Moonlight streamed through the slats of the door. The light woke Sango with a start. A blanket covered her and she raised herself on one elbow, blinking. Where was…

Miroku was across the room, leaning against the wall. He was sound asleep, head on his staff. A smile crooked Sango's expression as she recalled him gently turning her down. Somewhere along their journey, her fiancé must've learned self-control. Took the monk long enough.

Kirara poked her head in the doorway and mewed anxiously. Sango's brow furrowed and she quietly stood. She padded towards Kirara and looked at her slumbering soon-to-be husband. He must have had a lot to drink, though it was hard for her to tell. Ordinarily, the slightest noise would wake both of them.

"What is it?" Sango whispered.

Kirara mewed again. She trotted outside and Sango followed her. Kirara's pace quickened and she led her down the hill into the forest. Sango wondered if she should have brought hiraikotsu, but Kirara was not in her full form—her little friend would never lead her into danger. Besides, she still had her forearm blade hidden under her yukata…

Kirara stopped short and Sango's eyes widened. She was standing before the well—Kagome's well. Inuyasha was slumped against it, staring blankly into its depths.

She went to him, kneeling down. She touched his shoulder and he barely reacted. They sat that way for perhaps an hour, until Inuyasha finally spoke.

"She should be here."

Something in Sango's chest tightened. She swallowed hard and nodded.

"You're getting married day after tomorrow," His voice was toneless. "She wanted that so bad. She wanted to see this. She should be here."

"I want her here," Sango confessed. "I wouldn't be marrying him if it weren't for her…"

"That's bullshit," Inuyasha snorted. "Don't talk like that. Miroku should be so lucky to be with you. Kagome just caught onto it earlier than me."

Sango poked him. "Everyone caught onto it earlier than you. Sesshomaru caught onto it earlier than you."

"Very funny," Inuyasha sniffed. His expression melted into quiet sadness and Sango exhaled slowly.

"I'd give anything to have her here," Sango said softly. "But you were right last night. She's safer in her world. But I know she misses us. I know she misses you."

Inuyasha said nothing. He stared at the moon.

"You're not alone anymore," Sango told him. "You're our family. You know that, right?"

He remained silent for quite some time. The night was slowly turning into a pink-gray morning. He didn't need to speak. Sango understood.

None of them would have a family were it not for Kagome.

Miroku awoke with a splitting headache.

He groaned and touched his forehead. Stupid, damned sake…what had he expected? He was certainly no lightweight, but he knew Misao wouldn't have any ordinary sake…

He suddenly realized Sango was not in their cabin and leapt to his feet.

But before he could charge out of the cabin, his fiancée entered, holding a stack of firewood. She smiled at him and knelt towards the fire pit, setting her wood down neatly.

"I thought you might like some tea," She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I didn't have a headache, but Inuyasha did. He's going to be in his tree for a while."

"No headache?" Miroku sat next to her, assisting her in building the fire. "I'm surprised. I'd have thought you'd be in the most pain."

"I was a little thirsty," Sango admitted. "But that's it. Maybe I just hold my sake better."

That made him laugh. She stoked her fire proudly, setting the kettle overtop, and they waited in silence for the water to boil. But it was not an uncomfortable silence—it was a gentle, easy quiet that was a solace for two battle-weary warriors. The peace was a comfort, an unfamiliar luxury. Sango intended to indulge herself in it for as long as possible—until the next wicked demon tried to follow in Naraku's footsteps.

"How is Inuyasha?" Miroku broke the quiet as Sango poured them each a cup. "Aside from hung-over."

Sango smiled faintly. "I found him near the well. He misses Kagome."

Miroku nodded slowly in agreement. "I can't imagine what he's going through. I hate being separated from Kagome too, but for Inuyasha..."

"He told me he hates the thought of her missing our wedding," Sango sighed and took a long sip of tea. "That she badly would have wanted to be a part of it."

Miroku's expression was somber. "Yes…that's true."

Sango's lips upturned. "She had it all figured out long before I did. Do you remember the village girl, you asked to bear your children?"

Miroku's expression became very blank and Sango sighed.

"That doesn't narrow it down, does it?" She poked him with a twig. "Koharu—the young one. That was when I learned that you asked every woman you met to bear your child—including Kagome. I was so furious about it."

"This seems an awkward subject the day before our wedding," Miroku coughed, taking a sip of his tea.

"I was so irritated that you'd asked every woman it me. I thought it meant you didn't see me as a woman," Sango smiled into her cup. "But you know what Kagome said?"

Miroku's eyebrows rose.

"She said that it meant when you did ask me—you'd mean it truly."

Miroku stared at Sango in astonishment. "Gods," He shook his head. "The most powerful priestess in the world and a prophetess yet."

He raised his cup as a sort of toast to Kagome and Sango followed his movements. She finished the rest of her tea and exhaled happily, leaning against him.

