InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bound to Tomorrow ❯ Unity ( Chapter 1 )

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Story Notes: I looked everywhere on the web and racked my brains from my own brief visit to Japan about welcome home parties. I did not find much. In the states we have a tendency to invite the whole family to one location to celebrate a relative's homecoming but in Taiwan (I know that is Chinese tradition but I only spent two weeks in Japan and I lived for a couple months in Taiwan) it seemed the other way around. We went all over Taiwan visiting relatives at their homes and had our meals with them. This makes a lot of sense because there isn't as much living space to have tons of family over at the same time. With that knowledge in mind, I assumed that if Kagome was the one coming home then she would likely have to go around visiting everyone else. I could be wrong but I didn't find anything in my studies that said otherwise. If I've made a mistake about this then please PM or review message me so that I can fix it!

Also, on a slightly random note, apparently Kagome's mother's name is Kun-Loon; I swear I'm not making this up! I did a couple of searches to find out and the sources only said that a Japanese magazine and the manga mention her name briefly. The name sounds Korean or Chinese so that would mean Kagome has a multi-national background. I think that's pretty interesting.

 

(MILD SPOILER TO THE CHAPTER)

Wedding Notes: After much research I assumed a few things about how this wedding was going to go down: first, being that it's the feudal era and they live in a small, rural village I figured their marriage would be pretty short and to the point. Historically there's a pretty big correlation with weddings becoming more complex and engagements lasting longer as the times become safer in a country. At this time death rates would probably be pretty darn high so I would have expected a very short engagement and a shorter wedding. Essentially, no one's got the time or the health care to lollygag with big, flashy weddings. Also, from what I've read, the man would be expected to work for his intended's family…unless of course the family wasn't there. Hence, I included a mandate that the groom must work for the bride. Also, a woman would not move in with her groom even after they were married until she became pregnant or her parents died. Well, if the family is literally gone completely then it makes sense that the bride would move in right away… it would also force the groom to make sure she was married really quickly so he could provide for her. This is also why I interpreted that this marriage happened right away. Finally, I had the groom adopt the last name of the wife since he did not have a last name of his own.

(END OF MILD SPOILER)

 

Readers' Question: Has it ever been mentioned what town the Higurashi family shrine is supposed to be located? If not, what town/prefecture's founding would date back far enough to match up with the village in the Sengoku period? If anyone knows or has any ideas please message me!

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Inu Yasha was frustrated. He had waited for her for three years only to have her snatched away from him by social obligations. All day long Kagome had been whisked from house to house in the village visiting the local townsfolk. Everyone reacted to the miko's return as if she had died and was raised from the dead. He had gone to the well once every three days to see if she had returned; not once did a villager come visit the well. In his mind, he deserved to have a lot more time with her all to himself. Instead, the dog demon was forced to follow along like a lost pup as she made her rounds with Kaede. Granted, the villagers always offered her food and it was nice to have as many snacks as he wished whenever he wished, but he would starve for a week if it meant a few hours of peace alone with her.

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Miroku was the first to notice Inu Yasha's growing irritation. He was quick to remind the hanyou that Kaede was the town's only miko. The locals, especially the farmers, were superstitious and feared that Kaede might pass away before another priestess had been found. Now that Kagome had returned the villagers were greatly relieved. Miroku went on to argue that they might also be trying to sort of `bribe' Kagome into staying with all the food they had to offer. Inu Yasha scoffed but seemed a bit more relaxed about his own discomfort.

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They visited every single house in the village. By the time they had finished their rounds it was nearly sunset. Kagome was stuffed full of food and exhausted. Sango had met up with them halfway through their rounds and offered her a place to sleep for the night but Kaede had beaten her to the punch long before. The wise elderly woman knew that the young couple meant well but did not really have the space for her. Eventually Miroku and Sango bid them a good night. The houshi thanked them with a sly wink because all of the walking had worn out all three of his children. The kids would sleep soundly while the couple got some much missed alone time.

