My new story…its Sessh/Kag if you don't like the pairing, don't read the story.
**This is a rewrite in order to fit the story as it's been progressing! I started this story so long ago it was time to update the writing, and a recent review I got reminded me of this goal! Thanks OnceUponABlueMoonDream ! Note: we're shifting from the songs, so expect big changes to explain things better.
I disclaim everything that needs to be.
Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's inner demon talking, or flashbacks.
Chapter 11: Wedding Bells
It took almost no time for Kagome to fall asleep, especially after Sesshomaru wore her out. Her day was incredibly tiring and fighting with Sesshomaru the day before made everything so much more draining. She loved sleeping with the kids, but she missed feeling him so close to her. Curled up against him after a night apart, she now felt her body relax. She was at peace with him.
Sesshomaru had a harder time. He was tired, getting almost no sleep the night before. Even after turning Kagome's ringer and vibration off on her ever-glowing cell phone, it flickered with brightness so often that it annoyed his eyes. He pushed an annoyed thought out of his head as he saw one of the senders. Hojo had sent 5 texts, but they were soon overshadowed by a wave of other texts. His love was admired by so many, him included, but must they text her at all hours?
Kagome sleepily reached over him and flipped her phone screen down before curling back into his chest. Their wedding was tomorrow, in her human world, their time in her era was coming to an end.
Sesshomaru found himself enjoying the comforts of his beloved's life here. Deciding that he may have to visit more often than he originally planned, Sesshomaru let his mind wander. He has learned so much about his mate in these few days in her time and he fell more and more in love as he learned. She was an intensely creative being. Her bookshelves were stacked with journals she'd filled with the stories of her travels. Brilliant minded, she won awards for her academics, and had boys falling at her feet.
She was a light of a human that attracted every living thing toward it. She was electric. Sleep claimed him right as he wondered why she'd fallen for the stoic man that he was. He, a cold, calculated DaiYoukai was holding a warm chaotic human miko in his arms. And he loved her.
Early the next morning, Sakura and Sango gently woke Kagome to start preparing for the midday wedding. After writing a note for Sesshomaru, she was whisked into her mother's room where Rin, and breakfast were waiting. Sango and Sakura wrapped Kagome in a fluffy robe and started untangling her hair. Rin curled up in her lap, and they watched the morning cartoons.
A little over an hour later; Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi had arrived and were tending to Kagome's makeup, Rin's nails, and Kagome's nails. She could hear Souta, Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru talking and laughing in her room as they got ready. Shippo was too excited to get ready just yet, so he was helping Miroku and Hojo set up the ceremony and reception spaces while Hitomi busied herself taking pictures of all the action across the property. Jii-chan was in charge of directing the caterers, gardeners, and other staff. Soon the shrine was dripping in gardenias and roses, exactly as Sesshomaru designed. Gold leaf accents peppered the aisle, hall, and reception space near the sacred tree. Sakura was on and off her phone, checking in with everyone.
"Shit, we forgot about the wedding bands," Kagome cursed
"What?!" Eri screeched, "Kagome that's huge!"
"I got them, Kagome," Sakura assured, "They're right here." She gestured to the pillow on the dresser. Two silver bands were secured to the small velvet.
Kagome breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Mama."
"Sesshomaru asked me to make sure there were rings," Sakura explained, "it was important to him."
Kagome blushed, remembering the intensity of his look when she first told him about the custom.
With the addition of her Feudal Era friends, Kagome adjusted her Bridal party to include everyone. Sakura, as promised, arrived with two extra dresses for Sango and Kikyo, and a flower girl dress for Rin. After everyone else had gotten dressed, and their makeup done, it was time for Kagome to get in her dress.
The silk felt smooth and comfortable on her skin, she felt like royalty. Her curls were layered in a complicated up-do, leaving ringlets framing her face, while showcasing the gown's off shoulder style. It clung to her body alone. The bottom flared slightly and gave her a small train. The material moved as she moved, and the ivory lace veil, with its delicate diamond and beading, sparkling in the afternoon sunlight. She stepped into her heels, and handed Rin the basket of flower petals. Her flower girl's hair and nails matched hers. Her exact words being, "I wanna be pretty like Mama!"
Just as she was checking the time on her phone, after all of her texts were read and answered, except for Hojo's apology, Souta video-called her.
"Hi Sout! What's up?"
"I know no one is supposed to see you yet but Shippo is on the edge of a tantrum," he looked a little frazzled, and Kagome could hear Inuyasha yelling in the background.
"A tantrum?" Kagome asked, "What do you mean?"
"I think he's overwhelmed or something. He hasn't seen you all since we left dinner last night. And Inuyasha won't let him come upstairs. He won't change into his other jacket," Souta sighed
"Where's Sesshomaru?"
