Miraculous

By AndrewsRedSweater

Posted April 23, 2011

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. The series belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, all rights reserved. I am making no profit from this fanfiction. It is purely for my personal amusement. And hopefully yours, too.

Chapter 4: The Heron and The Dog

"Most folks are as happy as they make their minds to be."

—Abraham Lincoln

Rampant dust. Check. Leaves everywhere. Check. Molding. Check. Broken shingles. Double check. Visitors? Not so much.

Staring at the shrine, Kagome couldn't help praying her grandfather's spirit was very, very compassionate about all the responsibilities on her back. If he's not... well, that would explain the quirky plumbing. He would hit where it hurt the most.

Sighing, Kagome tied her hair in a ponytail and reached for her broom. Mama would say, "Kagome what's the right way to eat an elephant?" And the answer would be "One bite at a time." Shaking her head, Kagome prayed for mercy from the cleaning spirits.

"Want some tea?"

Miroku stood beside her, a mug in each hand. Smiling, Kagome nodded. "You know the way to tempt me."

Handing her a steeping mug, Miroku laughed. "Come now, Kagome. I'm a married man. Rather slow to action aren't we?"

Rolling her eyes, Kagome said, "Good thing you reminded me. Things could have gotten indecent."

Miroku nodded solemnly. "I would not expect anything less from you."

After sipping her green tea, Kagome sighed. "It's good to have you back Miroku."

"Good to be here. And interesting." His glance fell on Inuyasha's motorcycle in the parking lot.

Following his gaze, Kagome asked, "Did he give you guys the grand tour yesterday? Explain television and everything?"

Taking the broom from her hand, Miroku said, "For now I will accustom myself with what I know and slowly expand forward. I fear becoming all too much of something all at once."

"You still speak in riddles."

"You're still involved with Inuyasha."

Touché.

Trying to hide her face in her tea Kagome mumbled, "What gave it away?"

Setting his mug on the ground, Miroku began sweeping. In a light voice he said, "Oh, perhaps it was him running out yesterday morning to 'save' you, only to return and punch a tree until it exploded."

"I had no idea."

Continuing in an easy voice Miroku said, "Or perhaps it was when we were at his dojo, saw Kouga's interview, and then he proceeded to... hmm... annihilate his students."

Kagome choked on her tea.

Miroku stopped sweeping. He stood and looked at her. "But I'd say the dead give away was seeing him enter your room last night."

Kagome smiled weakly. "You're still as observant as ever."

Putting a hand on her shoulder, his purple eyes met hers. "I was dead, Kagome. That doesn't mean I lost my mental capacities."

"Too true."

Removing his hand, he turned back to sweeping. With his back to her, he said, "It's apparent he loves you but remains thickheaded. You know him, Kagome. That means you're responsible for respecting him, and his limits."

Walking around until she faced Miroku she asked skeptically, "Did he put you up to this?"

Smiling at her, he said, "No. Does it strike a chord?"

Keeping her eyes on his she said, "Yes."

Seeing the heaviness in her blue eyes, Miroku stood straight. Resting his head on the broom so his eyes were level with hers, he said, "I know him. And I know you. Be careful with yourself."

Stunned, Kagome thought, Am I so easy to read?

Turning back to his sweeping, Miroku said, "What do you think about having help around the shrine?"

Kagome's dark clouds moved aside. "Really?" she asked hopefully.

Standing straight, Miroku swept his hand forward and said, "Yes, lady priestess. For your shrine and home are invaded by malignant spirits." Kagome scoffed. Miroku continued, "If you allow this humble monk and his feisty, beautiful wife to stay here and care for the upkeep and demons, I daresay our weekly pay will be small in comparison to the many obligations weighing you down."

For not the first time, Kagome wondered if Miroku was psychic.

Kagome reached her hand forward. "Deal."

Miroku looked at her hand. Looking back at Kagome he said, "You do realize I was exaggerating about the pay."

Jutting her hand in his face, Kagome said, "Miroku, this is Tokyo. There's a cost for everything, and it's high. Shake my hand and help an overworked miko clean her gutters."

