Chapter Four
"Goin' to the Chapel"
Kagome stood in the hallway, smoothing her dress with anxious strokes.
"Would you stop? You look fine," Inuyasha grumbled as he came up beside her.
"Well, I can't help it! I'm nervous!"
"Why?" He shoved his hands into his pockets, and Kagome swatted his arm.
"Don't do that, you'll wrinkle!"
"Oh, God forbid." He rolled his eyes but took his hands out all the same. "Who's going to care?"
"Sango," she said, counting off her fingers, "Rin, Kagura, your parents," she raised an eyebrow.
"Fine, point taken." He tugged on his suit jacket, and Kagome huffed, grabbing his hand and putting her bouquet in it, and then reached over to tug his jacket back into place, only catching herself as she fixed his lapels and then the flower in his pocket.
"Sorry," she whispered, taking her flowers back. The music started, and Rin and Kohaku started out through the doors.
"You're fine," he said, offering her his arm as they waved them forward to follow. Kagome walked beside Inuyasha as they passed through the doors and up the aisle. Everyone was watching, but she knew that it was only for a moment. "Smile," Inuyasha said, and she glanced up at him and felt herself relax slightly.
It was only for a little bit, and everything would be fine. They'd done enough to plan it out and make sure that things went off without a hitch. She was so happy for them. Their best friends were getting married, and there was no reason to be stressed about anything.
Kagome faced the aisle and grinned. Miroku looked so happy standing at the front, waiting for Sango, and she really was so happy for them. They'd found each other, and they were going to have the rest of their lives to spend together.
It really was a beautiful wedding.
"Oh, for the love of—Don't cry!" He hissed.
"They're happy tears!" She hissed back.
He had a strange look on his face when she looked up at him before pausing to shift his hold to help her up the stairs. He placed a hand on her back used the other to grab her free hand. They walked up the stairs, and then they were the separating to their respective sides of the stage.
The music shifted and Kagome looked up at Sango's entrance. She looked gorgeous, and a quick glance at Miroku showed his slack jawed expression as he stood at the base of the stairs, prepared to greet his bride.
Sango and Miroku were finally getting married!
He broke his gaze to look at Kagome.
"She's so hot!"
Kagome covered her mouth to hide her laugh. Miroku whipped around to look at Inuyasha.
"Do you see her?"
"Yes, you idiot! Now turn around!"
A few of the audience members on the front row laughed at Miroku's antics, and Kagome saw Sango shake her head slightly at him.
The closer she came, the more giddy Miroku got, practically bouncing on his toes as she came within reach, quickly grabbing her hand and guiding her up the steps.
"You're so dumb," Sango said softly.
"Yes, but I'm your dumb," he retorted and she rolled her eyes as they came to stand in front of Mushin, who started his speech, greeting everyone, before launching into Miroku and Sango's story. It was sweet and somewhat informal, which was refreshing, and Kagome frequently met glances with Inuyasha, who looked away quickly afterwards.
When it came time for the rings, Sango handed over her bouquet, which Kagome took and heard Sango take a deep breath to steady her nerves.
"It's just me, love," Miroku said quietly, and had Kagome not been so focused on them, she would've missed it. Sango took another breath and smiled at him before starting to recite her prepared vows. Her hands shook slightly, but she made it through without a hitch, and Kagome was so proud. Sango wasn't one to give speeches in front of a crowd, and she knew that this would be a little rough.
She slid the ring onto Miroku's finger, and Miroku grabbed Sango's hand and took a deep breath.
He turned to the crowd and gestured wildly to Sango.
"Can you believe that I'm marrying her?!"
The crowd laughed as Sango blushed.
"I mean, look at her. She's amazing! She's perfect! How can I ever compare?" He grabbed both of her hands and held them up. "You're the only person that I want to spend the rest of my life with! I'm lost without you, and I love you so much! Sango, I don't think that I can ever be happier than when I'm with you!"
"Time," Mushin called out loudly, and Miroku grinned sliding her ring onto her finger.
"Now?" Miroku asked, a gleeful smile breaking out across his face.
"By the powers invested in me," he intoned, "and the audience members present today, you may now kiss your bride."
Still holding onto Sango's hands, Miroku leaned forward and chastely pecked Sango's lips, kicking up one foot in a cliché rom-com move.
"Can you take nothing serious?" Sango asked.
"Never, wife." He grinned.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Matsuda!" Sango reached back for her bouquet, and then they began their procession out of the chapel. Kagome watched them go, as Inuyasha came up beside her, holding an arm out for her. Grabbing his arm, he helped her down the stairs, and they both glanced at each other, smiling, before beginning their own walk out of the chapel.
"We did it!" Sango shouted, nearly tackling Kagome as they reached the small room to start the photo taking journey.
"You're married!" Kagome shouted back.
"I'm married!" Sango laughed. "Inuyasha!" Sango broke her hug to launch herself at the hanyou.
"Miroku, come get your wife before she hurts herself," he said as he lightly patted Sango's back.
"Wife," Miroku called, holding his hand out.
"Yes, husband?" She said, spinning around to take his hand.
"I swear, I am going to throw up," Inuyasha muttered, grimacing as the newly married couple gave each other a quick kiss.
"Really? After all this time, you'd expect something less from those two?" Kagome asked, sidling up to him.
"No," he huffed. "I guess not."