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Somehow during their goodbyes Kaede had vanished back into her hut. Inu Yasha had noticed her fading scent even as they spoke but kept quiet. Kagome was oblivious. As they watched Miroku and Sango retreat into the night an awkward silence descended. For once, Inu Yasha was the first to break the quiet.

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“Kagome…”

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The young priestess drew her head up at the sound of his voice, “Yes?”

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He appeared agitated. The hanyou shuffled his feet and turned his head about, obviously arguing internally for a few minutes before his impatience won out.

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“Will you… ah… shit, just follow me, okay?”

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Her tiredness was momentarily forgotten in her confusion, “A-all right.”

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Kagome's daze was broken further when the annoyed dog demon quickly grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her down the almost-empty village road. He muttered something about the necessity of her close proximity. He was not about to lose her in the dark; especially when he had something important to show her.

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On the far outskirts of town he led her towards a single house. Something odd struck her about it. The house itself was not taller, bigger, or any differently built from the average house in the village. She realized then that it wasn't the house but its' proximity to the other houses that was different. The building was set back away from the rest of them. Normally, the houses were crammed close together. It was a natural consequence of a hostile environment. There was safety in numbers, huddled together so that demons were less likely to intrude. Like many predators, feral demons preferred an easy fight with isolated or weakened opponents whenever possible. Hence, the buildings were kept close where an alarm could be raised and a militia mustered quickly. The sequestered hut stood out in that way because it defied that simple convention. As she was led closer to the house a new awareness dawned. It was isolated because there was something else that made it defensible.

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It was then that she also noticed Inu Yasha had grown unusually quiet for being so irritable throughout the day. He had also stopped making eye contact at her. Instead, he marched forward with determination, his head locked in place ahead. Her heart began to beat rapidly when they reached the sliding door and the half demon threw it back. He stopped dead suddenly and she nearly smacked into his back. Her mind spun as Inu Yasha turned towards her. Instinctively she knew what he was about to say but she was too shocked to believe it.

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“Kagome,” He began, his golden eyes were turned away from her face, fearful of what expression might be upon it, “this is… my place.”

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“Oh?” She blinked at him, the miko felt like she was having some sort of out of body experience; as if she could not possibly be hearing it.

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He finally risked looking her in the eyes but found her face unreadable in her apparent confusion, “It was built for me by the villagers. Some of the farm folk got it in their heads that I'm some sort of guardian. Feh, it's like they think I'm a damned patron spirit or something.”

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The thought of the grumpy dog demon as benevolent village guardian made them both smirk. Her smile caused him to falter in his determination. He was suddenly struck by her beauty. The subtle changes to her figure had not been lost on him. In three years she had grown a hair taller and her waist and legs had refined to more elegant curves. He wondered why she had been mad enough to return for him… when this hut was just about all he could offer.

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Kagome peeked around him to check out his new home. The first thing she saw in the modest, raised were the wood floors and hearth in the center surrounded by a square of tatami. Further off she could see a room on the right with the sliding doors closed. It was likely a bedroom.

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“Inu Yasha, this place is nice!” She breathed, touching her hand to her chest.

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His pointed ears perked up. He was glad she liked it but raised a claw to scratch the back of his head in an attempt to seem embarrassed. Inu Yasha was not about to look like some dopey-eyed pup around her, even though he was thrilled to see her happy.

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“It's all right…” He replied.

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She smiled back before her mouth distorted into a long yawn. All of the exhaustion from the day had hit her. Inu Yasha looked concerned for a second before masking the expression with an annoyed look.

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“Let's get you back to Kaede's place. Can't have you passing out somewhere like some idiot…”

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She nodded sleepily and took a step forward, wobbling ever so slightly. The dog demon noticed immediately and swept her up onto his back while grumbling about the miko pushing too hard. Her nod of agreement against his back told the hanyou that the girl was not listening. Had she been more alert she would have likely made a snarky retort. As he padded towards Kaede's house he talked to the unconscious young woman.