Sighing, Miroku said, "Well, if I must. You certainly have become a forward woman these past years."

Chuckling Kagome said, "That's your employer you're speaking to."

Miroku narrowed his eyes at her. "Well honored employer, there will be no sexual favors upon this innocent soul. You must respect my Buddhist sanctity."

Turning toward the house, Kagome laughed and said, "As long as you keep sweeping, you're safe."

Kagome heard him call after her, "Is that a threat?" as she shut the kitchen door. Leaning against it, Kagome doubled over in laughter.

Thank God they're back. Thank God.

"Where are we going?"

Linking her arm with Sango's, Kagome did her best job of scanning the busy intersection. As the light turned green, cars and people on scooters rushed forward en masse. Adjusting her sunglasses, Kagome said, "It's called Hepcat Cream. Rin says the milkshakes are to die for."

Dodging a group of school boys, Sango asked, "What's a milkshake?"

Looking at her friend, Kagome said, "Oh Sango. Apart from seeing your friends, it's the second best reason you returned to Earth."

Raising her eyebrows Sango said, "Well take me there."

Smiling, Kagome said, "By all means."

Ten minutes later a hostess was leading them through the most delicious smelling diner Kagome had ever stepped foot in. Waiters scuttled to and fro in striped red and white aprons, while people crowded in the booths' red cushions. The booths were filled with business men, couples, and teens taking a well deserved lunch break. Kagome caught more than one group of men sending her and Sango admiring looks.

Beside her Sango adjusted her summer dress's straps. She whispered, "Don't you feel naked in these clothes?"

Winking at her friend Kagome said, "Don't worry. In this era, you're a classy, fashionable woman. And you could pummel any of these guys if you needed to."

Sango blinked. "Men don't train here?"

Chuckling, Kagome said, "Only some and only as a hobby." Glancing at a table of otaku teens, she added, "Most only pretend to be warriors."

"Hmm." Sango nodded sagely as she observed a teen with dyed hair and toy nunchucks.

"Here is the kitchen, ladies," the hostess said brightly.

"Excuse me?" Kagome asked in shock.

The hostess held open one of the white doors. "Miss Taisho will be past the cooks. Enjoy!" The woman vanished into the restaurant's hubbub.

"Move it!" A waiter pushed between Kagome and Sango, four burgers and drinks on his tray.

Looking after him, Sango said evenly, "I have no idea how to make this food, but if I must, I will try my best."

Kagome watched customers consume cherry topped milkshakes. "This is so not what I expected," she mumbled. Shrugging she said, "Well, to the bride we go."

Scooting between cooks and bubbling friers, Kagome called, "Rin?"

A busboy scooping fries in baskets said, "In the back."

"Thank you," Sango said with a nod.

Rounding an enormous freezer, Kagome's jaw dropped. She'd expected a storage room. That's not what they found. Instead, they discovered a gigantic room with pleasant air conditioning and 1950s swing playing on a jukebox. Posh couples danced on a checkerboard floor, while others sat in leather booths. The large windows overlooked a private garden filled with customers eating lunch in the sunshine.

A handsome waiter approached them, his uniform a well-fitted tux. "Can I help you ladies?" he smiled.

At Kagome's stunned silence, Sango said, "Yes. We are looking for Rin Taisho."

"I'll take you there." Offering an arm to each of them, Kagome felt absolutely dazed. Looking at the men and women in designer clothes, she though, I always knew the Taishos were wealthy, but this... this is borderline conspiracy status!

The waiter led them outside to a table beneath an oak tree. In a pink dress and braids, Rin was as pretty as ever. Folding her large menu, Rin greeted them with a smile.

"Good afternoon Kagome, Sango! Hope it wasn't hard finding the place."

Sango stepped forward to give Rin a hug, but Kagome couldn't keep her eyes off Rin's guest. Kouga sat with a leg resting on his knee, completely at ease in slacks and a collared shirt.

Craptastic.

