A/N: Wait til you read the epilogue after this!

Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own Ouran or Inuyasha.

Neither one strayed too far from the other as guests began to trickle into the party punctually on time. Only those few, those very few that they'd deemed close in their inner circle knew what had taken place moments before. Knew why their hands playfully batted at each other only for those same fingers to embrace lovingly with a pair of rings that would stand the tests of time.

Ootori men didn't divorce. It provided scandal and shame if someone couldn't hold together a family, at least in his father's eyes, which is why his sister would undoubtedly have a hard time in her future if she was planning what he thought she was planning. And so Kyoya had stolen the reins without the horse even knowing. If anything, he'd briefly thought what would Miroku do? But then again, the better question was, what would he do? As far as Kyoya's father knew, he was unmarried and thus his tryst with Kagome was preventable. His father would be more shameful of a divorce than a former pauper relation and even if he cut Kyoya off it wasn't like Kyoya would live in ruin with Kagome's friends protecting them. His future was secure despite the fact that his father had single-handedly tried to prove him wrong; he'd tried to prove that Kyoya couldn't live without his help.

This was the only way that man wouldn't touch Kagome with any slander or libel if he were inclined out of anger to do so. If she was already part of the family then he wouldn't be able to do anything.

And so, when his father came into the room to greet those hosting the party, Renge and her parents, it was Kyoya and Kagome that stood right beside Renge at the entrance. And Kyoya was ready. Fuuyumi wasn't that far. His sister had been invited earlier to the pre-party, not that her husband minded who was overseas right now on a business venture.

"Father," he gave a curt nod. "I hope you will be pleased with this party."

"This was not the party I'd intended on attending," his father spoke rudely. The chip on his shoulder had yet to break away. "But I was persuaded there was another more profitable negotiation." Renge giggled next to Kyoya, she couldn't help herself, and this warranted a confused look from the leader of the Ootori family.

"Allow me to introduce you, Father. Mother. Brothers." He nodded to each one in turn. His elder sister made her way and stood behind Kagome, approvingly.

"Oh, we've already been introduced," said his father, trying to guide his mother somewhere else by the arm.

"Not as she was," cut in Kyoya, taking a step to block his father's path. The difference between these two Ootori men was subtle. Where Kyoya's father liked to lead his mother around, Kyoya offered his hand out to Kagome who gingerly took it all the while his sister held on the other hand. Kyoya would never lead her. He'd offer Kagome a choice. "Your business venture is with Maru Taisho." Sesshomaru, who'd sniffed out Ootori upon stepping on the grounds, had somehow appeared not an arm's length away from him. "Meet his heiress, Kagome. Your daughter-in-law, Kagome Ootori, my wife."

For all of a second Kyoya relished the stunned mirrors his brothers Akito and Yuuichi reflected. The best face was that of his father's who looked like a cold pail of ice water had washed over him and the chip on his shoulder had melted away. Kyoya's mother choked on a sob and went to hug Kyoya, brushing right past her husband and taking Kagome in her arms. "Oh, Kyoya! She's so beautiful." No matter what society had forced upon her, Mrs. Ootori still loved her children even if her husband had made her hold them at arm's length for their own good. "I'm sorry what happened-"

"When?" Mr. Ootori asked, composing himself quicker than either of his elder unmarried sons.

"Not twenty minutes ago. We would've invited you, but seeing how you disowned me…" He gestured towards his sister who was wearing a corsage on her wrist and was sporting a smile she might have worn on a daily basis had she actually fallen in love with her husband.

"However, Fuyumi attended."

The blow was quick and succinct.

"She was one of Kagome's bridesmaids. The only one in our family to approve of our marriage."

That hit was staggering.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you father, but I'm not sorry for falling in love with Kagome."

If Kyoya had unloaded a gun into his father's chest it would've hurt less. He'd been excluded. From his own son's wedding! The first wedding of any of his sons that would pass on the Ootori name. Apparently, the wedding of the century that would be talked about everywhere in the media who hadn't been allowed to cover it. No doubt, the head of the Taisho's was behind that.

But he'd been the one to disown Kyoya.

It shouldn't have mattered.

Then, why did it hurt so much?

