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Of Butterfly Wings

Chapter Fifty-Three: A Guardian's Role

Sesshoumaru sat stiffly across from her as she turned from one side to the other, watching as the fabric of her dress flared around her knees.

"What do you think?" Kagome moved so that her guardian could get a better look.

After they'd arrived at the manor, Touya opted to look after Ohagi while she left for her fitting. She suspected that he just wanted to try bonding with the cat some more while he could, so she didn't see any issue with it.

Sesshoumaru had just finished with a meeting so he and Rin had ended up joining her today. Jaken had a prior appointment with the florist so he'd been unable to come with them. This would be the first time either of them saw her wedding dress. It made her a little nervous to think that her guardian might not approve.

"It suits you." The man gave a short nod of his head.

Meanwhile Rin danced around her, a wide smile playing across her lips.

"You're so pretty!" The child grinned. She reached over and clung onto her hand, "Do I get a dress too?"

Kagome's smile softened, "That's why we're here. We need the flower girl to have a dress to match."

It wouldn't take anywhere near as long to have Rin's dress made and they were not going to be having a traditional bridal party at their wedding. Besides herself, Touya, Rin and Shouto who had been chosen to be the ring bearer, everyone else would be free to dress casually. Although they decided on an ocean theme, the actual ceremony and reception would be more akin to a garden party with a small tent in their backyard and seafood being catered from a local restaurant.

The seamstress made a few adjustments, pinning her dress up with safety pins before giving her the okay to change back into her day clothes. After she emerged from the changing room, she found Rin had already been outfitted with a cute sapphire blue dress to match the theme of her wedding.

"We'll take that one." Kagome directed the saleswoman. Rin giggled as she spun around, laughing heartily at the compliments pouring in from the staff.

Sesshoumaru gazed at the jewelry with an indecipherable expression.

"Something on your mind?" She came to stand beside him.

Golden eyes slid in her direction, "Will you not regret this decision?"

Kagome clasped her hands behind her back.

She knew what he was getting at.

Sesshoumaru had lived his entire life watching his father run through woman after woman, trading them out as if they were different flavors of the week. Inuyasha's mother had been the one he'd kept around the longest yet even that came to an end when he divorced her and took her son from her. Sesshoumaru had been forced to observe as his father refused to commit to a single person in his life, including his own children.

She believed that part of the reason Sesshoumaru remained single was due to his fear of becoming the same as his father and half-brother. He preferred to avoid relationships altogether rather than speed run then the way his family did. It was clear he also feared the same outcome for herself. He was concerned that she might end up with a husband that would call it quits a few years down the line.

Kagome offered her guardian a reassuring smile, "Getting married to Touya is one thing I will never regret. I trust him whole-heartedly." She pressed on, "Even if things fall apart later, I can honestly say that I'd regret not marrying him more. I trust him though so I know he's not the sort of man who will change his mind. He's single-minded and determined. That's what makes him so charming."

She flashed the older man a wide grin, "You should get to know him more. He's nothing like your father or half-brother so I think you'll really like him."

Sesshoumaru's relationship with Inuyasha didn't start out so contentious. In fact, much of Inuyasha's early years he'd ended up being the one to care for him. He'd certainly tried to raise the young man with his sense or morals and dignity yet Inuyasha had always been wiley and rebellious from the beginning. It was when Inuyasha began pursuing her in earnest while simultaneously calling her a 'consolation prize' that Sesshoumaru opted to cut all contact with his half-brother.

She knew that if anyone could earn Sesshoumaru's respect though, it'd be Touya.

"I know you're concerned and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you for it." Kagome put her palm on her guardian's arm, "If you hadn't taken me in when you did then these last few years could have been utterly nightmarish. I'm the person I am today because I've had you here with me."

She had no biological father to call her own. Yet whenever she tried to picture one in her head, it was always Sesshoumaru's image that she saw. He'd been there for her since she was a small child. He'd taught her how to read, write and pursue her studies. Whether he'd want admit it or not, Sesshoumaru truly was the closest thing to a parental figure she'd ever had in her life.

"We don't have much of an aisle but will you still walk me down?" Kagome gave him a warm smile, "You're the only person I want to give that role to."

If Sesshoumaru declined to walk her down the aisle then she would simply walk herself. He was the only person she considered both a parent and father to her. His standoffish nature was simply part of who he was but she knew that despite the coldness in his personality, he still cared deeply for those under his care. Herself included.

Her guardian gave a short nod of his head in affirmation. It wasn't the verbal acknowledgement she thought she'd get, but she didn't miss the vague smile playing across his lips.

"You know," Kagome started. "Touya will still be at the house when we get home. You can take this as your chance to spend some quality time with your future son-in-law."

Maybe it was a bit underhanded on her part but she wanted Sesshoumaru to get along with her fiancé. He'd acknowledged him but that was still a far cry from him accepting Touya. In her opinion, the two just needed a real opportunity to talk. She was sure they could find some common ground between them.

"We shall see." Sesshoumaru answered as Rin scurried back to them, clutching both of their hands between hers.

Kagome gave a small smile in return.

That was good enough for her.