Drink

The bride took Kagome's hand with a smile, and led her down the long rows of tables where wedding guests were seated enjoying their dinners and the copious flow of sake and wine. Kiyomi casually looked over her shoulder and her lips turned upwards in an amused smirk. Confused, Kagome turned to look as well. Sesshoumaru followed a few paces behind them, carrying the sake jug with a frown. Kagome sent him an apologetic smile, just as Kiyomi leaned in close.

"Ah, Miko-sama, he sure is attached isn't he?"She whispered, placing her hand to her lips to hide her soft chuckle.

Kagome wanted to roll her eyes at such a ridiculous question, but she had begun to wonder if there was a bit of truth in it."He is not in the best of moods." She explained hoping to end her teasing. She was sure Sesshoumaru did not appreciate the kitsune talking about him.

"Ah, well hopefully he will be in better spirits tonight."

"My name is Kagome, by the way. I'm sorry, but I don't know what would be appropriate to call you..."

The bride laughed openly. "It's alright. There's no need to be so formal. My name is Kiyomi."

Kiyomi's eyes alighted on a table full of people Kagome recognized from the ceremony. Kiyomi's family and friends greeted her joyously.

"Ah, our lovely bride has returned with guests!" Yuudai exclaimed raising his drink.

"Everyone, allow me to introduce to you Kagome-sama and Sesshoumaru-sama."

Hajime stood and bowed respectfully towards Sesshoumaru and Kagome. "It is a pleasure to meet you both. Please sit and have a drink with us!"

Sesshoumaru nodded to them respectfully before finding a seat several places down on the opposite side of the table. Kagome presumed it was so he could keep an eye on her, so it surprised her when he poured himself another cup of saké and watched the crowd. She could tell he was uncomfortable.

Kiyomi took a seat next to her husband, pulling Kagome down to sit beside her. Not a minute after Kagome sat, a servant appeared at her side, pouring a light pink liquid into a cup for her and disappeared before Kagome had a chance to protest.

The miko frowned. "I appreciate it, but I probably shouldn't drink youkai spirits..."

"It's alright to drink. It's simple plum winethat's a personal favorite of mine. I shouldn't drink the strong stuff either." Kiyomi commented with a wink.

Kagome looked uncertain at the contents of her cup. It looked like normal enough, and it smelled just like plums. She looked to Sesshoumaru, half expecting him to be scowling at her, but instead he was eating thin slices of raw meat and not paying attention to her at all.

Well, why not? She was allowed to drink and have fun, right? Kiyomi smiled at her with encouragement. Kagome took a tiny cautious sip. The wine had a surprising depth of flavor. It had the sweet fruit taste of a plum, but also a strong taste of spices she couldn't name.

"This is wonderful!" She exclaimed before taking another drink. Kiyomi laughed, and with Hajime beside her, they looked like a perfect couple out of a storybook. Kagome could tell just how much the two of them cared for one another. Kiyomi looked almost an entirely different person now that she was next to Hajime.

Setting her empty cup down, Kagome leaned close to the couple and whispered. "Was the play really true?"

Hajime gave a sharp bark of laughter, grabbing his bride close."Every bit of it is the truth!" He boasted grinning.

Kiyomi scowled and punched him in the arm. "No, it's not! Well...some of it."

He pouted his lip, and batted his eyes. "Is that any way to treat your loving husband?"

His wife ignored him and turned her attention back to the miko.

"It's true that we courted in secret for over 100 years, but it certainly did not sound as ridiculous as they made it seem. However..."She paused, her eyes gleaming, "No one has yet to guess the true reason my father finally agreed."

Kagome's eyed widened, "Oh, it must have been a pretty convincing argument. No offense, but your father looked anything but happy."

The bride blushed with embarrassment. "Admittedly, my father is not pleased, but he will get over it. He's is generally in a bad mood, but enough about me. Tell me about your courtship to our lord."

Kagome's mouth went dry. "Uh...oh no, you are mistaken. We're not courting."

Kiyomi raised an eyebrow in disbelief. She refilled the miko's cup, and watched Kagome's hands shake as she took a sip.

"If you are not courting, then tell me of your relationship."

Kagome gave her a sideways glance. "I will tell you about us, if you tell me how your husband convinced your father to let you marry."

Kiyomi took a sip of wine and a slow smile spread across her face. Oh, she loved a good bargain.

"I like you, Kagome. I hope that we will grow to be close friends. Alright, it's a deal," She stood and offered a hand to Kagome, "but first let's dance."

Kagome sputtered. "D..dance?"

Kiyomi's eyes glittered with mischief. "Yes, it wouldn't be a wedding without dancing. Come on, you can't refuse the bride on her wedding day!"

Kagome took her hand, and stood. Her gaze wandered over to Sesshoumaru, who now watched her intently, but no words passed between them as Kiyomi pulled her away.

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Author's Note: Ugh, sorry guys, it's been a month since I updated. I will be pushing out a few new chapters this week.
Thank you for all the wonderful reviews, and a special thank you to Saruwarui, who of course beta'd this chapter.