Sango and Rin immediately began chatting. Standing, Kouga grinned at Kagome. Pulling out a chair for her, he said, "Well Ms. Higurashi, might as well take a seat."

Watching him warily, she whispered, "Just what did you say during last night's interview?"

Once she'd seated, he scooted her closer to the table. Bending over he murmured in her ear, "How's that Taisho interview coming along?"

"Why are you here?" she challenged.

"Want Seshoumaru to know I'm keepin' an eye on things. In case, you know, things have to turn ugly..." His lips just barely graced her ear. God, that voice of his!

In an effort to hide his affect on her, Kagome moved to yank his ear, but he'd already zipped to his seat and was examining the menu. In a loud voice he said, "Thank you again for inviting me Rin."

Taking a sip of water, Rin said, "I'm happy to have a man along. Inuyasha's been working Shippo hard at the dojo, so you'll represent the male sex today."

In a brave voice he said, "Well Rin, I am happy to aid any woman in need." Kagome glued her eyes to her menu. If he winks at me, I'm gonna kill him.

The waiter came and took their orders. After some chit-chat about Kouga's business, Sango asked, "So what did you have Kagome doing all day yesterday? She wasn't home until," thinking for a moment, she said, "morning. Shippo says you get her into some real binds, but doing what?"

Kouga sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. Looking at Kagome, he quirked an eyebrow and said, "Well I guess Sesshoumaru really needed you yesterday. And all night."

"Oh shut up," Kagome snapped. "What is it with men?" Fuming, she took a mouthful of her burger.

Kouga laughed. "What? Did Yasha give you a hard time too?"

Kagome glared at him over her burger. "Don't you have work to do?" she whispered murderously.

Stretching his arms behind his head, Kouga said, "Was gonna do a special on walking through fire today, but the trainer bailed. So—no."

"Oh you would consider walking through fire work."

"Only when it means working with you," he said silkily.

Kagome attacked her burger with abandon, her eyes daring Kouga to continue.

After taking a big swallow, Kagome's eyes fell on Sango's curious face. Embarrassed at her behavior, she explained, "I was working with Sesshoumaru and Rin yesterday. Kouga's kind of—loaned me out." Like a horse. Or a tractor. Or something else farm related.

Sango's eyes asked for more details. But I don't know if visiting the Lady was a secret...

Rin understood her dilemma. Pushing her empty berry shake to the side, she said "Yesterday Kagome prevented a battle between Lord Sesshoumaru and the Lady of the West."

Kouga nearly fell out of his chair. "You mean his ma? She's still around?"

"Yep, she's alive and well," Rin said.

Kagome glowered into her chocolate shake. Alive, yes. "Well"? That's debatable.

Steadying himself, Kouga rested his elbows on the table. "Sesshoumaru does nothin' without a reason. Why's he shakin' up the family tree?"

Smiling as though she knew the juiciest secret in the world, Rin flipped her eyes from Sango to Kouga. "Lord Sesshoumaru... gave me the heron bone."

Sango and Kouga didn't move.

"Yeah, I don't know what it is either," Kagome sighed.

"Are you kidding?" Kouga yelled at Kagome.

"Hey don't give me an attitude—"

"It's only the most important, the most—" Kouga looked about to burst. Lifting his peanut butter shake, he turned it upside down, guzzled the whole thing, and slammed it on the table top.

Stunned, he yelled at Kagome incredulously, "REALLY?"

Sango placed her hand on Rin's. "Congratulations, Rin. You deserve it."

Rin blushed and said, "I never expected it, but I'm..."

"Pretty stoked?" Kouga said, tearing his eyes away from Kagome.

"Yes," Rin said with a grin.

Watching her friends, Kagome realized, Ok, obviously I'm the idiot. Clearing her throat, Kagome said, "So... this whole heron bone thing...?"

"Is only the most important object in all of Japan," Kouga said in a dead-panned voice.

Kagome narrowed her eyes. Before she could speak, Sango cut in. "The heron bone is the symbol of unity in the House of the West. It is what places all demonkind, and in connection, all humankind beneath the lordship of the Taisho clan."