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“You know, you put me through a hell of a time when I was sent back. Shippo asked me every damn day for two months when you'd be coming back. Then the villagers hounded me about you, hell, even that damn letch and his wife, too. Everyone kept asking me questions about you like I was your damned keeper or something.”

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He paused for a moment to see if the miko elicited a response, she did not. All he could hear was her slow breaths and the steady beating of her heart. She was definitely asleep.

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“… It was pretty rough without you. It wasn't the same here… I hope you'll stay.” Kagome remained quiet, oblivious to his uncharacteristic show of candor.

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Her scent was everywhere around him. He had never forgotten her scent but only then did he realize how badly he had missed it. As Kaede's hut came into view he slowed down his pace, reluctant to give up his precious cargo. The moment he stepped up to the screen the old woman's shadow appeared behind the rice paper. She slid the screen back and motioned with her hand to be silent. Rin had gone to bed long before and the child was a terribly light sleeper. She led him to a straw-lined bed and he silently deposited the miko. When he set her down she murmured his name and without thinking he reached out and brushed her bangs away from her forehead, the faintest smile on his lips.

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His duty complete, the hanyou took his leave from the residence and gave the old woman a quick nod on the way out. However, once he stepped past the threshold and the door had slid shut behind him he found himself rooted to the spot. The prospect of walking all the way back to his empty house bothered him and once again found himself worrying that perhaps he was still dreaming. In the morning he would wake up alone and he might be the truth. Then it dawned on him. If he sat out on Kaede's porch all night then when he did wake up in the morning he would still be there he could then quickly conclude that the night had not been a dream. With his mind set the hanyou plopped down cross-legged on Kaede's porch, tucked his scabbard under his chin, and promptly fell asleep.

-*-

Kaede was up first the next morning. She discovered the half-demon fast asleep on her front porch. She smiled and shook her head, marveling at the tenacity of young love. His pointed ears twitched at the sound of the elderly miko's footsteps and he cracked an eye open. He said nothing but Kaede was certain that a flash of relief played across his features before a big yawn escaped his mouth, baring sharp canines.

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“Good morning, lad. Don't ye worry, she's still here.”

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“Feh, I can smell as much.” He grunted in reply, “Is she still asleep?”

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The woman nodded her gray haired head, and then gave him a thoughtful look, “She'll begin her training in three day's time, until then you've got her all to yourself.”

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“Oh good, no pressure then,” he grumbled, his claws curled and uncurled around the Tetsusaiga.

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“Ah, so ye will be asking her, then?”

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His ears grew hot and he sputtered, “W-well… I want to… but what if she says no? She might go back…”

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“What would I say no about?” Kagome's voice behind him made him jump, gripping his sword tightly in his fists.

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“Ka-Kagome, you're awake!”

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“Yes, Rin just woke me up, she's asking for you, Kaede.”

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The old priestess nodded and shuffled back inside without a word, a barely-contained smile upon her face. Kagome squatted beside him, her eyes locked on his.

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“…So what did you want to ask me…and why did you think I'd leave?”

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He groaned inwardly and scrambled to his feet, the burning in his ears was rapidly spreading to his face. “Uh… I'm gonna get going…”

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The young woman followed behind, “Hey! Come on now! Answer me!”

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He crossed his arms into his robe and continued to walk away quickly, heading in the direction of his home. “Feh, you're so damn nosy… If you want to know, then come with me.”

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She trotted forward until she had caught up with him, perplexed. Inu Yasha stomped down the road; his mind was a mess of rapid thoughts and only came worse the closer he drew to his home. The woman was stubborn and she would not leave him alone until he had told her. There was no turning back now. The house seemed to appear before him faster than if he had ran there at full speed. The only sounds from the dog demon came from his heavy footsteps as he entered his home. Kagome grew even more confused as he headed straight for the enclosed room that she had seen the night earlier. Before he opened the door he suddenly turned on his heel, facing her. His golden eyes bored into hers, she could see a mixture of fear and anticipation in his gaze. For some reason her heart began to beat quickly.

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“Kagome, are you here to stay?”

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“Of course I am. I finished what needed to be done in my time. I've said goodbye to my family and I'm ready to start my life here.” She replied.

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“… And you're sure this is the life you want?” His eyes searched hers.

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She smiled up at him, “The life I want is a life with you. It always has been, it always will be.”

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There was no hint of nervousness when she said those words. She had always been so openly honest with him, so very sure of herself. He questioned his mind and his very nature all the time while she remained so solidly certain of everything—even of him. She was his solid foundation. It was just one of the many reasons he loved her.

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“All right then, I have something for you.” With that he slid the door to the bedroom open.

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In the center of the room was a wooden lacquered stand with an ornately detailed white kimono and obi hung upon it. She gasped when she saw it and took a few tentative steps inside to take a closer look at it. The silk was a shimmering silvery-white with silver embroidery. Inu Yasha had clearly spent some time saving up money (or in this case, many bushels of rice) to buy such a beautiful kimono.

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“Oh, Inu Yasha…!” She breathed.

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When she looked back she realized the hanyou had been standing with his back to her, apparently too worried about a negative reaction to watch her response. His ears twitched strained backwards in her direction that made it obvious he was paying more attention than he wanted to show. He scratched the back of his head and tried to sound politely humble about his offering.

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“It's nothing great, I know…”

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Suddenly, he felt her small arms around his middle giving him s tight squeeze, “It's beautiful! It must have cost you a small fortune to get this… I don't deserve something so nice.”

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His blush quickly spread from his ears down to his face as he attempted to sound more indignant than nervous, “I-idiot, of course you do… actually, you deserve something better.”

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He turned to face her. As he did so his claws grasped her hands and maneuvered them to place them on his chest. The motion brought her eyes back to his, her cheeks still flushed with excitement. Inu Yasha took a deep breath to calm his nerves before launching into his second surprise.

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“That's not all. I know it doesn't look like much but… this place is yours—ours—if you wish.”

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Her eyes widened as she realized what the gifts meant, “You mean…are you asking…?”

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His claws squeezed her fingers nervously as golden eyes followed every expression on her face, “Yes. Will you…stay with me, Kagome? Will you be my mate…my wife?”

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Kagome suddenly grew quiet, tears welled up in the corners of her wide eyes and he began to panic that he had upset her. For a few seconds he worried he would scare her off, and that she might decide to return home. Perhaps he had been wrong in thinking that she had come back to be with him? His fears were dispelled just as quickly as they had come when a smile brightened her face and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

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“Yes! Yes!”

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His jaw nearly dropped to the floor. Had he heard correctly? Did she really want to be his mate? Had it really been so easy? It seemed too good to be true. Then Kagome did something he expected even less. The miko's arms tightened slightly behind his neck which caused him to tilt his head a few inches lower. At the same time she leaned up onto her toes and brought her lips to his. Had her eyes been opened she might have burst into laughter as his sunset-hued eyes nearly bugged right out of his head, so shocked was he to have been kissed. It took him only a few seconds for relief to flood his senses and he wrapped his arms around her back and returned the kiss.

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Kagome's eyes snapped open after a few moments lost in his kiss and she made a muffled `oh' sound. Inu Yasha pulled back and looked at her quizzically. The miko waved her hand in a motion to tell him to give her a second. He gave an impatient grunt as she fussed with her white and red priestess' kimono provided by Kaede. She gave a triumphant shout as she produced a small envelope from one of its sleeves.

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“Here.”