Seeing his floundering for a moment to speak, Kagome stepped forward without her husband's assistance. "I know what he's going to offer you and I know you won't refuse," she stated firmly, gesturing towards the business man that made all other business men tower and long for what he had in this century and the ones before it: Sesshomaru. "You and Kyoya think too much alike when it comes to weighing the advantages and the disadvantages. You'll come to the conclusion that this marriage is the right thing." She knew his son as well and if not better than most. That was one of the reasons why Yoshio had placed so much pressure on Kyoya. He saw too much of himself in his third son and wanted him to secretly surpass his brothers so much. Yoshio wanted Kyoya to prove himself so that Yoshio would have a legitimate reason to give the public for why he was passing his company over to his third son rather than his first and second.

"But I hope that in time, you'll accept me for my merit alone," Kagome spoke, drawing his attention back to the here and now. "Not for the purse strings attached to me. Because if this had gone some other way. If I didn't have Sesh-I mean, Maru. If I didn't have his money or love, you might never even have thought about our marriage or your son ever again." It was a chilling thought that Yoshio knew could have happened. "And then you would miss out on the man he's become. And the things we're going to do. The family we're going to have. So please, consider those gains when you speak to my benefactor rather than the financial advantages to be had." This woman had influence yes, but she also had a very powerful voice that he could already feel swaying him towards their cause. Funny how the meek and quiet woman had the strongest voice he'd heard in some time.

"How is it that you can speak for yourself? Weren't you mute?"

"Your son-"

"We, fixed it together," interrupted Kyoya. "And even when she couldn't speak, Kagome had a habit of speaking for herself."

And Yoshio stood there evaluating the situation. His wife was tearfully looking back at him with accusatory eyes. As if to say, if he'd loved more and been strict less this wouldn't have happened. And maybe she was right. Maybe they had been less than parents and more of bosses. He'd always thought that had been an advantage until now. But if he caused so much pain wasn't it inevitable that cracks and fissures would form in the empire he built? Maybe his son was right. Maybe he needed to try it their way instead. "I will think on your words as I speak with Mr. Taisho. Until I evaluate fairly, welcome to the family, Kagome Ootori."

"Hnn," replied Sesshomaru. He beckoned Mr. Ootori to his side. "Come, I believe we have matters to discuss while your family acquaints themselves with the bride's family."

The relief was overwhelming. Knowing that they could have done it on their own and having not to was a sweet relief. She almost felt as if her legs were going to give out, but the pressure on the small of her back reassured Kagome that if she were to fall then someone would be there to catch her. Always.

Tamaki felt more a man than any day he'd ever pretended to be. Once he'd played the gentleman, but it wasn't until today that he truly knew what that actually meant or entailed. It meant not only acting gallant towards all those you came into contact, but also to stand for what was right. And today he was going to do it. Already so many things had transpired despite the protests against them. He proudly stroked the rose pinned against his lapel. It was going to be one of his favorite keepsakes to mark this day and his father had already mentioned a way to save the rose between book pages. For better or worse, things were going to change and he had his friends to show him. The handsome young Frenchmen had about an hour to wait, of course, for his grandmother to make her grand appearance. By then everyone was in high spirits and the festivities had begun in full swing with Kyoya and Kagome sharing their first dance together as Mr. and Mrs. Ootori. Today wasn't just Kagome's chance at joining the family. It was time he officially joined his.

"Disgrace," muttered his grandmother as he approached her. "Fresh blood, yes. But blood of what? Priests and priestesses. Shrine tenders," she scoffed. There she went again in one of her ever predictable moods. "However, you have to admire her making a name for herself." Well, at least it could be said that his grandmother valued the appeal of a tough woman who carved out her own path.

Tamaki presented himself to his grandmother while the dancing continued. He bowed low and properly as his father and instructors had taught him for so many years. They'd ingrained every ounce of gentlemanly appeal. "Grand-mère, I am so happy that you could-"

The words were loss on his grandmother when she noticed the unmistakable tinkling laughter. When the head of the Suoh mansion saw, just over that head of bright Suoh hair, that woman whose laughter hadn't changed in all of the years. It was the laughter that only her son could bring about to a sick and poor woman. That whore that had ruined the best marriage alliance money could've arranged in centuries. A hand raised in outrage as she stomped towards that direction, right past her grandson. "What is she—"

"Grand-mère!" Tamaki thundered. Despite the music, chatter died down a bit from the fire in Tamaki's voice. He saw the worry etched across his mother's face and how his father immediately went to put an arm around her shoulders as if to protect her. "I need to speak with you," he ushered more politely. "Privately," he said in a more discrete whisper; one that no one in the Host Club had ever thought Tamaki capable of.

