An awkward silence fell after that, the two of them looking away from each other, wondering what to say.
"Uh," Inuyasha started, "You heard me thinking outloud?"
Kagome nodded. "Yeah, I was just out for a walk and I overheard you."
She paused, gathering the courage to speak. "I had said you make me happy, but…do I make you happy, Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha was still, then turned to Kagome.
"Very much." He answered sweetly. "Everything about you makes me happy. I never told you before, but I really think you had saved my life after I broke up with Kikyo. I was so crushed I wished I would die. Even though I wanted to, I couldn't. When I was in that coma, I kept feeling something pulling me back to life. I couldn't figure out what it was until I woke up and saw you, then I could feel it. That aura you have, you had a strong desire for me to live, so you must've invoked it on me somehow. It kept my heart beating when I wanted it to stop."
Inuyasha stopped, then glared to the side away from Kagome in embarrassment. "Keh. I didn't mean to sound stupid."
"You didn't sound stupid, Inuyasha." Kagome smiled, grasping his attention. "I don't really get it myself, but that's what my grandpa tells me; I have this aura that comes out when I want to help someone. I didn't know what had happened for you to be near death in a coma, but I didn't want you to die. It would've hurt me pretty bad if you had."
Her eyes met Inuyasha's curious and puzzled stare. "What is it?"
"It would've hurt you if I had died? You'd be in bad shape ifyou felt that way about the whole world." Inuyasha stated as-a-matter-of-factly, trying not to sound cold. "People die all the time. It ain't like I'd have mattered; what's so special about me?"
"'To the world, you're one person; to one person, you're the world'."
Kagome smiled when Inuyasha titled his head to the side, his stare showing him even more confused.
"Kagome, you didn't even know me then. As Japan's Hottest Model, sure; but still, you didn't know me. How can your heart go out to a stranger?" Inuyasha inquired, though silently admiring the fact.
"It's not hard when it's someone you consider a friend, Inuyasha." It seemed like everything she said just drove him further into confusion; Kagome continued, "I first met you in this very park when you were eight years old. There were two boys picking on you, calling you 'half-breed' and then started beating on you. I came up to them and told them to stop and they pushed me away saying girls should butt out-"
"Then you jumped both of them and beat the crap outta them." Inuyasha remembered. "You looked at me and then held them down for me; then I kicked the crap outta them. After that, you told me your name. After you hollered I had bad manners and called me an 'igit', I told you mine. You asked if you could play with me, saying you were tough enough to handle boys' games. I told you twice I was 'different' and twice you just stared at me like you didn't understand. Finally, I told you I was 'different, a monster, a freak; a half-demon'."
Kagome was happy he remembered that. "Do you remember what I said, Inuyasha?"
He did, and gazed at Kagome for it, "'Everyone is, you're too cute to be a monster, no, you're not; and so what? Wanna be my friend?'
"That shut me up me for a while before I said yeah. When you had to leave, I kinda got upset. Still with that smile of yours, you looked me dead in the eyes, put your fingers on the sides of head and told me, 'I think you're cool, Inuyasha; stay that way'. I didn't see you again until after I got out of that coma, but I never forgot that. One person thought I was cool, and I believed her."
Inuyasha's eyes met Kagome's and stayed, getting lost deep inside them.
"I love you, Kagome."
Her eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. Inuyasha was fully aware of what he had said; he didn't turn away nor did he contradict himself in a stutter. He kept his gaze on Kagome.
She demurely lowered her eyes, blushing. "I'm only one person."
"And you're my world." Inuyasha answered sincerely.
She lifted her eyes to him and her smile only made "All About Lovin' You" play louder. Not one for speeches herself, Kagome reciprocated her feelings for Inuyasha, pulling him into a deep kiss. Inuyasha felt himself melt, taking her in his arms and returning Kagome's response. The two completely lost touch with where they were, staying in each other's embrace. After a long while, Inuyasha gently broke the kiss, his eyes never leaving Kagome. His mind made up, he took her hand.
"Kagome, I'd been thinking about this for a long time. I wasn't sure at first, but now I am. I'm certain.
"I want to share the rest of my life with you."
Kagome suddenly got choked up, "Inu-Inuyasha….are you asking me to marry you?"