"I didn't ask," Miroku remarked, one arm wrapping around her waist. "Because when we first met, it was shortly after Naraku had massacred your village and you nearly bled to death trying to kill Inuyasha for it."

"Fair enough," Sango acknowledged.

"But as for after…" He mused. "I really don't know. But it seems Kagome knew."

Miroku kissed her temple and she tilted her face towards his. She was certain he was going to kiss her but realized his expression seemed more thoughtful. That was concerning. He had to be thinking of something important to distract from kissing her.

"There's something you should know," He cleared his throat and gave her a little squeeze. "About Misao."

"Hm," Sango twisted her lips. "Does it have something to do with how she has demon sake?"

There was no way any ordinary sake could get Inuyasha drunk.

Miroku winced. "Well…yes."

"What is it?" She turned in his arms, so she was facing him. He sighed, running his fingers in her hair, sending sharp rivulets of pleasure down her spine. It felt heavenly and Sango resisted the urge to moan in his arms—that would, in all likelihood, completely divert his attentions.

"My father was cursed with the wind tunnel as well," Miroku began heavily, twisting a lock of her hair around his finger. "You know this. You saw his death. But…before that, he was an itinerant monk, just like myself. He had his…flaws, just as I have mine. And he asked every woman he met the same question."

"Will you bear my child?" Sango's voice was wry.

"Precisely," Miroku continued to play with her hair. "And for some strange reason, there were not a lot of women who took him up on his offer."

"Shocking."

"Anyway, when he met Misao, she agreed almost immediately. And that was because…that was because he met her in a brothel."

Sango stilled. She looked at him carefully, to ascertain that he wasn't joking. His deep blue-gray eyes were very serious and his hands were completely tangled in her hair—perhaps from agitation?

She considered this revelation for a long while. It made absolute sense, but it seemed cruel to say so. A bird landed on the windowsill, chirped at them curiously, and flew off. Finally, she spoke.

"Misao told me that she loved your father very much," She felt him relax against her, as though he'd been holding his breath.

"I think she did," Miroku admitted. "But my father…he was a good father to me. My memories of him are happy, even though he died when I was very young. But…he wasn't always good to Misao."

"He wasn't faithful to her?" Sango guessed.

"Of my father's virtues," Miroku declared. "Constancy was not one of them. But I think what truly broke Misao's heart was…taking me away from her. My father had to do it. I had to learn how to control the wind tunnel, I had to train. What's more, my presence endangered my mother. But I don't think Misao ever quite understood that."

"How old were you when your father took you away for training?"

Miroku thought. "I think I was around three or four."

Sango's eyes filled with tears. "That poor woman…"

"I found her again," Miroku gently started to untangle his fingers from her hair. "About ten years after my father's death. Muushin told me where to find her. At that point, she was no longer a common lady of the night—she was a courtesan. She'd learned how to charm and seduce nobleman, royalty…and demons, it seems."

"The sake," Sango said suddenly. "Wow. That's…dangerous."

"No more dangerous than our work," Miroku pointed out and Sango giggled. "But Naraku was still out there. I visited her only once, asked Muushin to send her regular updates, and stayed far away from her. She was…is my only living family. I couldn't have her die because of me."

"Of course not!" Sango exclaimed. "I'm glad she's here. Truly. We should speak to her, see if she'd like to stay in the village. Now that Naraku is gone, she should be with her family."

A smile bloomed on Miroku's face. "So you don't mind?"

"Why should I?"

"Some wives might take umbrage with their mother-in-law's choice of employment."

"Well," Sango pointed out. "Some mother-in-laws might not find demon-slaying suitable employment for their son's wives."

"Fair point," Miroku finished his tea and stretched a little. "I'll ask her to stay on, then. She may not take me up on it, though. Not a lot of money to be made from poor villagers."

"Well, perhaps she'd consider retiring," Sango suggested. "We may need some help if…well, if…"

Miroku's eyebrow quirked.

Sango looked at the floor. "You know. With the…the children."

She could feel his gaze sear into her and she blushed a deep crimson and kept her eyes focused on her tea. But she spoke the truth. And she had a feeling Misao would welcome the opportunity to help raise their children. After all, she'd been denied Miroku's childhood. She should have the opportunity to be a grandmother.

What's more…no amount of alcohol could keep away Sango's memories of the heat from last night. She had felt true desire and she could hardly wait to experience more.

Kaede was not pleased when Sango returned to prepare for her wedding ceremony, slightly disheveled and crimson cheeked. The old woman knew perfectly well Sango had been out all night with her fiancé and did not approve of it, despite Sango's stumbling reassurances that nothing too untoward had occurred.

"I'm glad you had the good sense to get here early, at least," Kaede grumbled. "We've a lot to do today and it will take all day to get you prepared. Into the bath you go."