"He's getting ready too, shower I think. We tried everything Kagome, please."
She sighed, "Okay. Let me talk to him."
Souta quickly called Shippo to the phone and his green eyes lit up when he saw her, "Mama where are you? Inuyasha says no one is allowed to see you, did someone kidnap you?!"
"No baby," she reassured him, "I'm just staying upstairs till it's my turn to walk down the aisle. Rin Rin will be down soon. And then I'm after her. Be patient, my sweetheart, I'll see you soon."
"Are you sure you're okay? No one's making you stay up there?"
Kagome looked around the room before turning the phone to show him who all was up there, "Of course not. But why don't we do this? Come up to the bedroom and I'll give you a very special assignment."
"Really Mama?" Shippo's eyes lit up, "I'll be right there."
"Wear your jacket!" She called as Shippo hurriedly passed the phone back to Souta.
"Thanks sis," Souta sighed, "see you soon!"
Souta hung up the phone just as Shippo knocked on the door. He walked in dressed in a charcoal tuxedo and blue tie. Kagome teared up when she saw him.
"You look so cute, Shippo. I'm gonna cry!"
"Don't," Shippo said, hugging her, "you look pretty Mama. So do you, Rin."
Rin grinned,"I look like Mama!"
Kagome handed Shippo the pillow of rings, "This is what I want you to carry down the aisle. When Jii-chan asks for the rings, you bring this to us, okay?"
Shippo nodded, "Okay Mama."
Checking the time on her phone, Sakura nodded, it was time. She ushered everyone down the stairs, handing out bouquets to the bridesmaids and stashing Kagome in the kitchen where no one would see her. Motioning for everyone to take their places, she did one more once over before nodding to Jii-chan, who signaled the piano player to start the entrance music.
First down the aisle was Jii-chan, who was performing the ceremony. Next was Sesshomaru, wringing his hands in nervousness at the altar. After him was Inuyasha, and Sango as Best Man and Maid of Honor. Next, in pairs, were Hitomi and Souta, and Miroku and Kikyo. Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi walked down as a trio.
Shippo carefully carried the two wedding bands on the silk pillow they were resting on down the aisle to his seat in the front row. Kagome's was halo-set by diamonds and opals, with Sesshomaru's encrusted in the same. As she walked down, Rin scattered a mix of red rose and gardenia petals onto the grass, taking careful steps to her seat next to her brother.
A moment passed where no one was holding their breath. Then, the light piano music Kagome chose for her entrance began. Sesshomaru recognized it immediately, it was a song he played for her one of the times they were away from the group. They were in the music room of his Winter Palace in the West, and he was showing her his favorite piece from the lessons he was teaching himself.
Kagome took a deep breath, holding her mother's hand with one hand and her bouquet of roses and gardenias in the other, and walked out into view. Any anxieties from moments before melted away in both of them as they looked at each other. At this moment they were the only two people in the universe. When she landed in front of them, Jii-chan kissed Kagome's cheek and started the ceremony.
"Love will always unite us. Across countries, across time. It has done that today, as we bind the lives of these two together." Jii-chan's voice was serene.
The two decided on traditional vows as they exchanged rings. Jii-chan smiled softly at Shippo, "Do we have the rings?"
Shippo blushed, standing up with the pillow. He shyly handed it to Jii-chan, who smiled in thanks before removing the rings from the pillow. Passing Kagome's ring to Sesshomaru and vice versa.
Sesshomaru went first, and as he slipped the ring onto Kagome's finger, he looked into her eyes and said, "with this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With our love's light, I will light your way in darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine."
Kagome repeated the vows, and the act of slipping his wedding band on his finger. She looked up at him and saw joy sparkle in his eyes as Jii-chan asked his last question.
"Kagome, do you take Sesshomaru to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and tribulations, till death do you part?"
"I do." Their eyes didn't leave each other.
"And Sesshomaru, do you take Kagome to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and tribulations, till death do you part?"
"I do." Sesshomaru's voice was clear, strong.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Jii-chan's voice ringed with pride.
Sesshomaru lifted the veil, trying to be careful as he gathered Kagome in his arms and kissed her. They heard the cheers and felt the camera flash on their faces, and Kagome smiled after they broke apart. Walking back into the house for pictures with the wedding party, the cocktail hour started almost immediately.
"You look spectacular, Kagome." Sesshomaru whispered as Hitomi and Sakura snapped photos.
"So do you, my love."
As Shippo and Rin clung to them for a family shot, Sesshomaru smiled at her, "we're married now."
Kagome laughed and kissed Shippo's cheek, "and mated. Now you're really stuck with me!"
