Kagome clasped her hands together when her brother took the stage. Feedback echoed through the speakers as Souta mishandled the microphone. Inuyasha frowned as people at the next table giggled. She covered the fist on his knee with her palm. His intentions were sweet but her mother's friends meant no harm. Her little brother was very cute in his little suit with his big happy smile.
"Your brother is so adorable!" Ayumi whispered.
"Hello?" Souta held the microphone with both hands. "I'm Souta. Kagome's brother, if you don't know me. I'm really happy that Inuyasha decided to marry my sister. He's really strong and brave and he makes our house feel nicer. Like it's smaller, but in a good way. I like spending time with him, so I hope they visit a lot." The little boy paused to smile at their table. Emotion welled up in Kagome's chest. Most of the sentiment had been directed towards Inuyasha, Souta's hero, but she understood his meaning. Inuyasha does make our house feel smaller, less empty. His energy and his presence just fills the house.
"Mom likes having him around too. She makes him help in the kitchen!" Souta beamed. Inuyasha ducked his head.
"You help Mom?" Since when does Inuyasha help with the cooking?! It's always 'please make me some ramen' or 'when's dinner going to be ready, woman?'! Even Miroku does more of the cooking than Inuyasha!
"That's so cute!" Ayumi clapped.
"My sister had a cold one time. Inuyasha took over the whole kitchen to make her medicine! Mom didn't understand why he put raw carp liver in the potion but it totally worked! Sis took her test the next day. That's how they are together. Kagome doesn't ask for help from anyone except Inuyasha. He's the same way! He's stubborn too but Sis calms him down."
Kagome's eyebrow twitched.
"What?" Inuyasha shifted in his chair. "It worked, didn't it?"
"Anyway, I wanted to say that I think Inuyasha is great, and he makes my sister really happy. Thank you! Kanpai!" Souta's cheer was filled with giggles as he raised his water. His mimicry of the other toasts was especially cute.
"Kagome?" Inuyasha looked up in alarm as she pushed the chair back. Her shoes clacked across the floor. She met her brother coming down the stairs. There were more aahs as she kneeled down to hug him. The middle-school kid squirmed.
"Are you drunk too?"
"No, silly." Kagome squeezed him briefly before tousling his hair. The boy pouted as he tried to fix the muss.
"Can I have some champagne?"
The little rat. Kagome's lip quirked at Souta's pleading expression.
"I'll let you have a sip, just a sip, ok? Don't tell Mom."
"Deal!" Souta grinned. "Is Mom drunk?"
"A little. Keep her away from the microphone."
"I've never seen Mom drunk! She's kinda funny. She keeps making little jokes and ordering more wine. Does that mean she's happy?"
"Cake!" Her mother's voice announced. Kagome froze when she noticed her mother rising from her table. The other matrons at her table merely watched in amusement as their hostess clapped her hands. Her friends cheered as they caught onto her mother's plan. The trio forced her new husband onto his feet. The entire ballroom fell silent. A large flat knife was laying in wait on the table beside the serving trowel.
"Inuyasha," Kagome grabbed his arm. He leaned down.
"We might have to give a speech. Just a short one!" Kagome's speech sped up quickly at his betrayed expression. Poor Inuyasha! I forgot about this part.
"I don't know any of these people, wench!"
"We have to say something to our guests. I'll handle the speech. Just play along, ok?" The bewildered expression in his eyes offered little comfort.
Oh boy.
"My daughter and her beautiful husband would invite everyone, the room to - " Kagome's mother stopped. Her fingers covered her mouth temporarily. Thankfully, the small hiccup was not picked up by the microphone in her hand.
"Mom - give me the microphone!"
"Isn't he beautiful?" Mama Higurashi beamed. Inuyasha flushed and tried to melt into the floor. "A little wild, perhaps, but devoted. I knew when he barged into our home with those cute ears, I understood before Kagome suspected. Walking her to school! Sitting on the roof to watch for her - "
"Kagome!" Inuyasha hissed. The faces in the crowd were murmuring. The understandably odd statement inspired sympathetic looks from her friends.
"Mom," Kagome grasped the matron's wrist gently. Her sweet, swaying mother couldn't protest the transfer of the electronic device. The matron simply shrugged and beamed adoringly at her poor husband.
"The wine is a very good vintage tonight!" Kagome heard her voice reverberate through the room. The crowd laughed. "We would like to say thanks to everyone who helped this event come together. My mother organized everything. Our house has been hectic the last few weeks! My little brother Souta kept Inuyasha on time this morning during the chaos. The manager of this hotel who let us have this room - it's more beautiful than I could have dreamed. Shizuka designed and tailored beautiful wedding clothes for my entire family. Thank you everyone for celebrating this day!"