Sango resisted the urge to roll her eyes and accepted the village women's ministrations without complaint. An elaborate ceremony and feast had been promised to the villagers, after all. And she didn't really mind, even if it was time-consuming. The bath was relaxing, after all. They scrubbed her down with scented potions and soaps that made her feel as though she'd rolled in a bed of wildflowers. (Kirara did not approve of her mistress' new scents, and loftily exited the bathhouse, her three tails high in the air.)

After her long bath, she ate a quiet lunch with Kaede and Rin. Inuyasha's headache had finally dissipated and he poked his head in long enough to wrinkle his nose at the perfumed scents, nod brusquely at Sango, and hastily make his own exit. It was considered unseemly for men to be present at the bride's wedding preparations.

When lunch was over, it was time to get dressed.

The kimono was a simple enough affair. Kaede tied her obi with the proper amount of firmness and it no longer felt quite as heavy and as obstructing as it had with the dressmaker. Perhaps the dressmaker's alterations had made it easier—or perhaps Sango's own nervousness towards her nuptials had lessened slightly. But she did appreciate the kimono, with its lovely golden crane pattern. Miroku would probably appreciate it too—he did have an eye for ladies' kimonos…

Rin and another village woman, named Umiko, helped with her hair. They placed little flowers in her hair. She had no kanzashi, no traditional hair ornaments from her own mother. Kohaku confessed to her that he'd actually returned to the demon slayer village to see if he could find any of their mother's old things—both remembered their father keeping a few of her trinkets in a personal chest. Just a few things, intended on giving to Sango if she ever became a bride (though she knew her father thought it unlikely) and to give to Kohaku's bride someday. But he had come up with nothing. Very little remained in the abandoned village, and what was there had been looted.

It was all right. Sango felt uncomfortable enough with all this finery. But she was surprised when Misao approached her, in a ruby colored kimono, and pressed a small box in her hands.

"Here."

Sango opened the box. Inside were two kanzashi, hair ornaments in the shape of cherry blossoms. They were exquisitely crafted and Sango gasped at how beautiful they were.

"I never had a daughter," Misao said quietly. "I hope you will be my daughter. And you may give these to your daughters."

"Oh, Misao," Sango's eyes filled with tears. "Won't you stay with us? After the wedding?"

Her future mother-in-law smiled a little. Rin tapped Misao on the shoulder and handed her the wataboshi—a bridal hood to place over Sango's hair. Misao took the wataboshi and carefully slipped both kanzashi in Sango's dark hair. Misao adjusted the ornaments briefly, before placing the wataboshi over her head. It was a simple hood, nothing elaborate or high arching. Just an elegant slip of cloth the village used for all brides.

"I can't stay, Sango," Misao said regretfully. "I don't know if I could have a home here."

"You could," Sango insisted. "I know Miroku wants you to. We both spoke of it this morning—the morning after we shared your wonderful sake."

Misao smiled. "I'm glad. But I cannot stay. I shall make you a promise, though. When you've conceived (which undoubtedly will be tonight), I will come back to help you with the pregnancy. I've helped many of my friends through their difficult pregnancies and I'd be happy to act as your midwife."

Sango blushed hard at her provocative words but nodded mutely. After all, she did not have a mother. It would be so comforting to have her near.

Inuyasha poked his head inside the cabin. "Hey, Sango?"

She turned towards her friend and his eyes widened as he took in her full appearance.

"What do you think?" Sango asked shyly.

"You look good," He replied awkwardly. "Way too good for Miroku."

She grinned. "I always look too good for Miroku."

"Well, that's true," He shifted uncomfortably. "Um. I don't have a present for you or anything."

"That's all right."

"But uh…if you wanted to use a little of this…you can, if you want."

He didn't quite meet her eyes as he handed her a small seashell. Curious, Sango popped it open and her eyes widened. It was a beautiful crimson rouge.

"Where did you get this?" She stared at it mesmerized. She could not imagine her rough friend carrying around something so delicate and feminine.

"It was my mother's," Inuyasha scuffed his foot against the ground. "Rouge. A few seashells full of this stuff. One was destroyed, but I kept another for—I mean, if you wanted to use a little of it, you can."

Her eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Inuyasha…"

"Ugh, please don't blubber," He looked distinctly uncomfortable at the entire situation. "Or I won't let you have any!"

Sango laughed. "I would love to use it—but to be honest, I have no idea how. I've never worn any kind of cosmetics."

"I'll put it on you," Misao spoke up. "I was going to offer some myself as a finishing touch, but this is much more meaningful. Come over here. We'll use very little, just to set off the rose in your lips."

Miroku's mother dipped a pinky into the rouge and dabbed Sango's lower lip with it. She blotted it with a bit of cloth and instructed her to clamp her lips shut. Once finished, Misao checked Sango's teeth and smiled in satisfaction.

"You look perfect. Utterly breathtaking. My son won't believe his eyes."

Inuyasha cleared his throat. "I'm, uh, supposed to escort you to the shrine. Miroku will meet you there and you'll go in together. You ready?"

Sango took a deep breath. "Yes. I'm ready."