The photographer barked out orders for the couple, and they waited as Sango and Miroku took their photos and then another round with Inuyasha and Kagome. They then moved outside, to have portraits against the mountains, and then more pictures with their respective families.
"Why are there so many pictures?" Inuyasha groaned off to the side.
"Have you never been in a wedding before? Didn't you go to your brother's?"
Inuyasha looked away from her, and she had the distinct feeling that she'd inadvertently broached a sensitive subject.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to assume."
"It's fine. Don't worry about it."
"But—"
"I said, don't worry about it. Water under the bridge and all that."
Kagome stared at him for a moment before turning back towards the happy couple as they posed with Sango's family.
"I'm glad," she whispered, leaning towards him slightly.
"About what?"
"That it's water under the bridge." He stared at her for a moment, before jerking his face away and staring up at the mountains.
"One last picture!" The photographer called. It was a group picture, one with the wedding party and their families.
Both of them glanced at each other before moving into position, waiting for the shutter clicks to start.
The family wandered in first, mingling with everyone. Inuyasha and Kagome stood at the doors to be pulled open, waiting for the announcement.
She looked to Inuyasha because she couldn't hear a thing through the doors themselves. His eyes were focused on the ceiling as his ears swiveled towards the sounds that were only barely reaching her.
"Now?" She asked, holding onto the handle.
Inuyasha shook his head holding up a finger for her to wait.
She waited, and waited.
"Now?" She asked again, and he shook his head.
"Dear God, he's going on forev—wait. He's done." He shifted his grip on the handle, and Kagome did the same. She waited for him to motion for them to open the doors, and then his eyes flicked to hers, and for a moment, her body locked up under it. "Okay, now!"
Kagome jerked her door open, revealing the happy couple to the small crowd, who cheered, clapping loudly as the couple entered.
She held the door, watching them walk in, arms raised high as the crowd gathered around them, congratulating them on their wedding. Inuyasha stepped forward, holding his hand out to her. She took it, and he guided her inside the room and to the side.
"Come on," he called over his shoulder. "We've earned a drink!"
He grabbed them both a drink, handing her a tumbler of something clear as he took a beer.
She turned to watch the people intermingle throughout the room.
"What?" He asked.
"They're so happy," she sighed. "It's sweet."
"It's nauseating." He took a sip out of his bottle. "I'm tired of smiling today."
"Aww, and here I thought you looked cute," she said with a shrug and headed back towards the happy couple as they announced that dinner was being served. She was halfway across the room, and already she could hear Miroku chanting about the couscous.
"You look lovely," Kouga said, slipping in beside her.
"Thank you." Her answer was short, but she didn't stop moving. It was too dangerous to stop. She had a goal, and she just had to keep moving towards it. That's all.
"I mean, you always look pretty, but tonight, I mean, wow. You really went all out." His fingers skated along the skin of her arm as he reached for her hand. "Makes me wonder, you know?"
"No, I do not know."
"Oh, come on, Kags," she flinched at his pet name for her, which she never really liked but tolerated because she loved him, and he loved to call her that. "Don't be so difficult. I'm trying to make amends."
"There's no amends to make, Kouga. You have Ayame, and you're happy."
"Yeah, but—"
"There's no buts about it. We're done, Kouga. That was made very clear. By you."
He pouted, stepping in front of her, stopping her entirely.
"Come on, Kags—"
"Kagome."
"We're friendlier than that."
No, they weren't, but Kagome was going to behave at the wedding. She wasn't going to make a scene and having a fight with her ex, who broke her heart completely and entirely, was not how she was going to define Miroku and Sango's wedding. She was going to be a good friend, who only celebrated them and their success and not her miserable failure of an attempt at a relationship.
"Kagome!" Sango called, waving her over. Kagome sidestepped Kouga and walked over, a smile on her face and as genuine a one as she could make.
They'd arranged a separate table for her and Miroku to sit at after the reception, and after meeting Inuyasha and his family, opted to leave her sitting with the inu-youkai instead of shifting her to sit with their family.
It made Kagome feel a little better about the whole Kouga thing, and his sudden and surprising insistence with trying to rekindle some sort of relationship with her.
She was willing to be on friendly terms with him, but she wasn't going to go out of her way to hang out or make him believe that they were a possibility. Even if he broke up with Ayame, she wasn't going to take him back. Not after the stunts he pulled.
Sango might actually punch her if she did take him back.
Kagome stepped in beside Inuyasha, who was at the front of the line along with Kohaku.
"What're you thinking so hard about?" Inuyasha asked, nudging her shoulder slightly with his arm.
"Couscous."
"Fuck, not you too," he growled.
Kagome giggled.
"He's been pretty obsessed about it, hasn't he?"
"You have no idea. It was his 'one requirement' for the wedding." Inuyasha used finger quotes to enhance those particular words. "Well, his first request was Sango being naked, so he made us barter."
"Yep, I know all about the couscous compromise."
"You know he only wanted it because he tried risotto when we went to some Italian place a year ago."
"So why did he demand a couscous bar?"
"Idiot thinks it's risotto."
Kagome snorted a laugh.
"So wait, he thinks—" she dabbed at her eyes with the edges of her fingers, "this whole time? Do you know how hard we worked to find a place that would make a couscous bar? Risotto would've been so much easier!" She laughed again. "Sango might actually kill him."
He lightly pressed a hand on her lower back to urge her forward towards the bar as they announced that it was open for guests.