"I thought I said she was to never—"

"You will let me speak," he ordered in a tone that commanded attention and silence all at once. He'd wanted to pull her aside privately, but privately wasn't about to happen with this stubborn old woman. "I am your only heir. Bastard or not." This strength. Kagome had made an impression on him and Tamaki wasn't about to faint away after he'd spent so long trying to gather this courage. "And it's time you recognized that my father isn't having anymore children from any woman that isn't my mother." And she stood there unsure of what had come over her grandson. To speak to her like this in public! "There is another wedding we have to conduct before the night is over."

Was he talking about—? Surely, he wasn't?!

"You don't mean-"

His voice dropped as Tamaki leaned in and harshly whispered with a temper that reminded Shizue Suoh of her own as his violet eyes flashed in anger that had been held in for years. "You can either take place in this event that should've happened a long time ago, Grand-mère, or you can be the lone Suoh with no other family connection and no family to care for. Spin it off as your idea, do whatever you need to, to feel better. It's happening regardless." And he leaned away. "Do you understand?" He straightened his jacket and grabbed on her shoulder, trying to make it appear as if they were having a simple misunderstanding to anyone looking in their direction. He knew by now the importance of appearance to this old woman and while he didn't respect her opinion of his mother, he would still give her the good name of the family.

The muscles in his shoulders were tense as Tamaki awaited her reaction. He waited to be slapped. To be yelled at. To have to apologize to Kagome and Kyoya for making a scene at their wedding. What Tamaki hadn't expected was for his grandmother to sigh and look as if she had given up on a long bout of fighting. He'd never dreamed her next words would be, "If you've made up your mind, then I can do nothing to stop it. Nothing can change a Suoh's mind once it's decided." A weak smile was offered. The first honest one he'd ever seen from his grandmother. "It's about time you showed me you were a Suoh. Now escort your grandmother to a chair."

That night a sort of peace set on the cosmos as happiness followed home the friends each to their separate homes. A night blanketed with stars and light brushes of clouds watched their journeys home.

Tamaki rode home with his parents and grandmother, finally receiving the whole family that he'd always wanted. He was finally able to tell both of his parents good night and walk away knowing that in the morning they'd both be there at breakfast laughing together and healthy. She was going to get the best treatment from Sesshomaru's hospital.

Sango and Sesshomaru shared the last dances of the night and when they went home, with a groggy half-demon clutching onto her father for dear life in her sleepy grip, it was with tenderness that they set their own little Kagome to bed. Both were exceedingly overjoyed that their daughter would get to learn more about her namesake firsthand rather than from stories that seemed more like legend than truth. Sesshomaru kissed Sango on the forehead, stroking back the brown hair he'd come to cherish having run through his claws. "Let's go to bed, m'lord." The suggestion in her eyes wasn't missed. "And that was an order from your mistress." Sesshomaru quietly followed after knowing that tonight would only end with happiness. And possibly, just quite possibly, another little pup like they'd been trying for.

Hikaru and Kaoru didn't go home that night. Instead they were invited to Ranka and Haruhi's for a make shift slumber party with Hikaru promising not to bother Haruhi's bedroom in the night. It was odd how much more at ease Ranka was with Hikaru. Something about that boy had screamed at Ranka that if Haruhi had ever showed him an ounce of affection he wouldn't take it for granted. Ranka's instincts had screamed that Tamaki might if he'd fallen in love with her. The four drank warm mugs of hot chocolate to chase the cold chill of the late night festivities away and played board games well into the night. Hikaru had found the love and companionship with people who weren't his brother. Kaoru had found independence as he and Ranka went out for a quick stroll, knowing he was leaving his brother alone with Haruhi and being fine with not being attached to his hip.