Kagome said dryly, "No wonder the Lady didn't want to give it up."

Sango nodded. "Yes. Especially because its ownership has been in contention for the past six hundred years or so."

"Why?"

Sango looked at Kouga, "Could you tell her the tale? I'm sure you are more well-versed than me."

"Sure, sure." Turning toward Kagome, Kouga leaned closer. In a dramatic movie narrator voice Kouga said, "It all started... at the beginning of time."

Kagome folded her arms. "Sango said six hundred years ago."

Kouga grunted. "Just shut up and listen. I'm surprised you even survived in the Feudal Era four years without knowing this one." Sango and Rin exchanged a look. Obviously they agreed.

Throwing her arms in the air, Kagome said, "Alright already, get talking!"

Leaning forward, Kouga's deep voice held her captive. "So... at the beginning of time, the gods created two taiyoukai to rule the world. One was a heron taiyoukai, his wings as long as the horizon, his claws as sharp as the mountains. The other was a dog taiyoukai, her coat as beautiful as snow, her howl as loud as thunder. The gods above decided that if the heron and dog fought, then the world would be wrought with war."

Kouga looked away. Turning back to Kagome, his stare pinned her to her chair. "But if they fell in love," he breathed, "Then the world would be one of harmony." Kagome gulped.

Kouga continued, "Over time, the heron and the dog saw the courage and beauty in the other. They mated, and the world rejoiced. Centuries passed. But evil grew in jealous hearts. On a dark day, the heron came home to find his children slaughtered and his beloved near death. In a rage, he demolished all challengers and the world seeped blood. He returned home to his wife, her life restored. They lived happily, but the dog's sorrow would not heal. Finally, the heron decided to gather the silver stars to warm her heart. But his wings were not made for flying beyond the realm of the gods."

"No," Kagome said.

Kouga nodded. "The effort destroyed him. Lying in the clouds, the dog came to him. In his last moments, he made her a beautiful comb to wear and remember him by. For the dog, the comb would be a crown of memory, and for the child in her womb, it would be his crown of leadership. The dog returned to her people, and the blood of the two greatest taiyoukai forever remained in the house of the dog."

"Or rather," Sango added, "The House of the West."

"No wonder Sesshoumaru doesn't want me to ruin the wedding," Kagome whispered.

Sitting back in his chair, Kouga said, "And as for the whole six hundred years ago mix up, that's all Inuyasha's fault."

Kagome blanched. "What?"

Rin said, "That's not fair. It was Inutaisho's error."

A familiar frustration washed over Kagome. "Hey, it's not Inuyasha's fault for being born hanyou if that's where this is going."

Sango shook her head, "No, it's not about that." Looking at Kagome she said, "When Inutaisho mated the Lady, he gave her the heron bone as is the house's custom."

"It's the official seal as rightful mate," added Kouga.

Seeing where this was going Kagome said, "Don't tell me. When he mated Izayoi, he gave her the bone."

Kouga laughed, "Yep. Never said dogs were smart with women."

Ignoring his remark, Rin said, "You can imagine the Lady's pain. Not only did he choose another woman over her, but he chose a human to be the official head of the Western Lands."

"Wow he really was an idiot," Kagome said.

"Or just really, really in love," Sango whispered. Looking at her blushing friend, Kagome knew she was thinking of a certain monk whom she lived and died for.

Kouga reached for a handful of fries. Smearing them in ketchup he said, "Anyway, when Inutaisho and Izayoi died, the comb naturally went to Sesshoumaru as next in line. With all the traveling he does, it was smart to keep it at his ma's place to keep it safe."

Munching on his fries, he added thoughtfully, "And then the Lady has the comb taken from her by her son, to give to his human child. Hmm."

In a reprimanding voice, Sango said, "That's not true, considering..."

Looking at her hands, Kagome tuned out her friends. So it was rightfully his. He knew his mom would be difficult, so he brought me along for Rin's protection. The memory of Sesshoumaru escorting her through the lamp lit garden flashed in her mind. Thinking of him and the heron bone, an ache entered her heart. But if Sesshoumaru's passing along the bone, that means that...

He's given up on falling in love.

Somewhere, in the deepest part of her, Kagome's heart softened toward the Lord of the West. What strength to admit that to the world. And... what sadness.

Feeling a warm hand on her shoulder, Kagome met Sango's concerned gaze. Forcing a smile, Kagome said, "Congratulations Rin!"

"Thank you Kagome. And thanks for helping."

Kouga patted Rin on the back and said, "Now after hundreds of years, your house will have a mated lord and lady as rulers. A human and a kitsune, no less!" Judging by his ceaseless laughter, Kouga found this hilarious.

Looking at the wolf prince, Rin asked, "Will demonkind accept us?"

Shrugging, he said, "Sure. It's not traditional, but if anyone disagrees, Sesshoumaru will just kill 'em, so all bases are covered."

Finishing the last bite of her chicken strips, Sango said, "It certainly shows great tolerance on Sesshoumaru's part."

Staring at the large green leaves above her, Kagome thought, That means that long after I die, Shippo will be the Lord of the Western Lands. Rin will be his Lady. And I'll... I'll just be gone. Suddenly, sitting there at a table with a warrior back from the dead, an immortal human, and a wolf prince, Kagome felt very, very small.

Kagome never realized how much could be said about paper and ink. As Rin and Sango poured over books upon books of wedding invitations, the shopkeeper ran to the storage closet to retrieve yet another example of blue ink calligraphy, "But this time, on buff parchment!" the old lady squeaked. Kagome's eyes turned to the large windows. It was nearly dinner time, and they still hadn't made a decision.

Easing herself in an ivory lounge chair, Kagome prayed her own wedding wasn't this... important. Too much rested on sending the right message. "After all, heavy Tuscan parchment is the best in the business, but you might as well attach a postscript saying you're snooty!" The shopkeeper had said that... oh, about three hours ago.

Staring at the nighttime traffic, Kagome watched lights blink on and off in Tokyo's skyscrapers. Dark clouds loomed above. It's going to rain tonight. I hope Miroku finds enough pots to catch the leaks.

Sensing youki beside her, Kagome kept her eyes on the night. "Yes Kouga?"

"You've been quiet since lunch."

"I can't stop thinking about the heron's bone." And Sesshoumaru.

Easing in the chair beside her, he said, "Yeah. My old man said it explained why the world's not a dream, not a nightmare."

Looking at him she asked, "What do you mean?"

He watched the encroaching clouds. "Well, the world ain't so wrong that you can't meet the love of your life. But the world ain't so good that you can hold her forever."

When his eyes met hers, she was surprised to see angry tears. With a harsh laugh he said, "But the world ain't so twisted that you can't get revenge."

Kagome watched his fists ball into tight knots. Reaching forward, she took his hands in hers. "I'm sorry about Ayame," she whispered.

With a laugh he wiped away his tears. "Well, I killed the bastard didn't I?"

Not knowing what to say, Kagome rubbed soft circles on his hands. They had only a hundred years together.

It had been one of the things Shippo had taken her aside and explained to her in the middle of her "welcome home" party three years ago. She'd expected to meet a kid, or even grandkids, but Ayame hadn't been able to conceive in the first century. And then... well, it wasn't a possibility anymore.

Rin called across the shop. "Hey Kouga, do you think red calligraphy is too sexy?"

Snorting, Kouga's voice regained its usual bravado. "Whatchya getting' at, princess?"

In a thoughtful voice Rin said, "Well, Ms. Tanaka says red ink will make people think I'm a whor—"

"A concubine," Ms. Tanaka squeaked.

Kagome and Kouga exchanged a look. Rin giggled. "Do you think a woman who writes in red ink is a whor—"

"A concubine!" Ms. Tanaka shrieked with alarming vibrato.

Peeping her head around her chair, Kagome watched as Rin and Sango struggled to keep straight faces while Ms. Tanaka glared down at them, fists on hips, and beady eyes pounding them with virtuous anger.

Turning back to Kouga's dumbfounded expression, Kagome leaned forward and sniggered, "Tell her only honorable women write with red ink on black paper."

Grinning wickedly, Kouga got the joke and made it roll. Standing up, he walked to the three women. Putting a hand on Ms. Tanaka's paper thin shoulder, he spoke like a sensei to his student. "Well dear Rin, as all women of the highest caliber know, one must write in crimson ink to display her familiarity with..." his eyes scanned the room, digging for inspiration. Spotting a display of red apples, he said "With food, yes with food." Closing his eyes dramatically, Kagome watched as Ms. Tanaka eyed him, coming very close to falling under his spell.

Ms. Tanka murmured, "Well yes, every young woman must know how to work a cookbook..."

Opening one eye, Kouga peered at the old lady. "Indeed Ms. Tanaka, indeed."

Snapping his eye shut, he took a deep breath and upheld his free hand. "And as for black, well, it is an esteemed symbol of..."

"A couple's freedom to have sex only after they'remarried," Kagome contributed hopefully.

Ms. Tanaka's stare fell on Kagome. A blue nerve pounded against Ms. Tanaka's left eyeball. Kagome got the distinct impression that Ms. Tanaka had never enjoyed that marital pleasure.

"You're mocking me," Ms. Tanaka spat.

Sango's coughing fit sounded suspiciously like laughter.

Kouga threw Kagome a look that distinctly said Leave this to the professional. Turning Ms. Tanaka toward the dark window, he said, "What the addled Ms. Higurashi means, is that black symbolizes the beauty of night, when the truest romances blossom—"

"That. Is. It." Shoving Kouga's hand from her shoulder, Ms. Tanaka sniffed, "I expected better from you Ms. Taisho. And you—" she rounded on Kagome, "Good luck finding a husband with a dress that clearly advertises your poverty!"

"Hey!" Rin said, jumping from her seat.

Ms. Tanaka stamped her heels all the way to the cash register. Jamming her glasses on her nose, she said, "That'll be one thousand black invites, with whorish red calligraphy, and I'll toss in some black lace and doggy-style images just because you've been such fine customers!"

Kagome slapped herself on her head. Running to the front desk, she begged, "I'm sorry Ms. Tanaka, I was disrespectful and spoke out of turn. Please reconsider. Please don't ruin Rin's wedding because I behaved poorly."

The cash register beeped and expelled a long receipt. Ms. Tanaka's beady eyes quashed Kagome's hopes for reconciliation. In a crisp voice she said, "You are wrong, Ms. Higurashi. It is you that is ruining Ms. Taisho's wedding."

Kagome was speechless.

Tossing the receipt in Kagome's face, Ms. Tanaka said, "Mr. Taisho will receive the bill at his office tomorrow morning. Good night." She threw her glasses on the desk, marched toward her office, and slammed it behind her.

Turning on her heel, Kagome trudged to the table Rin and Sango were seated at, and hit her head against the tabletop. "I. Am. Such. An. Idiot!" As she went in for another good slam, Kouga caught her by the arm.

In a halfhearted voice, Kouga said, "Hey now, I'm sure we can order some new ones later..." Kagome could almost hear his eyes pleading with Rin.

Sango said tentatively, "They are just paper."

Kagome looked at the receipt and crossed her eyes. She tried to slam her head against the table again, but Kouga held her back.

"How big's the bill?" Kouga asked.

Kagome did not miss for one second that Rin was staying silent. Choosing blindness as the second best option to self-abuse, Kagome closed her eyes and groaned. "There are so many zeroes I don't even know what number it is."

Kouga rubbed her shoulder, at a loss for words.

"I'm sorry Rin. I am so, so sorry," Kagome whimpered.

BANG!