"Does he even like couscous?" Kagome asked in a whisper.
"Dunno," Inuyasha said with a shrug.
"Wait, so we might've done all this work and he might not even like it?" Kagome paled at the thought of the hours spent calling hotels and caterers in a very specific region to figure out if they could create a couscous bar all for naught.
Inuyasha merely shrugged, and Kagome smacked his arm.
"Do you know how many hours Sango and I worked to set this up? If he doesn't like it," she jabbed a finger at his overly firm bicep, "I'm going to punch you in the face."
"Why are you going to hit me? It's not my fault that he doesn't know the difference!"
"You could've said something!" She hissed back at him, finger now pointing to his face.
"I wasn't here when you were planning it!"
"No excuses, dog boy!"
"Dog boy?" He looked entirely offended at the nickname, and Kagome faltered at saying it. Why had she said it? In fact, why was she really even arguing with him? "Not a boy," he said, jabbing a finger at himself.
"Yeah, well, whatever." Kagome turned towards the server, and pointed out the various ingredients to add to her plate, before she headed back towards the table.
"Kagome! Kagome!" Rin chanted as she ran up to her, arms outstretched to tackle her in a hug. Kagome braced herself for impact.
"Rin." The cool baritone came from behind her, and Rin stopped mid-stride, looking somewhat abashedly up at her father.
"No running," she said with a sigh.
Kagome glanced back at the tall inu-youkai as he arched an eyebrow at the little girl.
"And no jumping at people when they're carrying things." Silence persisted and Rin slowly walked over to her father, who scooped her up.
"You may speak to her at dinner."
"But it is dinner! And I just wanted to tell her how good I did!"
"Well."
"How well I did!"
"Why are you talking to this dill weed?" Inuyasha asked as he paused beside them, plate in hand. "Hey squirt, were you running again?"
Rin nodded, collapsing against her father's shoulder in exasperation.
"It's okay, Rin. I'll see you at the table, and you can tell me all about it."
Rin huffed, and Inuyasha pressed a hand against Kagome's spine, guiding her back to the table.
"She's pouting," he explained, pulling out her chair with one hand before sitting down himself. "It's best to just let her sulk for now."
She set her plate down on the table before taking a seat. Inuyasha took his seat beside her.
"So, ever had couscous?" Kagome asked.
"Once or twice," he said with a shrug. "You?"
"Nope," Kagome said, taking a small bite. "Oh, it's almost like pasta."
Inuyasha continued eating as everyone began to take their seats.
Rin looked like she was in better spirits as Sesshomaru set her down in the chair between himself and his wife. Kagura took the seat next to Kagome.
"So Kagome, how was the bar last night?"
"It was good!" Kagome answered with a smile as Inuyasha let out a snort.
"She tried to get into a fight. Almost got punched in the face."
"I wasn't trying to get into a fight! She started it!"
"That's what they all say," he drawled, taking another bite, and Kagome fought the urge to grab a forelock and drag his face to look at him.
"It would do you well to ignore him," Sesshomaru pointed out, taking a delicate bite. "It has done wonders for my health."
"Listen here, fu—"
Kagura's hand snapped out so quickly in front of her face, Kagome barely got a squeal in before she'd flicked his temple and withdrawn. He shot her a glare but ultimately kept his mouth shut.
"I will cut them off," she hissed, and he blanched at the warning as Kagome watched, concerned at being stuck between the two of them.
"I didn't even say anything bad!"
"Yet," she said, pointing her fork at him. "Remember, I know what room you're in."
"Ain't like yours is a secret either."
"Please refrain from threatening my wife," Sesshomaru coolly retorted, and Inuyasha only scoffed in return.
"Your wife started it!"
Both dog-demons glared at each other furiously, and out of the corner of her eye she saw Kouga staring at her table.
Anxious to get out of the obvious family tension and away from the prying eyes of her ex-boyfriend, Kagome did the only thing she could think of at the moment.
"Well, I think I'm going to go get a drink. Anyone want anything? No? Great."
She pushed her chair back and left, hearing the hissed whispers behind her.
Great.
Like she didn't have enough drama already.
Why couldn't this weekend just be easy? It was supposed to be fun and simple, and she was supposed to be able to enjoy herself. Sango swore that she'd get along with the Taishos just fine.
Maybe it was a good idea to have that extra day off after she got back. At this rate, she would need it.
She reached the bar with minimal inference, waiting in the short line for her turn. Someone got in line behind her, but she didn't bother turning around to see who it is.
"So," Kouga started, and Kagome internalized her groan. "I see you chose to sit with the mutt's pack."
"Inuyasha," she clarified, "is part of the wedding party. So of course, that's where I'm going to sit."
"Kohaku ain't sitting with you either."
"No, he's sitting with his own family. Sango and I thought it would be best when we made the arrangements."
"Then shouldn't you be sitting with someone that you actually know? Like me?"
"No, Kouga. That's not how we set it up. I agreed to it, and in case you were really curious, it was my idea," she stepped forward as the line moved.
"Kagome," he gently wrapped his fingers around her arm. "Honest, I'm only saying something because I care."
Her teeth clacked together audibly as she bristled at the audacity of his statement. He cared? He didn't care when he left. He didn't care when she'd asked him why over and over, to only get a reply of 'it just ain't working out' after two years of dating. After she'd literally moved to the other side of the city because it was easier for him to go to work. Not to mention that it made her own commute twenty minutes longer. He'd moved out when she was at work, leaving her with the rented apartment in her name, which made a lot more sense now after he'd insisted that she be the primary lease holder.
"I just don't want to see you get hurt, and the mutt is good at that. You don't know him like I do."
"Inuyasha. His name is Inuyasha."
"Right, whatever," Kouga stepped closer, and she pulled her arm away.
"Look, I have to go. I'll see you later," she left the line, heading towards the double doors that would lead her out to the bathroom, where she sincerely hoped that she could get five minutes to herself.
"Kagome," Kouga said as he matched her pace towards the bathroom. "Really, I just want to talk. Make sure you're okay."
"I'm fine, Kouga. Go back to your fiancée," she nearly spat out the word at him.
She had been planning on going to the bathrooms on the far side of the lobby—less interference there—but now she was going to take sanctuary wherever she could get it.
He grabbed her wrist a little too tightly, and she winced.
"I'm not leaving until I talk to you," he stated, and she tugged her wrist free before walking through door of the women's bathroom.
There was a small bench at the far end, because of course there was, and she gratefully took a seat, resting her head in her hand. Everything had been going so well, and maybe that should have been the sign. It was all going too well, and life was just going to make sure that she didn't end up too happy and enjoy herself. After all, what better way to remind her of her own incompetence than to have her ex-boyfriend show up after rejecting her and leaving her high and dry for everything and engaged no less.
The door opened, and she glanced up to see Kagura entering before returning her gaze to the ground. For a brief moment, she'd been afraid that Kouga would've decided he was done waiting and marched in here.
She crossed the room, taking a seat next to Kagome. It was silent between them for a few moments before Kagura spoke.
"I should apologize," she stated.
Kagome lifted her head to look up at her. What did she have to apologize for?
"I forget that there are some people who are not used to the way my brother-in-law and I interact. It's all in good fun, I assure you."
"You don't have to apologize," she said. "It's okay, really. That wasn't the only reason, and you shouldn't have to change how you act just because I'm there."
Kagura scoffed.
"Okay, clearly, you think I just go around apologizing willy-nilly, but I don't. I still haven't apologized to Sesshomaru for punching him in his adorably pretty face when we first met." She frowned, tapping her chin. "I should probably do that eventually." She gave a half-hearted shrug. "Maybe when we renew our vows next."
Kagome stared for a beat before gathering her wits.
"So why me?"
"Because I like you. And it seems like you could use a friend. One who's not getting married. And isn't afraid to punch a wolf in the face."
Letting out a sigh, she shifted her gaze to the door.
"Is he still out there?"
"Yep."
"Great," Kagome muttered, reaching up to rub her eyes. Kagura, however, smacked her hands away with a flick of her fan.
"Don't do that. You'll muss up your pretty face."
Kagome drew her hands away, sitting back against the wall. She probably should get back out there in case Sango was looking for her. She'd left her phone at the table and everything.
"I guess I'll have to face him eventually," she muttered, standing and smoothing out her dress. "Thanks for coming to check on me though. I appreciate it."
"Mmm, not yet," Kagura said, grabbing her arm and forcing her to sit. "I promised puppy protection, didn't I?"
"But—"
"Just give it a minute," she said, looping her arm loosely around Kagome's as they sat waiting for something. She forced the both of them to lean back against the wall, and Kagura kept a firm grip on her arm to prevent her from leaving before she thought it was ready.
A knock echoed through the bathroom, and Kagura grinned as she quickly pulled Kagome to her feet.
She opened the door, hiding Kagome off to the side. Sesshomaru stood in the entry way.
"He is gone. Come, Rin is unattended," he said, holding his hand out to Kagura.
"And who knows what she's doing! Probably playing with sharp objects near her eyes! You know how fragile those are!"
Kagome saw the glare he cut towards Kagura, urging her forward and back towards the room. Kagome stepped out, following them.
"Hey," came a quiet voice from behind her.
Inuyasha was leaned up against the wall, holding a glass of clear liquid towards her.
"For me?" She asked, noting the faint dusting of a blush across his nose and cheeks.
"Who else would it be for?"
She sensed that this was as close to an apology as she was going to get from him, and she took the glass in acceptance of his attempt.
"Well, thanks. I appreciate it."
He shrugged, pushing off the wall and walked with her back towards the ballroom.
"I—I didn't—I'll keep a better eye out for the wolf next time."
She took a small sip of the vodka soda he'd gotten for her.
"It's okay. I shouldn't be so sensitive about it."
"Yeah, well, he shouldn't be an asshole about it either."
That was—a fair observation. He opened the door, allowing her to pass through first, and then led her back towards their table with a gentle hand on her back.
Kagome counted down the minutes until she had to give her speech.
"What's your speech going to be about?" She asked Inuyasha as she took a bite of her filet.
"Dunno," Inuyasha answered with a shrug.
"What do you mean 'you don't know'? You're giving a toast in like twenty minutes!"
"I'll wing it when I get up there," he said with another nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. Kagome just stared at him completely and utterly baffled. How was he not freaking out about this?
"You'll wing it?"
He stared at her like she was an idiot for not understanding the genius behind his methodology.
"Aren't you freaking out even a little? What if you screw up? What will everyone think?"
"They can think what they want. They generally do anyway. So what if you screw up, half these morons will be so drunk by the end of the night, they won't care at all."
While this train of thought wasn't wrong per se, it was also just completely unfathomable that he would simply just not care what people thought while he was giving a speech while they were all watching him.
How did this man live?
And how could she learn to do that?
She freaked out every single time she called into either of her boss's offices.
The maid of honor speech was literally the one thing that she hated the most about this weekend, and she'd been nearly strangled and had her purse stolen, so there's that.
"You'll do fine," he said, nudging her with an elbow. "You'll probably make me look like shit anyway."
"My brother lacks the ability to plan. He is too short-tempered."
"Hey! How about you say that to my face!"
"I rest my case."
Kagome giggled as Inuyasha growled and mumbled beside her.
"He's terrible at chess," Kagura added.
"He takes five minutes to move one little piece! I can do the same thing in a second. Two if I take a drink first!"
"It's hilarious," Kagura noted.
"He has lost every game."
"I don't lose; I forfeit, because I don't want to die of old age waiting for you to 'strategize' your little rooks and bishops."
"At least you remembered the names this time."
"Castles and funny hats, right?" Kagome asked, and Inuyasha made a gesture as if that proved his point. "And the knights are the horseys, right?"
Sesshomaru default look was a deadpan, but even Kagome could see the light go out behind his eyes a little more as Kagura stifled a laugh behind her hand.
A smug grin covered Inuyasha's face.
"The knights are horseys," Inuyasha repeated, agreeing with her statement.
Rin gasped.
"You have a game with horses? I wanna play!"
Sesshomaru's glower felt like it would incinerated a lesser man, but Inuyasha just grinned, looking almost feral, as Sesshomaru tried, and failed, to convince his daughter that she would not enjoy the 'horsey' game.
Sesshomaru shot his wife a glance, but even Kagome could read the plea for help.
"Oh, don't look at me. I'm not the one who bragged about his solid marble horsey game."
Rin continued to beg to play the game, and Kagura only watched.
"Very well. I will teach you how to play the game when we return home, now quietly eat your dinner." He looked back at Kagura. "You are of no help."
"She's not the one who gave in," Inuyasha pointed out, earning him another glower.
"Do you have to agitate everyone within shouting range?" Kagome asked him, and he only shrugged.
"It is his primary personality trait," Sesshomaru commented coolly, and Inuyasha growled.
"And yours is—"
"Language," Kagura warned, and Inuyasha bit his tongue.
A hand on Kagome's shoulder made her jump slightly, turning to see Miroku leaning slightly over the back of the chair.
"Everything okay?" Miroku asked, and Kagome nodded with a smile.
"Yeah, why?" Kagome asked, and he shook his head.
"Just checking is all." He smiled. "We're going to move everything out to the gardens right after dinner, so we'll do speeches during that point."
"Sounds great!" Kagome said with a grin, and Miroku patted her shoulder.
"You'll make sure that he's on time?" He asked, and she nodded.
"Hey, I am always on time!"
Miroku stared at him, and Kagome watched his ears twist sideways.
"Most of the time," he conceded, ears flattening against his hair. "Some of the time."
"My point," Miroku said. "Sango and I will see you both outside at the front." He started to move away before pausing. "Oh, Inuyasha," he leaned down and whispered something, squeezing his shoulder slightly before rising up. "I'll see you in the gardens."
She glanced over at Rin, when she saw Sesshomaru's eyes dart towards her and then away.
"Should we go out with them?" She asked as Miroku walked away.
"Might not be a bad idea. We need to get you another drink anyway."
"What? Why?"
"Because you're way too uptight about this whole speech thing."
"I am not!" She argued as he stood, pulling her chair out with ease. He waited, leaning on the back of her chair, and she could already feel her anxiety spiking. "Okay, fine, maybe a little nervous." She stood, grabbing her phone, and following Inuyasha.
Except they passed by the bar.
"I thought that we were getting another drink."
"We are. In the gardens. Won't be so busy."
Kagome giggled, noting the way his ear turned back towards her.
"You don't want to be late," she teased, and he tossed her a scowl over his shoulder, which meant that she was right.
"I don't know what you're talking about, woman."
He opened the door, holding it open for her, and together they walked out to the area cordoned off for the wedding.
Heat lamps were being set up by the staff around the seating areas, and she walked through the seating towards where the bartender was setting up glasses and bottles.
"Mango pineapple vodka soda and a whiskey," he ordered.
"Please," Kagome added, and he glanced at her but didn't say anything else.
The bartender quickly poured them two drinks, and as soon as the drink was in her hand, he grabbed her free hand and dragged her off to the head table.
"So why did we have to come out here so early?" She asked, taking a sip of her drink.
"Because you need to chill out. And even I've noticed people get you wound up. And I'm dumb as shit when it comes to observing people, so that should say something."
"How is it that you can make that sound like a complete insult and yet somehow sweet at the same time?"
He shrugged, "It's a gift."
Not the word she would use but whatever. She took another, longer sip, exhaling slowly. He was right, she was having a moment, and she really did need to relax.
"So what's the deal with you and the wolf?"
To her credit, she contained the flinch really well, but that didn't mean he didn't notice.
"We dated." She ran her fingernail over the glass. "It didn't exactly end well."
"I knew that," he chided her, like she was an idiot. "Miroku told me when we were organizing the rooms. Said he had to be on the lowest floor, which is fine. I suggested the dumpster. And Sango's been up my ass about making sure he leaves you alone."