Inuyasha saw the hopeful look in Kagome's eyes and felt he could die happy, his smile reflecting the feeling. "Yes, will you be my mate, Kagome?"
"Yes. Yes, Inuyasha!" She threw her arms around his neck, knocking him to the ground, both of them laughing happily.
Inuyasha and Kagome chose a traditional Japanese wedding. Kagome had always wanted a fairy-tale wedding. Inuyasha didn't mind, except that Sesshomaru had attended to record anything stupid his little brother might do. Wanting to give his elder brother something to gossip about, the hanyou carried his bride out of the temple bridal style and posed for him under a sakura tree.
It was against tradition, but the priests left them alone, shaking their heads. "Young people these days."
Shippo indulged in his break at the Okinawa Indoor Onsen resort. His father decided to take a break with his son and, upon Shippo's request, brought Satsuki along.
"Ahhhh, this is livin', man." Shippo sighed in relaxation. "Even a strong warrior like me must rest after such a fierce battle."
"Aww, my poor man. Are you still beat from Miami?" Satsuki cooed, massaging Shippo's shoulders.
"Nah, I'm just glad I lived through the whole thing. That Naraku was, pardon my American, one sick son of a bitch."
"Yeah, Sango and Kagome told me that day we hung out together." Satsuki hugged Shippo from behind, nuzzling his face affectionately. "I didn't hear from you since we saw Houshi-sama in that bar, and you nearly send me into conniptions when you guys wound up in the hospital!"
Shippo consoled her when she hugged him tightly, taking it she was still upset over it. "C'mon Satsuki-chan, that was months ago now. I taught that psycho a lesson. My foxfire can handle anything."
Satsuki giggled proudly as the kitsune flashed his foxfire from his hand, trying to look cool and tough.
"Say Shippo?"
"Yeah?"
"I was just thinking about how first Houshi-sama married Sango, then how Inuyasha married Kagome." She purred
Shippo snickered. "Who'da thought, huh? I didn't think anyone could tame that wild child."
Satsuki turned Shippo around so that he was nuzzling her nose. He enjoyed her affection, but wondered what was up when he saw that smile.
Satsuki beamed, "I was thinking since all your friends have gotten married, you and I should get married too!"
Shippo's heart stopped, gawking with a wide agape mouth and stuttereing like a fool.
"Funny you should mention that, Shippo-chan! When we get married, I wanna have LOTS of babies! LOTS!"
"KIDS? YOU WANNA HAVE KIDS?" Shippo screamed.
Satsuki tried to calm him down, "Oh not a whole lot, Shippo, just eight or eleven."
"EIGHT OR ELEVEN? I can't feel my legs..!" He squeaked.
Satsuki added to Shippo's shock when she hugged his waist and gave him a seductive smirk. "And since an onsen is the best place to make a baby, we can get started now!"
Shippo screamed and leapt out of her arms and ran off, thankful he still had his towel on. Satsuki ran after him yelling she was only joking about getting started on their first child, but was serious about getting married. She found herself having to speed up at that. Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku and Sango watched from the outdoor porch, laughing as the kitsune ran every which way to escape his potential fiancée.
"Run Shippo, run! Ya can't afford child support!" Inuyasha mocked, Kagome laughing with him.
"I don't understand him. A pretty young woman WANTS to bear his children and he takes off into the next county!"
Sango playfully bonked her husband on the head. "Not all guys have your mentality, Miroku."
Everyone agreed, Miroku making no argument, and watched Shippo turn himself into a pink balloon to escape. Satsuki jumped on him, weighing him down and threatening to clobber him for running from her.
Like a warrior that fights
And wins the battle
I know the taste of victory
Though I went through some nights
Consumed by the shadows
I was crippled emotionally
(Photo of Inuyasha and Sango water skiing and Inuyasha washing up on the shore as a "mermaid" again.)
(Photos of Kagome being approached by Hojo and Inuyasha going mental on him.)
