"Mom, Grandma says that it's almost time..." Turning as Kasumi chimed from the doorway of the bathroom of the reception hall, Kagome smile and nodded, diamond earrings shifting with her movement.
"Alright, sweetie, tell Grandma I'll be right out..." And as the door to the bathroom closed once more, the dark haired woman turned back to the mirror, taking a deep breath and smiling at the woman staring back at her. Tapered fingertips traced the smooth bodice of the dress, satin white, a little dated for the current times but never once had she wanted to replace it.
Ten years had come and gone since she'd worn it last; ten years of moments both happy and sad, filled with the birthdays and anniversaries, speckled with romantic gestures and temper tantrums. There had been ups and downs and yet somehow, ten years later they were still here.
Another deep breath and she nodded to herself just before the bathroom door opened again and her nine year old son Kei poked his head in.
"Mom I-...wow..." She turned to him as he offered the exclamation with a touch of wonder usually reserved for his younger siblings. A grin graced her pastel painted lips and she offered out her arms for his approval.
"What do you think?" The boy stepped into the bathroom the rest of the way, his hand still on the door as if he were afraid he was going to be yelled at for being in there.
"You look beautiful Mom...!" Blue eyes twinkled with laughter as it welled inside her and fell from her lips.
"Don't sound so surprised!" With a shift of ivory fabric, she crossed the room, veil fluttering from the jeweled comb that held it firmly to her hair. Deft fingers found the tie that he'd already gotten crooked since his father had tied it not very long ago, setting to fix it as she spoke.
"I know this is all very...tedious..." She offered, "I know you'd rather be home playing video games or practicing for the meet, but it means the world to your father and I that you're here for us. You've been very helpful and I want to thank you for that." Finishing with his tie, she smiled and wrapped him in a hug that he would usually have objected to.
"No problem Mom..." Then with one last straightening of his hair, his mother blinked away tears that threatened to mess up her makeup.
"Now. Let's get this show on the road, huh?" He smiled at her and she wheeled him out the door, "Go tell your father that I'm ready." With a nod, her eldest darted away and Kagome took another slow breath as she willed down the emotions that threatened to consume her. She couldn't start crying before it even started.
Moments passed slowly until she heard it, the familiar music that said it was time and stepping from her sanctuary she took her mother's arm just as she had the first time and they made their way to the aisle.
And as the bride started her walk, the room stilled but none more so than the demon standing at the end of her path. His jaw dropped minutely, the wonder in his eyes making her smile and renewing the threat of tears. The ceremony was beautiful, just as their first had been so very long ago and with a chorus of applause-and a few objections from their children-Sesshomaru pulled his wife close for a kiss.