"Oh," was all she could answer. She didn't know that they'd put quite so much effort into accommodating her. "I don't know actually." She frowned a little before sighing. "If I knew what it was, I'd stop doing it."
"Keh, he's a dick." He emptied his glass setting it back on the bar. "You feeling better?"
"A little?"
He flashed her a grin, and she felt her cheeks redden slightly at the sight of him. Seriously. It was a crime to be that handsome.
And even though he was a jerk half the time, he could be really sweet too.
"Wow, Kagome managed to make the Inuyasha Taisho show up on time for something," Miroku called from the doorway to the gardens.
"Fuck you, Miroku! I dragged her out here!"
Kagome giggled, and she caught sight of an ear flicking towards her for just a moment.
"It's true. He insisted on coming out here early. He wanted to impress you."
"The fuck I did!" He glared at her over her shoulder, and she read the look for what it was. Traitor. She grinned up at him, and he looked away, pouting.
Sango sidled up beside Kagome, bumping her gently with her shoulder.
"So, you ready to give your speech?"
"That's what this is for," Kagome said as she swirled the vodka in her glass.
"Liquid courage. Good choice," Miroku mused as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "You know, Inuyasha, a great best man would make sure that his friend's glass is never empty."
"Guess I'm just an alright best man then."
Kagome laughed, noting the ear the flicked towards her before returning towards the conversation.
"So how's everything going?" Sango asked quietly as Inuyasha threatened to body slam Miroku into the fountain.
"It's fine," she answered, taking another sip of her vodka. She'd already had enough tonight that her stomach was comfortably warm, and she felt somewhat more relaxed.
"You'd tell me if someone was bothering you, right?"
"Of course!"
"But everything's been okay?"
"Everything has been perfectly fine, Sango. If it becomes an issue, I'll let you know. Or Inuyasha. He seems to be keen on punching someone lately."
Inuyasha made a vulgar comment about size comparisons.
"He would probably enjoy it. I was worried that Kouga would be bothering you."
"He tried a little at first, but he's backed off some. I promise, I'll tell you if anything goes askew."
Sango bumped her again as people began filing out into the gardens.
"It still feels surreal, you know," she mused. "Like I'm actually married now. I am a married woman. I'm going to leave here and go home with my husband."
"Who you have to keep forever now."
Sango grinned, beaming as Miroku stepped between them, clearly using his wife as a shield.
"Say it again, fucker."
"Now, Inuyasha, Sango would be very upset if you—"
"What did you say?" Sango asked, eyes narrowed.
"That you're the most beautiful thing I've ever laid eyes on?"
Kagome shoved off the table, grabbing Inuyasha's wrist as he growled at Miroku.
"Come on, Inuyasha," Kagome said, pulling him towards the bar. "I need another drink."
The growling diminished slowly, before disappearing altogether by the time they reached the bar.
She took the tumbler from the bartender with a smile.
"I know you're worried about the wolf, but if you want to drink tonight," she looked up at him and he broke away, his face bright red, "I can keep an eye out for you."
She smiled at the offer.
"It's okay. You don't have to play nanny for me. Besides, you'll want to have fun too."
"It ain't gonna bother me. You look like you could use a night off anyway." He crossed his arms in front of his chest as people began milling about. "Don't worry about wolf-shit, alright? And we're on the same floor, so it ain't like I'm not already going that way."
While she wasn't entirely sure if he was offering merely to stick it to Kouga or if he genuinely cared, she couldn't help but smile at his attempt to make her feel better.
"I might take you up on it then."
He gave her a solemn nod, before shifting his weight as the caterers began passing out flutes of champagne to the guests.
The final countdown was beginning, and she could feel the anxiety spiking already. Taking another sip of her vodka, she watched as the small crowd gather around the small tables.
Miroku waited for a moment as the waiters continued passing out the flutes, before speaking.
"I speak for Sango and myself when I say that it means the world to us to have you all here. You all mean so much to us, and we're so glad that you could join us. But before we raise a toast to my absolutely gorgeous wife, I believe there are a couple people that want to say a few words." He motioned for Inuyasha and Kagome to take the floor.
Her stomach wasn't filled with butterflies. Instead, it felt like someone had shoved rags soaked in kerosene inside of her and lit the match.
She wanted to throw up.
Maybe she should.
She probably had a couple minutes before Inuyasha finished speaking—oh wait, he was already talking and she wasn't listening—what if she said something that he'd already said—and how was she supposed to speak loud enough to make everyone hear her—she was going to ruin this and then she would be that person for the rest of the party. And Sango and Miroku would remember this moment for the rest of their lives.
Oh shit.
She was going to throw up.
She stared at her glass.
Vodka had not helped at all.
Vodka had betrayed her.
Vodka was a traitor.
She could hear laughter, and Inuyasha's voice muddled somewhere in the background.
A sharp pinch to the back of her arm made her take a sharp inhale and she snapped her head to look up at him.
"So, enough about me and this idiot," he nodded towards Miroku, grinning, and then he turned towards her. "Knock 'em dead," he said, with a hand on her back and a smile that made her insides do belly flops in the vodka she'd practically inhaled.