He smiled, and allowed Rin to drop flower petals on his head as Hitomi snapped photograph after photograph. She went through every possible combination of the wedding party, with individual shots taken as the sun was setting. When they were finished, cocktail hour was almost over and the newlyweds were called in to start the reception.
"Introducing the new Mr. and Mrs. Tashio!" The DJ cheered as Sesshomaru led Kagome into the reception space.
"Sesshomaru, the flowers!" Kagome gasped
"This one hoped you would enjoy them," Sesshomaru kept his voice soft, for her ears only. He pulled her close as the music for their first dance began. It was another piano song, but one Kagome had played for him. Sesshomaru led Kagome around the dancefloor in a slow waltz, keeping her body flush with his. They ignored the feeling of eyes on them, and Sesshomaru caught Hojo's eye as he spun Kagome. He looked heartbroken, face sunken in and sullen. He was glued to one of two barstools, slamming down shots and glasses of vodka, neat. Sesshomaru dipped his mate, kissing her softly.
Kagome was glassy eyed with love as he lifted her out of the diip-kiss, "wow."
"I told you I intend to honor your customs. Weddings are about displaying one's love. I will go far above and far beyond what I typically would, despite my desires." He murmured in response, kissing her again as the dance came to an end.
To the cheers, they moved to their table to sit, and let dinner be served. The restaurants catering gave three options for each guest to choose from, so the variety coming to the tables was both expansive and delicious.
Hojo sat with his parents at a table near the main table. Kagome and Sesshomaru were sitting with their wedding party at a table in the middle of the reception space, directly across from the dancefloor. He listened miserably as his parents gushed over the man Kagome had found.
"I know you were trying to snag her, son," Benjiro laughed loudly, "But look at him! There's no competing with that!"
His mother swatted him playfully but Hojo just sighed miserably, finishing his food and heading back to the bar.
Kagome spent most of her time looking at Sesshomaru. He looked so openly happy, he didn't have to remain completely stoic and composed in front of those he had to instill fear. He was smiling and laughing the way he would when they were alone, or with only the children. Even Inuyasha was seeing a slightly different side of his brother.
As the night progressed, they ate, danced and mingled, feeling deeply loved by their family and friends. In a free, fleeting moment Kagome tried to talk to Hojo, who was taking shots at the open bar, but Inuyasha caught her mid-stride and advised against it.
"He needs this. He needs to get over you." Inuyasha shook his head.
"I just feel awful; he didn't need to come if it was gonna hurt him this bad." Kagome sighed, "Even after everything, we used to be friends. He shouldn't torture himself."
Inuyasha laughed, "and miss his shot to see you in a wedding dress and pretend like you're walking to him? No, let him be, Kagome. He ruined his own chances enough times to have to suck it up when he sees the consequences."
Besides that fleeting moment, Sesshomaru couldn't find himself too far from Kagome. He only wanted to look at her. His beloved was all he wanted. He followed her around the wedding, holding her hand as she mingled with guests, and holding her close to him when they danced. The night went quickly, with the cutting of their cake and tossing the bouquet into a giggling group of bridesmaids. Sango ultimately caught Kagome's bouquet, blushing when Miroku kissed her cheek at her catch. Sesshomaru dabbed a small bit of frosting on Kagome's nose while cutting their cake, licking it off as she giggled. It was those little moments throughout the night that kept everyone at the wedding completely enamored with the couple.
The stars were sparkling in the sky and it wasn't long before Sakura was at the microphone, "My darling daughter, I'm so thrilled that you've found everlasting love in Sesshomaru. In lieu of speeches, we've recorded videos for you, for you to watch at your American ceremony. Everyone here has made one, and your brother has edited them all together. My final surprise, before you leave tomorrow, was done with Sesshomaru. We wanted a night of glamor and relaxation for you both. The car is waiting outside to take you to Pentanix Hotel, the honeymoon suite, for the night. I love you both dearly, congratulations."
Kagome hugged her mother tightly, accepting the room key she gave her, and kissed Souta and Jii-chan's cheeks. She reminded Rin and Shippo to listen to her mother and Sango, and kissed their heads, reassuring them that she would see them for lunch before they went home. Sesshomaru expressed his thanks, hugging Sakura gently and shaking the hands of Souta and Jii-chan. After saying goodnight to his children, he took Kagome's hand and led her to the car. Along their path, their guests waved sparklers and cheered as they got into the sleek black SUV and headed to the hotel.
*That's all folks! That's it for this chapter! These re-writes are hopefully giving more context to where the story is going, and I hope you like the changes! I really appreciate y'all taking the time to read my stories! There's gonna be some big changes for the next chapters! Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *