There was too much traffic surrounding the hotel, a large building in the middle of a square. Too many metal demons filled with humans in festival clothing. Inuyasha stayed close to his new bride and her family on the street. The street lights highlighted the dark corners but his human vision still felt weak. Keeping track of Kagome's mother, grandfather and brother was stressful. Kagome squeezed his hand as she towed him inside. Strangers were bidding his mother-in-law hello. Elderly humans were stopping them to talk and talk. Families with their own generations were drifting inside.
"I've never been inside a building this big." Inuyasha eyed the giant distrustfully.
"It's perfectly safe. It's built with steel by a lot of people." Kagome pulled on his hand and he nervously followed. The large glass doors stunned him. Expensive looking tile gleamed on the floor of the lobby. Kagome's mother had been stopped by a man in a strange set of clothes. The black cloth almost gleamed underneath the dozens of electric lights hanging from the ceiling. The wealth of it all stunned him. A large glass cube filled with water had been built into the wall. Dozens of little fish in glorious colors shot back and forth.
"What a beautiful aquarium!" Kagome clasped her hands together. She leaned forward. A large blue fish lingered in view before sinking to the little pebbles.
"This is an inn?"
"Sort of. It's larger and more expensive. They have spa treatments!" Kagome picked up a little brochure from a nearby table. She opened the leaflet to view the list of services. Wealthy looking patrons eyed them curiously as they filled the lobby. Inuyasha recognized Kagome's triad of friends flanked by their own families. Boys dressed in the same strange suits waited to escort them.
"Inuyasha? What's the matter?" Kagome grabbed his arm. He had inadvertently stepped away from her. Years of practiced distance had pushed him away from his own wife. People were looking at them. Kagome seemed to understand. She linked her hand through his arm. She crumbled the little leaflet as an elderly couple approached. The gray-haired man reaffixed his glasses to peer at him.
"Is that you, Kagome-chan? How beautiful you look!"
"Ahmya-san." Kagome bowed slightly. The couple returned the gesture. "This is Inuyasha."
"Aren't they a sight, Ren? So young!" The wrinkled old woman smiled at him. He kept his expression flat as they examined him freely. "Your mother said the ceremony was lovely. Just a quiet affair at your shrine?"
"Yes, Ahmya-san."
"How romantic! With such a handsome groom. Are your parents here, son?" The grandmother addressed him. He opened his mouth nervously until he felt Kagome squeeze his arm.
"My mother is calling us, Ahmya-san. We have to help her with the hall. If you'll excuse us?" Kagome bowed again. Inuyasha followed suit before she guided him down the entrance. Her mother was guiding Souta away from the water fountain in the lobby towards the large wooden doors. They were allowed past a cordoned-off section with red ropes into a large banquet room. Staff were checking that the tables were set correctly. Inuyasha stared at the red banners on the wall. The high ceilings. A large stone platform in the center of the room upheld an enormous white cake with decorative plants. Kagome shrieked with happiness and dragged him forward. She jumped up and down as she studied the white tiers.
"It's perfect, look! White fondant with flowers! Look at the flowers! Chocolate cupcakes!" Kagome squealed. Inuyasha was a bit bewildered by the little trays of miniature cakes on round trays. Each one was decorated by a small mountain of sugary icing in the shape of a flower.
"The servers are still putting the settings in place. Do you like the cake?" Kagome's mom glided between the tables. She smiled satisfactorily at the pile of sweets. Inuyasha watched uniformed men and women adding expensive glass cups to tables. Arranging forks, knives, plates. Each tables was covered with a white cloth. In the center of each was a small bundle of flowers. Little cards with names in flowery writing were being set out. One table in the room was set differently. The flowers looked more expensive than the rest.
"That's where you will sit." Kagome's mother gestured. Inuyasha's human ears picked up the music playing in the background, wind instruments of some kid. He nodded politely to another server and stepped out of his way. Souta wound his way through the chairs to grab onto his clothes.
"It's beautiful, Mama!" Kagome hugged her mother.
"It's turned out so well. They're almost done." The procession of servers adjusting details of each table were slowing. They seemed to be preparing the doors to open. The kind face of his mother-in-law turned on him.
Shit.
"We're going to open the doors soon. The guests are going to come inside. We're going to have champagne and say hello to everyone." The woman guided him towards the door.
Inuyasha cringed.
"Just be polite and let Kagome answer the questions. We'll make it through." A friendly pat on his arm didn't help. Two people were opening the grand double doors that led back to the entrance. Kagome's mother pushed him into a spot outside the doors. Kagome took her spot beside him as a small crowd of old, peering humans began to file along. Several already had glasses in their hands from waiters handing out refreshments to the bored.
Inuyasha was exhausted by the time he was ushered back into the banquet hall. People were still standing near the big tables instead of at them. Alcohol was freely furnished. He glared as he caught Hojo's eye. The boy seemed a bit bewildered. His brown hair was sticking up around his human head. A man who looked exactly like the youth stood nearby with streaks of gray. Kagome was heading off any conversation with the newest nosy relative. A distant cousin was interested in her 'quick' marriage. Whispers about his wife's condition were swirling around. Despite his human ears, his hearing was still better than most. He blamed the idiot schoolboy. As if he would try to trap Kagome into marriage! He wasn't even sure what that meant.
"Eighteen years old! Your wedding photos will be perfect." The relative crooned.
"It's a very young age to be married." A woman with unnaturally red hair tsked.
"Is he going off to service? Where will he be posted?"
"Inuyasha isn't in the military. We just love each other!" Kagome waved her hands. His mood improved when he remembered that the beautiful girl shining in the center of the room belonged to him. The red lipstick perfectly matched her red kimono. Her blue eyes shone with happiness. Inuyasha took a small step closer to her as she waved her hands about in conversation. Hojo could be jealous as long as he liked.
Kagome's mother was surrounded by her own friends. He couldn't hear the conversations but she seemed happy enough. Souta was lingering around the group of young girls by the far table flirting with one of the servers. Chou had a hand on what he assumed was her younger brother, Souta's friend. Inuyasha rolled his eyes at the boy's efforts to impress her. None of them would let the kid have a glass of his own alcohol. He sniffed at his own glass and easily decided to abstain.
It's the Night of the New Moon. I have to stay sharp.
Kagome's glass was marked by her lipstick. She had sipped at her champagne several times now after particularly nosy questions about their relationship. When had they met? How old was he? What business were his parents in? Where would they live? What high school had he attended? Why the hurry to marry? Why didn't they choose to wait? Were none of his friends here? Didn't he have any friends? Was he planning to attend the same university? Kagome hadn't been accepted to a university, why not? She hadn't applied? Why was she attending nursing school part-time? Was she pregnant?
"They all ask the same questions!" Kagome turned towards him. She took another sip from her glass and exhaled tiredly. He stepped closer protectively as more people glided by.
"Kagome!" Girlish squeals were a preamble to the swarm. Three girls descended on them. Ayumi, Eri and Yuka.
"Hey, husband!" Yuka patted his arm.
"Hey." Inuyasha bristled.
"Dyed your hair for the wedding? It's cute!" Eri touched his hair. Yuka nodded.
"Hojo keeps asking questions about you. Like how long you've been together. I think he's jealous." Ayumi kept her voice down. "He brought this girl, Anzu, from university as his date. She's completely in love with him."
"Oh, really?" It was Kagome's turn to look awkward.
"She's pretty but a definite rebound. Hojo is legit jealous of your man!" Yuka leaned on his arm. Inuyasha squirmed as Kagome half-turned to see the girl. A young, tall girl with a purple streak in her hair was talking to Hojo's dad. Pretty enough, but not nearly as beautiful as his girlfriend. Wife, wife! He couldn't help smirking when he caught Hojo looking in Kagome's direction again.
That's right, baka. Kagome married me!
"Don't worry. We've got your back." Kagome's breathy friend patted his arm. The other two nodded in agreement. Kagome took another sip of champagne rather than address their warlike formation around them both. Are all girls like this or just the ones I know?
"Tell us about the ceremony!"
"Yes! Tell us your mom took pictures."
Inuyasha was glad to fade to the background as Kagome described the priest and the ceremony. They ahhed over how she nearly sipped from her empty cup. Her voice was warm as she described the events. The girls faded to the background when Kagome took his hand. It was easier to ignore the large hall with their fingers interlocked. There was a change in the crowd. Kagome's friends quarreled over their seats as he found himself being pushed towards the head table. He was glad to have Kagome sitting on his right when a strange electronic twang echoed through the room. The background music faded as Kagome's grandfather took center stage of the higher platform.
"Hello, everyone!" The old man waved. There were giggles. "Thank you for being here with us tonight. I am proud to honor my granddaughter, Kagome, and her husband Inuyasha. Isn't she beautiful? Yes, I remember!" The old man waved at his daughter-in-law. "Dinner will be out shortly! Before we begin the lovely meal on your cards, I wanted to extend a heartfelt welcome to our guests. My daughter and granddaughter have been planning this event for months! Haven't they done a wonderful job?" Inuyasha was startled to hear a round of applause.
"Ah, what everyone has been waiting for. The food!" Inuyasha's head turned as a stream of servers in matching outfits were wandering amongst the tables. Kagome squeezed his fingers under the table. "Eat and drink and enjoy!"
Inuyasha's stomach rumbled to life when a plate of artfully arranged food was placed before him. His cup of champagne was thankfully replaced with a cup of tea. Kagome's glass of champagne was replaced with umeshu. Her friends were served umeshu while their dates requested beer. Salmon with cheese, fried bread with shrip paste, squid, kelp rolls, shrimp with egg yolks. The mixture of sweet and salty foods were wondrous. Aware of the eyes watching, Inuyasha ate more slowly than he cared for, lest he embarrass Kagome's family. He made a quiet wish for his friends once again, if only to share in the bounty of food being distributed around the food. It reminded him that they had not eaten since earlier in the day. Kagome's bites were smaller than his, mindful of her stiff sleeves and makeup.
"Good?"
"Great!"
"We made sure there's no curry on the menu." Kagome giggled when he finished his ridiculously small portion. The expensive looking plate ware was stylishly designed underneath. Inuyasha watched Kagome maneuver her chopsticks and take polite bites of her food. Her friends and their escorts were also eating at a glacial pace.
Humans.
It was a lifetime before the servers appeared again to replace the first course with the second. Clear soup with shrimp cakes in glossy black bowls. Inuyasha paused when he noticed the gold edges. Their guests seemed to have awoken a bit. There was a grandmother at the microphone telling a story about her own wedding, many years ago. The voice matched the story from the phone. Kagome leaned closer to him. "That's Aunt Mio. She's a bit senile. She's been repeating that story to everyone for the past week."
"Ah." Inuyasha noted the lack of response from the audience as the grandmother patted her eyes with a handkerchief. She was courteously escorted from the stage by a younger man. Another person took her place. A middle-aged man wearing lenses launched into a blessing for his ex-student.
"My professor. He was always kind about letting me reschedule my exams." Kagome legitimately smiled.
The next course was particularly good: sashimi. Sea bream, tuna, and squid were arranged into the shape of a creature. Thin carrot slices acted as the animal's ears. Kagome's friends teased her about the rabbit until she joined them in a small toast to their classroom pet Bunbun. Inuyasha didn't understand but lifted his own glass. Child Kagome had attempted to rescue a pet rabbit from their classroom by sneaking it out in her uniform. The squirming creature had escaped from her clothes and dropped her pants. Kagome's cheeks turned red.
Kagome. Always trying to protect everyone around her. Inuyasha stayed silent while her friends giggled. He nudged her arm and received a grateful smile.
Boiled vegetables were next. Taro, mushrooms, peas and carrots had been artfully arranged atop a slice of square pumpkin. Inuyasha enjoyed the subtle flavors of kelp, mirin, sake and soy sauce. Pumpkins were one of the sweet vegetables from Kagome's world he liked most. The sweet taste mixed well with the tang of the sauce.
Inuyasha gripped Kagome's hand as beautiful slices of beef were set before them. Kagome directed him to dip slices of the steak into the sauce provided. It was difficult to mind his manners as he let the warmth and flavor mingle in his mouth. He heard the friendly jeers as Kagome's friends noted his one-mindedness. Around the table, Kagome and her friends were enjoying a grilled dish of kinki and yuzu with fresh ginger.
"Kagome?"
"It was a special request for the caterer. It's very expensive beef." Kagome's arm rested around his back. He paused. "Is it good? I hoped it would be."
"A special request?"
"That's from a specialty breeder. The cows live on a very particular diet. The caterer is friends with a distributor. She managed to buy a few pounds fresh from the farm."
"Kagome..."
"I know this wedding is mostly what Mama and I wanted. You deserve to have something special. It's the only thing you really asked to have." Kagome's blue eyes were filled with love and warmth. Inuyasha's heart stuck in his throat when he considered the fat little book full of papers and notes. Special care had been taken to get the food delivered in a timely mannered, prepared separately from the other guests and cooked to perfection. He ignored the others at their tables to kiss his wife chastely. Words always failed him when trying to voice his gratitude for the sweet, thoughtful girl who loved him.
The little suite off the main banquet hall was blessedly quiet. Shizuka and her assistant efficiently stripped the bride of her red silk kimono. Her hair was freed from its decorations to fall in messy ringlets around her face. A third outfit was removed from protective covering and laid on the bed. Inuyasha balked as he recognized the odd Western suit on the bed.
"Kagome?" Inuyasha squeaked.
"It's intermission. Take off your clothes." Kagome flushed in her simple white kimono. The door to the bathroom stayed open as his bride rested her third dress on the wall. The door closed swiftly.
They left us together in this room to change. Inuyasha couldn't help but feel embarrassed at the implications. Kagome's mother thought they were already intimate, that it was nothing to dress together. He muttered to himself as he loosened the knots on his clothing and slipped out of his footwear. Underneath the tabi, his toenails had shrunk to human proportions. He sat on the bed to remove the extra layer of gauze. He cursed when he considered the strange fabric and its odd contraptions. Seeing the suit on Souta didn't mean anything. It was cut differently than he was familiar with wearing. The shoes were shiny and black like Kagome's.
"Kagome!"
"What?"
"How do you put this thing on?" Inuyasha turned the hakama around. Strange little metal clips tumbled to the floor. As he bent to find them in the thick carpet, the bathroom door opened. He tumbled when Kagome emerged wearing a tiny thing that didn't cover her legs. Tiny strings wouldn't stay on her shoulders. They were bare! The lacy thing was low on her breasts. She was fidgeting with shiny adamant stones at her ears.
"Gaah!"
"Why are you on the floor?" Kagome got the clasp closed. Loose black hair flowed over her shoulders. Inuyasha rolled up into a sitting position. It did nothing for the blood pooling between his legs. The little kimono clung to her body. It was a striking difference from the bountiful fabric she had been wearing all day.
"You're going to wear that in public?" Inuyasha grit his teeth.
"I'm getting dressed. It's a slip. It goes under my real dress." Kagome ignored him to separate the fabric on the bed. Inuyasha swallowed hard as the little slip moved against her thighs. The long, pale limbs were on full display. The shape of her behind was easy to see under the cloth. She's not wearing those little coverings. Inuyasha's fists clenched.
"Inuyasha? Get up, silly." Kagome held up the bottoms.
"J-just set them down. I'll figure it out." Turning his face away pained him.
"You said you needed help!"
"I'm fine!" Inuyasha grumbled. In the edge of his vision he saw her toss the cloth on the bed. She mumbled something inaudible. The bathroom door stayed open as she continued brushing her hair out and fixing her lipstick. Inuyasha's hand twisted in the bed as she leaned forward to outline her mouth in the mirror. Her shapely rear pushed out.
Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck fuck...
"What did you say?" Kagome lowered her lipstick. She turned to study him.
You cannot have an erection when her mother comes back. Think of something else. Naraku! Miroku's breath. Ogre guts. Kagome's sweet, puzzled expression wasn't helping. He shifted his legs to hide his problem. He kept his head down when Kagome walked past him. Kagome will kill me if her mother catches me in this state. It would embarrass her. Think, stupid! Jaken taking a bath. Horse flanks. Bugs.
"Inuyasha?" Kagome touched his shoulder. He jumped.
"You're not dressed yet? Keh!" His voice couldn't quite manage anger. His bride was leaning down to peer at him with a worried expression. He could see the top of her breasts. What kind of pervert sewed that thing together? Shizuka? I knew something about that woman was off!
"Are you...?" Kagome gestured. This innocent whispered question caught him off guard.
"It's shitty timing. I need a minute." Inuyasha felt his cheeks flush. He kept picturing the door swinging open. The gaggle of Kagome's friends, her mother, the dressmaker coming to stare at him. Kagome's eyes darting towards his crotch were only making it worse.
"How often does this happen?" Kagome's lip twitched. Inuyasha kept his head down. The giggle only added to his humiliation. He flinched when Kagome dropped to her knees in front of him. The ridiculous skirt hitched even higher on her thighs.
She's beautiful.
Inuyasha wasn't expecting the kiss. Kagome's hands drew his face closer. It felt nice but did nothing to reduce his situation. He tried to shift his face away. Kagome's arms wrapped around his shoulders. His head tilted backwards as she moved. To his horror and delight, Kagome's legs were on either side of his waist.
"Kagome - "
Fingers tugged on his rosary beads. Her hands ran across his bare shoulders.
"We don't have forever. I locked the door." Kagome kissed his neck.
"What? You're not serious!"
"It's our wedding. They can wait. I can't." Teeth closed on his earlobe and he nearly lost it. His hand landed on her leg. The useless little strap of her dress had already fallen. The top curve of her breast made him groan.
"Y-you wanted to wait! For the h-honeymoon."
Inuyasha didn't have the strength to resist. Kagome's hand grabbed his wrist. Her mouth hovered over his as she guided his hand. The little noise she made when he grazed her skin blew air over his lips.
"Kagome, you're...?"
"All day." In wonder, the girl moved against his hand.
"Fuck." Inuyasha leaned forward. Kagome didn't object to the contact. His hands found the edge of her useless gown. The girl raised her arms over her head. The urgency of her kiss encouraged him. He fumbled with the knot keeping his formal hakama closed.
"Dammit." Inuyasha worked the little knot. The secure form he had tightened that morning was holding firm.
"Let me help." Kagome stopped him. Each moment felt like an eternity. His bride's smaller, deft hands pulled the fabric. The slight bouncing of her bare breasts was a nice distraction.
Inuyasha shrugged out of the hakama and the annoying modern fundoshi. Kagome kissed him. The feel of her warm body against his made him harden. He cursed the New Moon briefly for his lack of scent. Kagome's warm, wet, open scent would be something else when he changed back. He exhaled sharply when a strange hand gripped him.
"Kagome!"
The girl rose slightly. He did his best to accommodate when she guided him into place. Her breath was heavy as she let gravity ease the way. Inuyasha was suddenly grateful for the New Moon. His hands gripped her hips tightly. The warmth almost made him dizzy. With effort, he focused on Kagome's face.
"You okay?" Inuyasha shifted.
"Yeah."
"Does it hurt?" Kagome's expression wasn't pained, but she wasn't moving either. Sango warned me. The first time is different for girls. I don't want to stop.
"No, it's just...new." Her hands flattened on his shoulders.
"Does it feel good?" Please say yes, please say yes! The long moments waiting for her answer pained him. Her hips shifted under his hands.
"Grab those pillows." His head snapped to the bed above them. His arms were able to reach the smaller, decorative pillows on the bed. Kagome moved them under her knees. Without warning, she pushed down. Inuyasha's eyes rolled back in his head. His thrust was an automatic response. Kagome made a noise.
"Is that good?"
"Fuck!" Inuyasha caught a tantalizing breast in his mouth. The girl gripped his head as he bit the nipple gently. Her lower muscles moved around him. Does she like that? Inuyasha kissed it before biting the other one. Her noise and the clenching confirmed it. The girl pushed down against him again. Inuyasha's toes clenched.
Fuck, no. Fucking get it together!
"Inuyasha," Kagome's eyes closed. The urge overtook him and he thrust upwards. Kagome followed his lead and followed his hips down. Her body ground against his. It intrigued him to watch her own hand drift towards her breast. The pretty, round nails tweaked her nipple gently. He thrust harder upwards.
That's what she needs?
Kagome kissed him quickly. Her breath quickened when he managed to thrust and stroke at the same time. Her hands gripped his head for a deeper kiss. The warm muscles surrounding his erection tightened and he tensed.
Fuck, fuck!
Inuyasha's eyes shut as pleasure washed over him. His body thrust several times as his toes curled. Happy spasms intensified in his groin. Kagome's muscles contracted lightly. The overwhelming need weakened. The warmth disappeared as Kagome lifted herself.
"Fuck." Inuyasha exhaled. A slight weariness settled over him. The sated, happy feeling was nice. The tension from the wedding, the fancy hotel, was relieved until he realized Kagome didn't look elated. She was sitting on her ankles.
"You didn't?"
"It felt good but - "
"Kagome!"
"It was too fast." She looked as embarrassed as he felt.
The knock at the door sent them both to their feet. Kagome quickly grabbed her slip while Inuyasha dove for his shirt. He slipped on the stupid flowery cushions and hit the floor. Kagome's mother called through the door.
"We're fine, Mom! We'll be right out. Just finishing my hair!" Kagome yelled back. Inuyasha sent her a look.
"Your brother wants to give a little speech. Isn't that sweet?" The matron called.
"Y-yeah. That's great!" Kagome slipped her slip over her head. Inuyasha met her in the bathing room. The girl turned on the sink. He was slightly curious as she wiped between her legs hurriedly. Wet towels were tossed in his direction. Kagome hurried to unhook a white dress with upraised black roses. She unzipped the back and stepped into it.
"Inuyasha?"
"Y-yeah. Of course." He turned off the sink and dried his hands. The little metal tab was cold as he pulled upright. Kagome took control of the mirror as she hurriedly brushed her hair out. Inuyasha caught sight of himself. He wiped the red lipstick off his face.
"Pants, Inuyasha!" The harsh whisper sent him flying. The modern fundoshi he slipped on easily. One leg into each half of the hakama. The little button slipped through the purposeful cut. He slipped the white shirt over his arms. The stress of time made his heartbeat skyrocket.
Kagome helped him button the dress shirt. They were forced to unbutton the pants to tuck the shirt in. The black coat was thick and stiff. Kagome showed him the special hold on the side for Tetsusaiga. It looked out of place but there was little to be done. It was the night of the New Moon in Kagome's era with dozens of strangers around.
"You're wearing those?" Inuyasha's eyebrow twitched as she sat on the bed to place her shoes. Black, shiny shoes with thin heels. Tiny black paper flowers at the edge. How can anyone walk in those?
"They match the dress." Kagome extended her leg to assess the result. The dress was tapered to her waist but flowed down to her knees. It was a relief to see the straps were thicker than her slip's.
"It's pretty." The words brought a smile to her lips. She kissed him chastely.
"I love you, Kagome."
"I love you too." His wife adjusted his coat before scanning the room. He took her hand as she headed towards the door. Down the hall, Mama Higurashi was swaying slightly with a glass of wine in her hand. The female friend seemed relieved to see them exit the suite.
"Is your mom drunk?"
"Mom?"
"There you are! Isn't she lovely?' The matron gestured with her glass. Red liquid sloshed onto the shiny tile floor. The controlled, dignified woman giggled.
"Let's get back to the hall, ok?" Kagome let go of his hand to guide her mother.
"He's wearing a suit!" The matron pointed a finger at his clothes.
"Inuyasha IS wearing a suit." Kagome repeated. She whispered an apology to him as they ushered her down the hall.
"It suits him!" The grown woman giggled at her easy pun. Kagome passed him her mother's glass to avoid further spillage. His awkward feelings were relieved by her state. If they were lucky, she would forget the suspicious amount of time required for them to dress.