"Th—" she cleared her throat, projecting more, "Thanks, Inuyasha," and she was suddenly so glad that he was standing up there with her, the heat of his palm reassuring. She could do this. She could give her short little speech, and then they would toast and that would be everything. "I'm Kagome for those of you who don't know me. Sango and I were assigned as roommates freshman year, and that was probably one of the best things that's ever happened to me in my life. To be honest, we refer to everything before college as 'BS'—Before Sango."
At that, the crowd chuckled lowly and she felt her muscles relaxing somewhat.
"And then there was this weird guy who kept staring at us in our psych class, and we jokingly called him our personal stalker, because he was always there. Like when we went to the library, or the cafeteria. We even went to the other side of campus to just see, and there he was. We couldn't escape him, and then after one bad study session in the library, Sango bet me five bucks, which was a lot of money for poor college kids, that she could scare him off for good." She cleared her throat again. "Five minutes later, I watch her punch the guy in the face, and then come back to the table and say, 'He's visiting us on Friday.' And he never actually left, and I never got my five dollars."
She looked over at the couple as a smile broke out over her face.
"Which was fine really, because Miroku is a great friend. So when they started dating, it was really obvious that he wasn't going anywhere, and I couldn't be happier. And if you'd seen them together in college, you'd also wonder why it took him this long to pop the question. But if there's anyone who makes me believe in love at first sight, it's the two of them. So, in short, congratulations you two, no one deserves this more than you."
"To Sango and Miroku!" Inuyasha shouted, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and raising his glass. The crowd shouted back and everyone took a drink.
"Alright, ladies! Gentlemen! Let's get this party started!" Miroku motioned to the band, who immediately began playing as Sango nearly tackled Kagome in a bear hug.
"Oh my God, I love you so much!"
Kagome laughed, hugging her friend back.
"I love you too!"
Another set of arms wrapped around her, and Miroku pressed a kiss to her temple. She looped an arm around his back.
"You did so well, Kagome. I know that was hard for you."
"Yeah, well, anything for you two."
"Inuyasha! Want to get in on this?" Miroku asked.
"Yeah, no. I'm good. Way the fuck over here."
"Aww, Inuyasha, I thought you were a cuddler?" Kagome asked, teasing from the night before, and Miroku let out a laugh as he backed away.
"Well, I'll leave you two to figure that out," gently patting his red-faced friend on the shoulder as he held his hand out to Sango. "Let's go dance, shall we?"
Kagome let out a breath as the newly married couple jogged to the dance floor. She flashed a smile at him.
"Come on, let's get a drink," she said pulling on the hem of his sleeve. He followed her without retort.
Inuyasha watched her as she took the glass from the bartender with a genuine grin on her face.
For a hot minute there, he couldn't tell if she was going to faint or puke on herself, and he could practically smell the nervousness wafting off of her, even though that damn smile never left her face.
She looked slightly pale, but he wasn't sure if that wasn't caused by the lighting or something else.
"Uncle!" Rin shouted, clearly restrained by her father as they walked up. Inuyasha scooped her up, as she gave him a hug. "You did a good job!" She patted his cheeks with her hands, smooshing them a little, and he let her for a moment before leaning back to break the contact.
"Hey, what're you trying to do, kiddo?"
Rin giggled, covering her mouth, before leaning over to Kagome and patting her hair.
"You did a good job too," she said solemnly.
"Uh, thanks," she said as Rin gave her a nod.
A quick glance at her father showed that he was about ready to roll over and die of mortification, because Inuyasha recognized the action for what it was. That was the exact thing that Sesshomaru did when praising Rin, who, much to Inuyasha's' chagrin, was now bestowing that honor on other people.
"Aww, she's like a little parrot, Sesshomaru," Kagura cooed, patting his shoulder. "Good job, much praise."
"Kagura, no."
But it was too late.
"Good job, much praise!" Rin shouted, patting Inuyasha on the head and then leaning back over to Kagome, "Good job, much praise!" She laughed so hard it was nearly a cackle.
"See, parrot," Kagura said, motioning to the little girl.
"You started this," he reminded her and reached out to take the girl from her uncle.
Inuyasha watched with a grin as his half-brother attempted to control the little girl who was only too happy to bestow praise on everyone, including her father, who looked like he would rather concede defeat to Inuyasha before discouraging her happiness.
"Kagome!" Sango called, and they both turned to look over at the dance floor, filled with people of every age. Kagome moved to join their friend on the dance floor as he held up a handful of shots for the taking, and he hesitated for only just a moment before following.
"You sure that you're gonna be okay?" He asked her as she struggled to get her key card into the reader.
"Yep!"
She let out a cheer as Inuyasha swiped the card, with his other hand resting on her back to make sure she stayed upright in those heels that she'd somehow managed to wear all evening. Her feet had to be killing her. Or would be later. "You're amazing!"
He opened the door, holding it for her as she staggered in, hand reaching out to steady herself against the wall, still giggling.
"Come on," he said, looping her arm around his neck as he guided her to the bed that smelled so strongly of her, letting her plop down on the edge. He knelt down and undid the buckle of her shoe and slid it off her foot, wincing at the blisters that were already forming. Her feet were going to hurt something fierce tomorrow when she was sober. He took off her other shoe, setting the pair off to the side where she couldn't trip over them.
"You're so sweet," she whispered, and he felt her fingers scratch at the base of his ear, making him shiver. He leaned away to look up at her. She hummed, letting her fingers trace along his jaw all the way down to his chin, her thumb tracing the edge of his bottom lip. He wanted to nip it with his fang, not enough to draw blood, but enough to leave a mark.