"Thanks, thanks everyone." Inuyasha followed her lead.
Souta took charge of the microphone as Kagome approached the cake. Inuyasha placed his hand over hers as she guided the trowel. The warmth and texture of his calloused hand made her tip her head forward to hide her emotion. The tears were sudden and powerful. I love him so much! He must be so uncomfortable among all these people, but he's standing with me. Fulfilling our traditions to celebrate our marriage. In the Feudal Era, Inuyasha refuses to eat in the dining hall of an inn. Humans have shunned him so often that he isn't comfortable.
"Kagome?"
The first slice of beautiful cake rested on the fine china. The open, worried expression on her love's face filled her heart with agonizing joy - pure love. The power kept her from speaking her mind. Inuyasha's arm wrapped around her back loosely. The clapping of the crowd as they rose, awaiting their turn to demolish the artful confectionery, was a dim echo. Kagome followed Inuyasha's gaze. The shimmery pink light at her fingertips threatened to grow. The skin covering her palm began to tingle.
"Is something wrong? What is it?" Inuyasha's eyes scanned the approaching well-wishers.
"It's - I don't know! I - " Kagome kept her palm turned towards her stomach to shutter the magic. Am I responding to a threat or have I summoned the reiki? It's never happened like this before, maybe Inuyasha can sense some danger?
"Where's the demon?"
"I don't sense a demon." The violet eyes staring down at her squinted. Inuyasha would love the chance to fight a demon at our wedding, but I don't sense anything!
"I love you, baka." Kagome stepped closer. Heavy dark bangs swung as Inuyasha exhaled. The sudden dip of his head, his bowed body, the contradictory softness of his lips as he kissed her caught her off guard. She hmmed and grasped hold of his bicep. The warmth racing through her veins couldn't be repealed. Kagome opened her eyes. The light had faded from her hands.
Thankfully their guests were still focused on their cake and their private conversations than the guests of honor. The soft, cold cream practically melted in her mouth as Inuyasha judged her. Her eyes rolled back in her head as she tasted the layers of expensive butter cream. Feeling playful, she offered a small slice on her fork to her new husband. His expression was priceless.
We're married, we kiss -
Inuyasha's lips closed over the fork and she kept hold of the utensil. He shrugged slightly but she celebrated. It was laughably innocent in terms of intimacy but it encouraged her. His eyes strayed towards the feminine confectionery offered next to the cake. Most of the ancient crowd had taken a polite piece of wedding cake but ignored the cupcakes. They accepted drinks from a passing server.
Kagome passed the server her empty plate before taking a cupcake. Inuyasha let her feed him a sliver of the cupcake. The wrinkle in his nose was her answer. A happy silence filled the space between them while she finished her dessert. Her shoulder leaned against his chest as he surveyed the room. The casual physical contact astounded her. In view of strangers and her family, Inuyasha had his hand on her lower back. Human or hanyou, his body warmed her side through her thin dress. The faint wild smell he carried had been diluted by baths and new clothes.
The wedding is almost over.
Kagome's mouth went dry as she realized some of the older guests had already bid their leave to get home safely. Other guests were still drinking together at their tables or picking at what remained of the food. The guests' gifts had been opened, leaving a mess of discarded paper. The specially decorated hikigashi had been consumed or deposited into purses or pockets. Inuyasha scoffed. Her younger brother seemed to be fighting for the attention of Chou, Itsuo's sister. The boy was presenting the girl with an enormous slice of cake. The clean line of Inuyasha's jaw gave her the urge to bite him. Not enough to hurt - just enough to get his attention. The resurgence of her hormones made her shift her weight from one leg to another, pressing her hip against him.
A flash caught them both off guard. Her mother beamed as Inuyasha blinked stars out of his eyes.
"What a sweet picture! I couldn't resist." Her mother giggled.
"Mom!" Kagome felt her pulse jump.
"You both look so grown up! The wedding photos are going to be wonderful." Her mother's eyes were slightly clearer than earlier. Her focus on the back of the camera gave them time to recover. Inuyasha rubbed his hand against his face.
"The cake was just wonderful. Did you have a piece?"
"Ah, no. Too sweet for me." Inuyasha shrugged.
"The valets are preparing to help the guests. One of the concierge workers will show you to your room. I made sure to pack your clothes and have the bags delivered for the morning. The train tickets are in the envelope. It should have been placed on your dresser. You have the number for the house if there's any problems." Her mother's eyes drifted up as she seemed to be running through a mental list. Kagome squirmed in embarrassment. There's no privacy in the village, but this is definitely weird.
"Your grandfather is taking Souta home soon. I'm taking a separate car with the gifts. I'm having some of the leftovers delivered to the house. What we can't eat will be sent to the local fire station. Those men will have a wonderful meal and the food won't go to waste!" Her mother took hold of Inuyasha's sleeve. Kagome hurried to keep up as she guided him through the half empty tables. Her little brother was still glued to the side of Chou with her parents and her little brother. Her grandfather was standing nearby.
"Where are your friends? We need a group photo!" Mama Higurashi announced loudly.
"More photos?" Inuyasha whispered in her ear.
"Souta, Father!" Mama Higurashi clapped to get the crowd's attention. Inuyasha grumbled quietly but didn't complain loudly enough for anyone but Kagome to hear. He allowed the happy matron to gently push him into position before the flowery decoration. Kagome took her position at his side. Her brother grinned at her as he took Inuyasha's side. Yuka linked her arm through Inuyasha's and startled him. Yuka, Eri and their dates filed into position under Mama's guidance. The lead concierge supervising the event took the camera from the mother of the bride. People shuffled around as Mama and Grandpa joined the picture.
The group dispersed after several rounds of flashes. Inuyasha insisted on helping her mother to the rented car with the envelopes. Kagome took charge of wishing her older relatives farewell as they left the ballroom. She collapsed in relief into a chair when the last of her grandfather's friends left. Her friends were still loitering with their dates, sipping at the chilled champagne. Servers were quietly beginning to clear away plates from the tables. The length of the day could be felt in her shoulders, her feet, her neck! Kagome played with her full skirt as she slipped her ankles out of her heels for a quick respite. Her brother climbed into the chair beside her.
"Will you bring me back a present?"
"What?"
"From the castle! Will you bring me something?"
"Sure, Souta." Kagome ruffled the kid's hair. The cupcake in his hand was being demolished quickly. Mama had already planned to send the leftover sweets to his school. The kids in his grade would have a small festival with the mountain of chocolate still available. He smiled at her as he kicked his feet against the long tablecloth. The dirty dishes on the table showed the remains of their dinner, half-empty glasses of sake and wine, misplaced cutlery. Affection for her little brother filled her heart as he pulled his cupcake in half. The frosting on his mouth made her giggle.
"When you get back, will Inuyasha stay in the house now?"
"We'll be living on the other side of the Well. Inuyasha built us a house."
"When you visit. Mom says I have to knock before I go into your room because Inuyasha will be sharing it." Souta's eyes were bright. Kagome inwardly cringed at how that conversation must have gone. She was also absurdly grateful that her little brother had been warned against pushing her door open without warning. It was normally to steal something from her room or look for Inuyasha. The habit was harmless, but she certainly didn't want her little brother bursting into her room during the night.
"Y-yeah. Inuyasha will share my room."
"That's cool. Can we have sleepovers in the living room?"
"I'm sure Inuyasha wouldn't mind, on the weekends." Relief surged through her. Souta's priority was on spending time with Inuyasha, not any curiosity on their new living situation. She adjusted the strap of her dress slightly, enjoying the silent companionship. Souta seemed to be contemplating having his new brother sleeping down the hall. Inuyasha could discourage him from coming into our room. I certainly don't want Souta going through my drawers and finding my birth control. He might not recognize the medicine but he would definitely see the condoms. He might not have all the details figured out yet but he would know they're related.
Did I pack my birth control?
Kagome felt slight panic as she recalled packing her bags for the honeymoon. Her toiletries and private bag should be sitting at the top of her largest bag. She made a quick note to check the bags before going to bed. The routine was still fairly new but they couldn't risk anything. Her nursing school started not long after her return and the village would expect Inuyasha to patrol the borders. The worry was still front-and-center in her mind when Inuyasha re-entered the ballroom. Souta put down his cupcake as his hero stood above her.
The night air was cool outside. Kagome hugged her grandfather firmly, noting the slight moisture gathering around his eyes. His voice was a little rough as he wished her a happy honeymoon. Inuyasha bowed solemnly. She was suspicious as her grandfather pulled Inuyasha away from their group. She couldn't hear what they were saying but her husband listened avidly. It didn't help that Souta was bouncing around begging to have Inuyasha call him in a few days, didn't he know how to use a phone now? Mama was searching in her pockets to discreetly hand her a pocketbook filled with emergency cash. Her mother insisted that they call in the afternoon to confirm they arrived at the hotel safely, not that she didn't trust Inuyasha. Kagome promised while she studied Inuyasha's serious expression. I hope Grandpa isn't giving him 'the warning'.
"You have the directions to the train and the hotel." The slight hitch in her mother's voice caught her attention. The hint of tears made her grip her mother's hands. Without warning, she squeezed her mother warmly. She took a deep dose of her scent, that unique mix of her mother's skin and the soap she wore and that something else.
"Thank you for such a wonderful wedding, Mama. It was perfect."
"Your father would be so proud. You're going to have such a good life together. Marriage will be good for him, smooth his rough edges."
"Mom!"
"It's true, dear. Learning to take care of one another will soften him. You're both so young!" Hands cupped her face. Kagome was forced to submit as her face was gently, firmly turned in her mother's hands. Inuyasha's serious face had her concerned. What are you saying to him, Grandpa?! Her brother's giggles drowned out the men's quiet exchanges. A brown package left her elder's pocket and found its way into Inuyasha's hands.
"Don't fight with Inuyasha, ok?" Her little brother hugged her around the middle. She hugged him round his shoulders and kissed the edge of his black hair.
"The concierge will wake you in the morning. Do you have your cell phone, Kagome?"
"Yes Mama."
"Does Inuyasha know how to use a payphone? What will you do if you separate?"
"Mom, we won't separate."
"Does he know our address? I suppose a police officer could help him." Her mother nodded politely to the valet. The vehicles on the street were filled with various boxes and bags. Kagome's curiosity soared as she examined the package in Inuyasha's free hand. It was small and square.
"Oi!" Inuyasha took a step back when her brother rushed him. The middle school kid squeezed him around the waist tightly.
"Do you promise to call me?"
"If you want."
"It's only two weeks, Souta. Inuyasha will be back." Kagome tried not to take offense at her brother's obvious preference. Inuyasha IS pretty cool. Mom warned me about Souta's hero worship. Having another guy around the house changes everything.
"Kagome," her grandfather stepped forward. She felt the strength in his hands when he took her palm. He cleared his throat. Emotion threatened to overwhelm her when she noticed the tears in his eyes. He patted her hand fondly.
"Grandpa?"
"Have patience with your young man. Don't be afraid to speak your mind." The slight squeeze accompanied another throat clearing. Kind, wise eyes reviewed her. She had a sudden longing for the rainy days of her childhood when he would tell stories of the past while working in the shrine. He would prop the door open with his cane while she trailed after him, cleaning and sweeping and "helping" him carry trinkets. "He's a bit hard-headed but he adores you. As he should! You've grown into such a kind, beautiful woman. My little Kagome. Married!"
"Grandpa, don't cry!" A handkerchief was withdrawn.
"My son would be proud to see his daughter. So smart and wonderful." More tears were wiped away. Kagome felt the threat of tears as she remembered her father. His death had been years ago, a car accident, when Souta had only been a baby. Growing up, she had missed him, but her family's presence had never left her feeling wanting for anything. Still, that he would never see her wedding, or meet Inuyasha, hurt her more deeply than she expected.
"We should be getting home. Father?" Her mother's voice called gently. Souta was piling into the first cab. She kissed her sweet grandfather on the face and waited on the sidewalk. They both waved at her as the vehicle slowly merged into the lane and started down the road. Inuyasha's warm arm around her waist helped ease the sting of their departure. Her mother paused on the sidewalk. The low rumble of the car engine filled the silence.
"It was a nice wedding, Higurashi. Thank you." Inuyasha bowed.
"How formal! We're family now, Inuyasha. If you have any problems, please feel welcome to call home. I hope you have a lovely time. Take care of our girl." Inuyasha nodded solemnly at her quiet insistence. Kagome stepped forward to hug her mother. While she was looking forward to spending time with Inuyasha, a sudden loneliness had overtaken her. That's it - I'm grown up. When we come home, we'll be going to the Feudal Era, to our house. It'll just be Inuyasha and I living together.
"I'm going to miss you so much!"
"I'll miss you both dearly! The house will seem so quiet tomorrow without you two!"
"I promise to call you in a few days and I'll call you tomorrow when we get to the inn."
"By the time you come home, I'll have the photographs developed. We can have a lovely family dinner and put together the scrapbooks. You look so beautiful together! What say you, Inuyasha? Would you like to have a quiet dinner at the house?"
"That sounds nice." The sincerity caused Kagome's heart to flip in her chest. The violet-eyed human boy nodded his head. I hope Inuyasha knows how much my family loves him. My own brother prefers him to me! My own mother adores him so much that I've caught her sighing at baby clothes.
"I love you Kagome. Keep Inuyasha safe."
"I will, Mom." The look on her husband's face made her giggle. The astounded, defiance at her protecting him left him dumbfounded. Kagome held the door open while her mother stepped into the cab. She gently arranged her purse on her lap. She blew her mother a kiss before closing the door. Inuyasha accepted her hand. They waved at the matron as the little car pulled away from the curb. It made the same turn as the previous car, leaving them alone on the sidewalk.