Somehow I made it through the heartache
Yes, I did, I escaped
I found my way out of the darkness
I kept my faith, kept my faith
When the river was deep
I didn't falter
When the mountain was high
I still believed
When the valley was low
It didn't stop me
No, no
I knew you were waiting
I knew you were waiting for me
(Photos of Miroku wolfing down wedding cake and Sango throwing the bouquet. Kagura's about to catch it when Yura kicks her out of the way only to be pile-drived by Lynn-Minmay, who catches it.)
(Photo of the three in a catfight. Lynn-Minmay wins, holding Yura's Goth Loli wig as a trophy.)
Through an endless desire
I kept on searchin'
Sure in time our eyes would meet
And like a bridge that's on fire
The hurt is over
One touch and you set me free
(Photo of Satsuki hugging Shippo, making a peace sign; Shippo holding up a "save me" sign.)
(Photo of Kikyo taking a tour of MGM Studios branch in Japan cuddling the lion cubs.)
(Photo of her running like hell from the lion while carrying one of the cubs.)
I don't regret a single moment, no I don't
Looking back
When I think of all those disappointments
I just laugh, I just laugh
When the river was deep
I didn't falter
When the mountain was high
I still believed
When the valley was low
It didn't stop me
I knew you were waiting
I knew you were waiting for me
(Recording of Sango and Miroku's wedding, their dance and the chasing of the groom. Also, the battle between Miroku and Sango's father, in which Miroku gets beat down. The guests cash in on their bets.)
(Photos of Inuyasha and Kagome's wedding. Inuyasha carrying her bridal style and kissing her under a sakura tree.)
(Photo of Sesshomaru taking a picture of himself with Inuyasha flipping him off in the background.)
(Photo of Inuyasha dangling from the tree by his feet roaring obscenities at Sesshomaru, who has a smug smile.)
(Group photo of Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, Miroku and Sango before leaving Miami.)
So we were drawn together
Through destiny
I know this love we shared
Was meant to be
I knew you were waiting
I knew you were waiting
I knew you were waiting for me
I didn't falter
(I didn't falter)
I still believed
(When the valley was low)
It didn't stop me
I knew you were waiting
Somewhere, Somehow
For me
Sango closed her photo album, smiling at the many memories and laughing at how her father almost made her a widow. Looking at the clock, she went down to Toei Studios to visit Miroku. She arrived just as the director decided to let off for the day. Sango also found her husband surrounded by women and heard him ask his catch-phrase question.
"Miroku…?"
Sango's reprimanding voice caught his ear. The circle parted for her as she looked him dead in the eye, her arms folded.
"Sango, they're only my fans from 'InuYasha'. They just wanted my autograph and to hear my line." Miroku assured his wife.
The women nearly cowered at Sango, more so after seeing her wedding ring. Bowing in greeting, they confirmed the actor's words. If Sango was as tough as she was portrayed on the show, they'd be fools to try and steal her man.
Miroku heard his co-workers snickering and teasing him. "What're you all laughing at? She's not gonna slap me for that."
"Miroku, why are you all uptight about this? You're the man, aren't you? You know what your business is." One of the actors teased lightheartedly while several others hinted at what was to come.
"Yes, he's right, Miroku," An actress added, also teasing him, "The husband doesn't have to explain himself."
Miroku raised an eyebrow at his conniving co-workers, figuring out what they were up to. "You wanna see her get on me, don't you?"
They nodded with broad grins, wanting to see another scene from InuYasha for old times' sake.
Miroku didn't need to look to see his wife standing behind him; he could feel her aura eminating.
"And you get your wish." Miroku prepared himself as Sango's hand approached her husband's head.
"I'm not mad, Miroku. You said they were just fans after all."
With a grin, Sango seized his ponytail.
"I'm just going to remind you who you're married to."
Gently, Sango pulled Miroku from his fan circle. He merely chuckled, complying with no resistance. Everyone laughed at the gesture.
"Okay, Sango, I got it."
"I'm not finished yet, darling. This is to remind you."
With one arm, Sango flung Miroku onto her shoulder with ease! She smirked dominantly while the actors gawked in amazement. Miroku blinked likewise after he realized what had happened.
"What a WOMAN!" He loudly exclaimed at his "reminder".
The studio sounded with laughter and cheered for the couple as Sango sauntered off. Miroku grinned like an idiot with a perverted giggle, waving at his co-workers as Sango carried him out the door.
The End