Sota and Shippo settled in the den with the television going. Their jackets were tossed about with their shoes piled up against the door. Boxes of leftover delicacies littered the floor and Totosai sat eating away at a puffed up pastry explaining to the two young men the intricacies of molding weapons. Myoga the flea was small, but included in the discussion as he gorged himself on a raw bleeding steak they'd brought back just for him. He'd been at the party, just quietly hidden on Totosai's shoulder in his boutonniere. Both old men had somehow found themselves being invited to Higurashi home to discuss their work, not knowing that this would be the beginnings of a new life for both of the boys to consider as their interest was continually piqued. Totosai had yet to notice the intrigue of possibly two new pupils to his craft, but Myoga knew and saw the advantage of asking them if they wanted to start working in the shop after school and on the weekends.

Mori ran a hand through his sweat coated hair. His clothes were in a tidy folded heap while he stood in hakamas with a sword in his hand. Meanwhile, a stack of bothersome top priority college forms that his family had suggested lay nearby. He'd still yet to decide what to do. He'd just always had assumed he'd be in the Host Club. Mori bent down and pushed the papers around. No matter which way he arranged them none of the schools were the ones for him. An email on his computer caught his eye that had been sent that week from Sesshomaru about the measures he'd have to take to become a personal bodyguard. As he read it he became more confident of his life choice after high school. And Mori was happy with the decision and even happier that his friends had somehow helped lead him to it.

Honey was busy that night. Rest couldn't come for him. Not when he'd tried so many delicious things at the double wedding party and had found himself wondering where the tastes came from. He sat on the floor of the kitchen and for once Honey wasn't eating cakes. Usa leaned against his knee as he flipped through a cookbook realizing… wouldn't it be fun to make food for people and see how happy they were from tasting it?! He had to call Inuyasha and Rin! That is, after he finished compiling a list of all the recipes he wanted to try out!

Renge applauded herself as she leaned in her nightgown in her bedroom as soft tears ran down her eyes. For once in her life a fairytale ending had taken place. Two, in fact. A young couple and an older couple and she, Renge, had been the tool to help them in triumphing when others had pushed them down. That wedding had been planned all by Renge to the tiniest detail as a gift to Kagome and Kyoya in thanks. They hadn't crushed her realities, but they'd helped her realize that romances and love stories could happen in real life. She just hoped one day she'd find her own without her father's help.

Mrs. Higurashi helped her father-in-law up the shrine steps he'd insisted on approaching near the well house. She was always worried he might fall down and break a hip and then he'd be stuck in the house telling his long-winded stories to her. "I think they'll be happy, don't you, father?"

"I saw in them what I saw in you and my son."

"Oh?"

"A love that would last forever," he stated as he ran a hand over her face. All these years and she'd never remarried. She'd been a dutiful wife, a wonderful mother, and a great daughter-in-law in helping him run the shrine that would hopefully run in his family line another few centuries. "Thank you for taking care of me."

"No. Thank you, for taking care of me." The two walked into the house knowing there were two boys to clean up after and finding instead there were four men to clean up after. A few shouts and douses of holy water did nothing to deter them, but it did make for a nice story at how Grandpa Higurashi became friends with Myoga and Totosai who would become proud handymen of the shrine and keeping it in tip top shape.

There was a nice lonesome conversation with Hikaru about what his plans were. Something she'd always wanted to find out; of all things he wanted to be a video game designer instead of a clothing designer like his brother. It made sense with how much fun he took in trolling people. He'd do well in video games. Thereafter Haruhi found herself welcoming the sweet kisses of a still nervous boyfriend and when they all went to bed she scrolled through the texts on her phone from everyone that night after the party wishing her to get home safe and saying she looked lovely. Haruhi had finally found her niche with a group of unlikely friends that she was actually thankful for breaking that vase. Maybe, just maybe her mother had laughed in Heaven and said, "You'll realize someday it was for your own good," the day she knocked that expensive vase over.

Inuyasha carried a twin under each arm with the boys still pawing at each other sleepily from some hot tempered spat about who would get to date Kyoya and Kagome's daughter. Both boys not realizing that it would be years before the two had kids, much less having their first child just happen to come out a daughter. Rin held their infant daughter in her arms, cooing to her before setting their daughter in the crib in their room. Inuyasha chuckled.

