Chapter Fifteen:
-Two Month Time Skip (Making Youmaru approx 8 months)-
The castle was heavy with people moving about. Setting up, doing this or that... Youko was ready to hurt someone. If someone else interrupted him from what he was trying to do he would probably bite someone. If he was lucky it would be Kuronue. He owed that bat a thrashing. Just because.
When someone came up to him saying something about guests, Youko's eye twitched. How was he suppose to help Rin get ready with all of these interruptions. He growled, "Make Sesshoumaru Deal with them, I'm Busy!" he growled shoving the staff out the door and firmly slamming it shut. He huffed glaring at the door for a moment, before he turned, taking a deep breath, "Sorry about that Little Vixen" he stated softly as he stepped over to her, smiling gently.
Kagome giggled as she cradled her twins - the Kami had a sick sense of humor, damn it - while lounging on some cushions. "Getting a bit hectic, Kurama-kun?" Rin joined her in gentle laughter before she fidgeted with her sleeves, "Are there many people coming, Youko-kaa-sama?"
Youko smiled softly, "Not many in particular, other than Kohaku's and Sango's whole village nearly." He stated softly to his 'daughter' Smiling a bit he just gave Kagome a chuckle, shaking his head, not going to honor it with a verbal response. He smiled softly, helping Rin with adjusting the dress, "Have you decided if you're living in his village yet?"
Youko knew they had spoke of possibly moving closer to the castle-in the western lands-but not staying in the castle. As it was expected of a wife to move in with the husband... but Kohaku understood her liking being close to home.
Rin smiled at her Youko-kaa-sama, "Kohaku-kun has agreed to stay at the castle until Youmaru-otouto-kun's baby is born, then we'll decide from there. We might give living with his sister a try for a year or so."
Youko smiled, and gave a nod, "all right" It was fine with him, if he could he'd make them stay here forever, he loved his little Rin, but he knew she needed to live her own life, and it was hard to do that in your parents home. He smiled, and moved his hand, starting to carefully pull her hair up. Rin was a beautiful girl.. "Kohaku's one lucky guy" He chuckled softly to his daughter leaning in a bit he kissed her cheek, he smiled, "Want some flowers in your hair?"
Rin hummed thoughtfully as she smiled into the mirror, "Columbines, Youko-kaa-sama, you can choose the colors."
Kagome watched the pair with a fond smile, lips twitched into amused delight at Kurama's doting over Rin.
Youko smiled warmly, giving a nod, moving a hand he pulled a few seeds from his hands, letting the flowers grow without all the added brush and vines, and he slowly worked the different colors into her hair. Smiling warmly when he was done. The red was flecked in between the rows of blue and violet flowers.
"They look lovely, Kaa-sama." Rin sighed happily as she admired her reflection in the mirror. Youko's grin matched hers, as chocolate met gold in the polished metal. A knock came at the door then, and a white puppy-eared head poked inside. "Fluffy-sama says to get ready." Inuyasha fled before the females (and the fox) could retaliate.
Youko turned and blinked a few times looking at Inuyasha for a the few moments he was there to speak, blinking still a bit stunned. When his brain kicked in he growled going to the door to lean out and shout at his retreating back, "That's MY nickname for him thank you very much.. And What does he think we've been doing!" He didn't know if Inuyasha heard all of it, but it made him feel better shouting it.
Youko sighed silver aud twitching back for a second before he stopped leaning out the door and gently closed it. "I doubt Sesshoumaru thinks we weren't getting ready.." he mumbled, more than to himself but the two women in the room with him more than likely heard. He sighed, but gave a shrug, "It was probably his way of saying to hurry up perhaps?" He looked to Rin and smiled, "Although, I don't think there's much left to do..."
Kagome chuckled, "Inu can be such a brat... Don't mind him, Kurama, I'm sure Sesshoumaru knows we're ready."
Youko looked up at her and offered a soft smile, "You are probably right... Why don't I help you get Seated Kagome?" He turned to Rin, "I'll send your father to get you when everything is ready, okay Little Vixen?" He smiled warmly.
Rin nodded, grinning cheerfully, "Hai, Kaa-sama!"
Kagome giggled, and flailed one hand dramatically, "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up. I need the assistance of some kind youkai." She winked at Kurama.
Youko chuckled looking over at Kagome, and moved walking over, "You know my assistance is really to carry one of your adorable babies right?" He smiled happily, a faint purring escaping him as he watched her, ready to help her down to where the ceremony would be taking place.