Then she booped his nose audibly and with her finger and the moment was gone.
Right, she was drunk, and he had his own room.
"Okay, Kagome, where do you keep your acetaminophen?"
"A—see—toe—minnow fin?"
"Yeah, Tylenol, Motrin, you're gonna have a terrible headache tomorrow when you wake up."
"Bathroom," she said, pointing towards the door.
"Stay here, and I'll be right back, okay?"
She nodded, smiling unabashedly at him, and his own brain faltered at the sight. He stood, unsteady on his own feet despite his sobriety, and turned to rummage through her bathroom to find aspirin or something to ease the hangover she'd have tomorrow. He filled a glass with water, setting it to the side as he found a small bottle of Motrin in her makeup bag and took it out to her with the water.
"Kagome?"
"Hmm?" She hummed, turning towards him. He knelt down in front of her again, holding out the pills and the glass of water.
"Take this and drink all the water," he said, and she did so with an ease that had him a little worried. Perhaps she wasn't as drunk as he thought?
"Sango got married!" She sang, thrusting the glass back at him, which quite frankly, had it not been for his youkai reflexes, would be a shattered mess on the floor right now. "I did a good job!"
Right, no worries. She was as drunk as he suspected.
"Yeah, you did a great job."
She beamed down at him, watching him as he stood and went back into her bathroom to refill the water glass. He set it on the end table between the two beds, looking back at the girl.
"Alright, let's get you to bed. Can you manage that on your own?"
"Yes!" She stood, too quickly, and he steadied her wobble. He'd planned on leaving once he got in, but he wasn't about to let her crack her head open on a counter or desk. He genuinely wanted to make sure that she got into bed with no brain-damaging issues.
"How about I wait for you to wash up and change, and then I'll leave?"
She nodded and staggered into the bathroom where he heard water running. He leaned back against the door, noting that it was already almost three a.m. Even he was feeling the late night hours. It took her some time to get ready, but she came out with a clean face and dressed in something that made his stomach clench just looking at it. She stumbled, and he darted forward to catch her before she hit the ground. He helped her back to her feet, though really it was him mostly just lifting her and putting her upright. Her help only made her situation worse.
She wobbled towards her bed, and he pulled the blankets back for her, questioning why he was putting so much effort in for someone he did not know at all. Or care for in any sense of the term.
Nope.
Not at all.
It was only because Sango had asked. That's it. Help make sure her drunk best friend got to her room safe and sound and didn't attract any predators, specifically wolves.
He didn't know exactly what happened between the two of them, but the vague assumption was that it wasn't kind.
He didn't want to be accused of letting her drunkenly get herself into trouble. And if he cock-blocked the wolf—well, he wasn't opposed to that either.
Letting her flop down into the bed, he pulled the covers over her as she wiggled around a little before emitting this little content sigh, clutching the blankets tightly in her fists.
Fuck, he needed to go.
"Okay, I'm going to go back to my room. I'll stop by and make sure you're up for breakfast."
"Mmm'kay," she whispered, burrowing further into the blankets. He nodded and gave a quick pat on her shoulder and then stood.
Right.
He needed to leave before he did something stupid.
Like stay the night.
She didn't need him to stay. And he had a perfectly fine room down the hall. He'd hear if something really bad happened.
He closed the door behind him, listening for the soft click before he walked back to his own room and took his first deep breath that was not utterly saturated in her scent.
It helped clear his head at least a little. He threw his jacket over the back of the desk chair and started undoing the buttons on his dress shirt as he walked into the bathroom to shower.
He smelled like too many different people, and it was starting to give him a headache. He needed to wash before he went to bed.
Taking a quick shower, he scrubbed until he felt clean enough to go to bed and sleep off what was left of the night hours.
Stepping out, he wrapped a towel around his waist, brushing his teeth. Thinking back on it, Kagome probably hadn't done that. He also should've made sure that there was a wastebasket nearby in case she needed to throw up in the middle of the night.
Maybe he could get back in and—
Or he could stay in his own room and not be the super creepy guy that sneaks in to drunk girls' rooms to mother them. He grimaced at the thought.
She would be fine. She was an adult. She didn't need to him to baby her. He slipped on a pair of sweatpants, his favorite, and then flopped himself down into bed.
"You're gonna see her in the morning, so just go to sleep, will you?" He mumbled to himself as he stretched out on his stomach. He let out a soft sigh as his damp hair dried in the cool air conditioning, and he drifted off quickly into sleep.
A/N: So in a fun twist of fate, I've been thinking that I was having an allergic reaction to my thyroid meds (which were changed a couple weeks ago), except that I wasn't. Now, bear in mind that at mid-February, I was testing as basically unmedicated (even though I was taking my medicine as prescribed). So we switched drugs at the start of March, which were actually a significantly lower dose but a different compound. This week, I noticed that my heart rate was really high while I was at rest (like 95-100bpm-like I hit 140bpm brushing my hair, which while long doesn't take quite that much effort). I took another blood test, and yesterday I found out I'm basically experiencing an overdose of thyroid meds, which no one is actually sure how that's happening because the dose was lower, but here we are.
So anyway, I've felt like death all week, but at least we know why now. On the plus side, the half-life for T3 is like a day, so I'll be better in a few days. And my blood pressure was already back to being hypotensive this morning, so that bodes well considering that's normal for me.