"What're you laughing at? Their little tantrum was all from your side of the family," whispered Rin as she played with the little ears that had been hidden under a bonnet. Babies wouldn't be able to control their demon powers of illusion until they were at least a few centuries old. Luckily, there were talismans to hide their traits until they learned the ability, just none offhand that Totosai could make quickly enough for tonight.

"Just enjoying having a passel of kids to play with."

"Oh no you don't," she stated, backing away like a rabbit out into the hallway. "You just got me off my back, don't put me back on it."

Already their play was starting as he paced after her. "C'mon, Rinny."

"You got me with twins the first time," she prodded his chest.

"Doesn't mean it'll happen the third time." He leaned in to kiss her and cursed when his phone went off. Inuyasha glanced down in a broody manner and read. "Dammit, that kid has an odd sense of timing to text me about foods."

Rin snorted before her eyes became serious. She placed a hand on the phone and pushed it down. "You do realize they're human? Kagome and Kyoya. They don't have the time we do."

"I know." His forehead rested against Rin's. He'd known this conversation would come up at some point or another. It was something he'd accepted the moment he'd realized she was still alive. If anything, he was just happy she was alive. Her expiration date didn't matter. "But at least, at least this time I get to be part of it a little longer." He kissed the palm of Rin's hand. "I get my best friend for a few more decades and I have a hot wife and great kids to boot. I'm pretty damned pleased with the turn of events."

"Oh, Yasha."

Their tales weren't over. They were just beginning.

As for the honeymooners...

They had permission to make up their three days of honey mooning over the holidays. The wedded couple were tucked away in a nice abode outside of the city of Osaka. A traditional sukiya-zukuri house surrounded by forest and woods. One of Sesshomaru's private summer homes. Steam rolled out of the bathroom where a bath was streaming that she was getting ready for the two of them. It had been quite a long day. Kagome's kimono dragged on the floor, it was a little too long, but it had been a wedding gift from Sango who'd said she needed a really comfortable kimono for the wedding night. Whatever that had meant. Kyoya came up from behind, his arms coming around and sliding under the folds of her kimono very easily and brushing ever so gently against the underside of her chest. Oh... so that was why Sango had made the suggestion. "We have a wedding gift from my father. A late one, but nevertheless, a wedding gift," he murmured in her ear.

"And what is it?"

Kyoya let go of her to pick up an opened envelope that had been resting on their bed. It was rather bittersweet and he hadn't been sure whether or not to let her read it. However, on the basis of their honest relationship he ended up passing the letter to Kagome regardless. He'd let her read it for herself. His arms wrapped around her shoulders as he waited.

It has come to my attention that your father was overworking the night that he passed. While this might not have caused his following wreck, the fault that he left so late is due to his superior requesting it. I will be visiting each of my hospitals to make sure that each of my doctors knows the value of getting rest and not caving under the pressure to stay when they are tired. After reviewing past tapes I believe this is why your father stayed so long. As an apology and a wedding gift, your shrine will now receive the benefits of the Ootori family to keep it preserved in its historic condition.

Sincerely,

The Ootori Family

A tear slipped down her cheek at Mr. Ootori's kind intentions. "It's nice to know that dad was still trying to heal people before it happened."

"I wondered where you got that trait from," he whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her neck.

Kagome spun around with a smile on her face as she wrapped her arms around Miroku. Her future. "At least your father's trying to do right." Kagome pulled away and untied her obi that slid the kimono off and down into a pool around her ankles. "Now, Mr. Ootori, I believe it's time for our bath."

"An intriguing notion, Mrs. Ootori." He lunged for her and Kagome dodged with a giggle before ducking into the bathroom like a water nymph. And like any man in a Greek myth, Kyoya gave chase. However, this tale would end happily as soon as he caught her.

A/N: Up next, ye good ol' epilogue. Wait til you read it! I worked really hard at it! This series was actually inspired by an episode of Ghost Hunt where flashbacks of the little ghost's life showed he wasn't able to communicate with others unless he had a whistle around his neck. And after that I wrote this story. So, yay, this was brought in part to you by Ghost Hunt!