Kagome pouted for a moment, before winking, and chuckling, "Take your pick, Kurama-kun, but I warn you little Toushi* here likes to eat hair. Taya* drools, though." She scrunched her features up in mock disgust, and laughed some more.
Youko chuckled in return, carefully taking Toushi, "Can't be worse than my little vixens" He smiled warmly, he stood waiting for her, so they could get going, he could only guess at how excited Rin was.
Kagome pushed herself to her feet through long practice, and cradled her little Taya close, tickling the pup's ear as she hummed and swayed to keep the babe asleep, "Oh, you think that now... But wait until you need to monitor fights between a monk and priestess in training!"
Youko chuckled softly, "Perhaps, perhaps not" he chuckled smiling warmly. He smiled down at the little babe in his arms. The little girl, like her brother looked human. Nothing seemed demon about them-unless you really looked at their ears. There was the faintest hint of a point like most demons had... He looked to Kagome, and moved, with practice getting the door, "Lets get Sesshomaru on his way down here, and get settled, neh?"
Youko decided to help settle Kagome in her seat, leaving her with her twins before finding Sesshomaru. Once his best friend was settled, he left Kagome under Inuyasha's care. He then set out to find his mate, and when he found him he couldn't help the purr, "You look mighty fine in that~" he stated playfully.
Sesshoumaru sniffed haughtily, "It was my father's but thank you. Rin is ready, then? This Sesshoumaru admits he is loath to give his daughter away, even to Kohaku."
Youko chuckled rolling his eyes, "don't be so huffy over a compliment... And yes, You go get her, I'll get everyone else ready" He stepped closer to his mate smiling softly he leaned up since Sesshomaru had to be a stupid taller dog granted only by a few inches and gently kissed his cheek. "I don't want to loose her either, she's still young compared to demon standards, but human? She's been grown up for a long while my dear.."
Sesshoumaru sighed grudgingly, and squeezed his mate's hip before nodding, "Indeed. This Sesshoumaru is assured that Kohaku will never hurt Rin, however, so it is not a great trial." He had drilled that into the boy on pain of his soul being ripped into a million pieces and fed to little kappa ferrymen that Tenseiga banished to return life to the recently dead.
Youko chuckled softly, "I'm glad then" he stated gently. He smiled softly and slowly moved from his mate, "Now go, she's waiting on you" He smiled gently, giving his mate a smile before he turned to get everyone else apart of the ceremony into position.
Sesshoumaru made his way down the hallway, and hid a grimace at the weight on his heart. He was getting soft in his old age, surrounded by family. Knocking once on the door, he slid it open to observe his Rin with quiet pride. She had grown into a beautiful young onna. "Rin."
"Sesshoumaru-tou-sama!" Rin chirped as she got to her feet, hurrying gracefully over to her father figure and throwing her arms around his waist - careful not to impale herself on his shoulder armor. She squeezed the demon tightly and hummed as he petted her hair in return, "Is it time, Tou-sama?"
"Hai."
The Ren'ai* Wedding started. As all Shinzen Shiki*, they had a Shinto shrine set up inside the castle for a proper wedding.
Youko smiled softly from his place, recalling the rehersals in this building. Before the ceremony, they had their rehearsal here. Often during this rehearsal, Youko got to take the role as Rin's 'mother', and he got to lower Rin's veil when she needed it. It was tradition signifying the last act that he could do for his little Vixen as her 'mother' before "giving her away". He would of sighed, but he knew the ceremony called for silence, so he bore his smile, despite feeling like he wanted to cry. The ceremony hadn't really started yet! And here he was ready to start crying! Pfft, he's really turned into a girl!
The wedding celebrant* was standing in front of, but at the direction Rin would be arriving behind Kohaku. On his clothing he was wearing Kana*. He started to speak, giving a brief welcome and an introductory speech before announcing the bride's entrance.
Rin was wearing her watabōshi* as she walked along side of her 'father' Sesshoumaru down the aisle. At the end of the aisle to stood her awaiting groom. Rin smiled warmly happy to see him standing there, waiting for her to join him.
The procession* was coming to an end, Youko smiled softly as he watched as Kohaku turned bowing to Sesshomaru, who was Rin's father, and in turn, Sesshoumaru bowed back. Youko was proud of his mate. He knew he really didn't want to give up Rin, but he still followed through, granted if he hadn't Youko would of ripped him a new one especially since it was the procession now!
The service then started.