Kagome's eyes jerked open. Rin's ivory chair lay flat on the ground. Rin stood with her hands at her sides, her face more serious than Kagome had ever seen it. Taking a ragged breath, Kagome prepared herself for a very agonizing and very creative death. Judging by the surrounding supplies, Kagome guessed it'd be by scissors and papercut. She wished Kouga wouldn't stand so close. She didn't want his nice shirt getting splattered in blood.

"That does it! I am taking this as a sign!" Rin yelled. Somehow, the pink dress and braids made her look even scarier.

Sango rose to her feet. With her legs crouched, she was ready to charge forward at any second. "Now Rin, this was an accident."

Rin whirled her head toward Sango. "What? Oh!" Turning her fierce brown eyes to Kagome she said, "Kagome, I'm not mad at you, not at all."

Kagome turned to rubber in her chair.

In a nervous voice Kouga said, "So then..."

Without further ado, Rin turned to her large floral bag and took out a stack of Western style wedding magazines. "This is what I want," she said in a threatening voice.

Tossing them on the table, she said, "I have waited for five hundred years. I am not gonna cowtow to some stupid Ms. Tanaka, my dear Lord Sesshoumaru, or even her Ladyship on this one!"

Swiping some flyaway hairs behind her ears, Rin said, "You know what Kagome?"

"Yes?" she squeaked.

"I love the invites you designed, even if they sound God awful. You know what, let's make the whole wedding's colors red and black!"

Kagome envisioned Sesshoumaru opening his lacy doggy-style invite, and promptly popping Kagome's head like a grape. Seeing the mad gleam in Rin's eyes, Kagome thought, At least I've lived a full life.

"Got it?" Rin looked at each of them in turn.

Not even Sango tried to reason with her.

Taking a deep breath, Rin swept her hands over her dress to smooth any wrinkles. "Well, that was therapeutic."

Back to her sweet, calm self, Rin piled the magazines in her bag, straightened, and said, "Well, let's head to the elevator." She walked out, braids flopping behind her.

Kagome said in a shocked voice, "I want lilies at my funeral."

Kouga could only nod.

Kagome lay on the shrine's pavement, face down and pretty damn cold. She tried to imagine she was just taking a really cold shower, but there was no excusing it. Laying out in the rain was both completely stupid and completely necessary. At least everyone left her alone out here.

Ever since I became a wedding planner, the days just get worse and worse. The way I see it, I have—at maximum—two months to live, assuming Rin and Shippo pick a date in late June. The Lady will behead me during the ceremony, and with any luck, it'll be a swift kill.

"Ah who am I kidding," she whispered, "Sesshoumaru's just gonna kill me tomorrow."

"Why would that be?" said a smooth voice.

Shit! Damn it! Crap!

Kagome didn't even bother looking up. Sensing his youki to her right, she said, "Sesshoumaru, your daughter's wedding is already a mess. Kill me now before I get a cold."

Against the pouring rain, she felt him sit beside her. Saying nothing, he sat at her side in the onslaught. So much time passed that Kagome's muscles relaxed into the pavement, no longer anticipating the killing blow.

She felt movement beside her. Scrunching her eyes closed, she tried to calm her breathing. Just when she'd thought she was safe—

Fabric wisped against her. Her breath caught in her throat. Glancing up, she watched him remove his suit jacket and place it over her drenched body.

Shocked tears came to her eyes. "What are you doing?" she whispered.

Sitting beside her, Sesshoumaru gazed at the pouring sky. Kagome tried not to stare at the raindrops coursing from his cheek to his neck.

After a long moment, he turned his glowing eyes to hers. "You have protected my daughter from harm. I would not kill you so needlessly."

Finding her mouth suddenly dry, she said, "But the invites—"

Sesshoumaru nodded. "Rin has informed me. She also informed me they were her preference."

Not knowing what else to say, Kagome stayed quiet.

And during the biggest storm in Tokyo's history, the Lord of the Western Lands stayed by her side.

~ Please review. It means so much. Many thanks to my readers, those who favorited this story, and Kagome Lady of Darkness, SEB, Stacerue, and sesshy fan for their kind reviews. You make my heart glow.

All the best,

AndrewsRedSweater