Those there for the wedding watched as both Rin and Kohaku were purified by the Celebrant. All were quiet as they watched as the ceremony's important event occurred. Youko smiled happily as he watched his little Rin and Kohaku exchange their cups of san-san-ku-do*.
The Celebrant gave a small prayer and a short message, explaining the sanctity of the wedding vows (seiyaku). Which Rin and Kohaku then shared. Then, as they learned from Kagome, Rin and Kohaku then exchanged rings.
The chapel register was then signed and the new couple is announced.
There was a polite applause as Rin and Kohaku shared the traditional wedding kiss.
After the ceremony Youko got busy with helping everyone get situated into the room they were having the reception in.
Since the reception is highly structured the speakers have the idea of being formal and concise in mind. After all the speeches, with Youko and Sesshoumaru both gave one, along with Sango as acting 'parent' for Kohaku, Rin and Kohaku started with two other traditions Kagome informed them about and the two of them started with the cake cutting ceremony, then after everyone had their piece of cake, Rin and Kohaku moved to the area of floor and had their first dance as husband and wife.
After their dance, Kanpai* started. With the kanpai taking place it simplified the mood of the reception where the guests started to fully relax, eat, and drink. Sesshomaru's poor kitchen staff sure had a busy day with preparing food for all of their guests. Youko was quite happy it went well.
What happened then was Rin and Kohaku received short congratulatory speeches made by relatives, friends, and colleagues. Which came from Youko, Sesshomaru, Kagome... You probably get the idea. Nearly everyone who lived at the castle even! Everyone loved Rin, she was a very kind and wonderful girl... No.. Woman. Youko had to remember his little Vixen was all grown up, didn't he?
After all of those were over the newlyweds began to perform the candle service. Rin and Kohaku both had a long, unlit candle, which they lit from the lit candle at the table where their parents were seated. Next, the couple walked around the room in a circle and lit the candles placed on their guests' table. Once all the candles were lit, the Rin and Kohaku returned to their table where the lit the Memorial Candle.
By the time the candle service was done the two hours restriction was expiring. The remaining few minutes included short speeches, songs, dances, etc.
As the reception came to an end, Kohaku and Rin both approached the table where their 'parents' were seated. They presented them with a gift of flowers. It was a traditional display of appreciation, for their parents raising them to the people they are today.
At this point, the reception has ended with quick flashes and farewells. Youko couldn't be happier.
He was exhausted! He sighed softly sitting back in a chair once the last guest finally left. His dear Rin and Kohaku retired to their room. The silver fox slowly leaned forward, elbows on the table still set up as he looked about the empty room. It was now, that he was alone that he allowed himself to cry. He felt like he was loosing Rin. While he knew that was nonsense, he still couldn't help how he felt.
Sesshoumaru chuckled and patted his weepy mate on the shoulder, pulling the male back to lean against his chest, "Just imagine all the grand pups," he murmured, and squeezed Youko's hip. His idiot brother and Kagome would be staying until Youmaru gave birth on the condition the hanyou kept the profanity and arguments to a minimum.
Youko jumped a bit and looked up at his mate, and blinked, but gave a faint smile, "Yea.." He stated softly, wiping his eyes as he was pulled back against his mate.. He hadn't meant to get caught crying over all of this but the damage was all ready done.
Youko sighed softly, relaxing a bit more against his mate before he started to move, "We should get to bed.. We had a busy day" he smiled softly to his mate since he turned a bit to face him.
Sesshoumaru bent down to give his mate a chaste peck on the cheek before swooping the fox up into his arms and vanishing down the hall towards their rooms.
Youko had eeped at suddenly being picked up but laughed softly and let his head rest on his mates shoulder, giving no complaints.
-End Chapter fifteen-
As always, reviews are loved!
Toushi is a boy with white hair, blue eyes
Taya is a girl with black hair and gold eyes
Innocent Vash did all the writing for the wedding ceremony and the reception afterwards. I used Wikipedia for the information so I apologize if anything is inaccurate.
Ren'ai = the couple met and decided to marry on their own
watabōshi = a white hood
Shinzen Shiki = Traditional Japanese wedding customs involve an elaborate ceremony held at a Shinto shrine.
Kana = A cross with two interlocking wedding rings attached, which symbolize a couple's commitment to sharing a life together in the bonds of holy matrimony.
Procession = The moment/time in which the Bride comes to the groom, after the Groom and Father of the bride, they move to the next part!
Wedding Celebrant = Known as a "Priest" in the US
San-San-Ku-Do = Nuptial cups of sake
Kanpai = A Toast