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She handed him the letter and he raised an eyebrow when he noticed his name written in ink on the front. It was still sealed; she had not opened it. The hanyou wasted no time slashing it open with one of his claws. Inside was a note addressed to him in what was appeared to him to be a woman's handwriting:

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Inu Yasha,

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My daughter has been in love with you for a long time and I know you love her. Kagome has been home for a week now and I know that eventually she will return to you. Something in that well scared her but I know it is only a matter of time before she will brave it to be with you. When she goes back she will not have her family to rely on. That is why you have my permission to marry her. You will keep her safe, keep her happy, and in return I know she will shine for you.

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Sincerely,

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Kun-Loon Higurashi

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“Kagome, your mom gave me permission. She knew you'd come back.” He murmured, carefully folding the letter back and handing it to her.

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She shook her head and waved it away. “No, Inu Yasha, mama told me that letter was for you. You keep it.”

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He gave a nod and slipped the letter into his haori, close to his heart.

-*-

“Oi, old lady, are you home?” The dog demon bellowed in front of Kaede's house.

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“Ye may have matured but your manners are still as atrocious as ever.” Kaede grumbled as she hobbled through the door.

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“Well I can't help it that you've gotten old on me.” He retorted.

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Kagome punched the impertinent half demon in the shoulder. He gave her a perplexed look. Was she not as impatient as he was to get married? The elderly miko grinned at the two.

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“So ye asked her already?” Her one good eye turned to his intended. “And ye said yes?”

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“Of course she did.” Inu Yasha huffed with his arms crossed over his chest. The younger miko blushed.

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“Well I figured as much which is why I took ye the liberty of calling Miroku and Sango for ye.”

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When Kaede mentioned the young family appeared in their best kimonos with their three children in tow. The new baby slept peacefully strapped to Sango's back. The woman handed the baby off to Miroku, took one of each of her twins' hands, and then rushed Kagome away in the direction of Inu Yasha's house. The half demon made a move to follow them but the houshi stepped into his path.

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“Where are you going? You've got to let her get dressed. Come now, we must pick up Shippo and get you cleaned up.”

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“Oi, what's wrong with what I've got?” He complained.

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The Buddhist monk shot him a withering look. “She may love you as you are but do you not think she might like to see you in something other than your fire rat robe?” The hanyou would not dignify his question with an answer but the monk knew by his body language that he was acquiescing. “I thought so. Well, I'll let you borrow one of my nice kimonos.”

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The two men made their way to Miroku's house where Shippo met them at the entrance. The kitsune tossed the houshi a bag of enchanted tops.

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“Okay, you win.” He said before placing a leaf on his head and transforming his clothes into a formal robe decorated with his family's crest.

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“What the hell was that about?” Inu Yasha blinked while he was pushed inside the small home.

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Miroku paled slightly but Shippo was more than happy to oblige, “We made a bet about how long it would take you to ask. I said at least a week, he said at most three days.”

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Inu Yasha was happy to add a few lumps to their skulls for the embarrassment they caused him. It helped relieve some of the nervousness he had only just recognized was growing in the pit of his stomach. Twenty minutes later Inu Yasha was dressed in a black formal robe and had even allowed the houshi to tie his silver hair back in a low pony tail. Finally the three men with the baby in tow headed back to Kaede's residence.

-*-

Meanwhile, back at Inu Yasha's house, Sango had her hands full helping Kagome dress in her wedding kimono while making sure the twins did not dirty their own outfits or untie their hair while they waited impatiently. Once the miko was dressed Sango drew Kagome's hair up onto her head and pinned it in place with some of her jewelry from her own collection. While she fussed with her hair the demon huntress revealed more information about the gifts Inu Yasha had acquired.

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“Did you know Inu Yasha started looking for that kimono three weeks after you disappeared? Miroku said he checked out every kimono shop in every town they visited on the job. You wouldn't know it, but my husband says he was pretty picky about finding you the right one. He spent two years picking out a kimono and then another six months getting the obi.”

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Kagome's face turned pink as she listened. Her fingers twiddled together as she ignored Sango tugging away on her hair.

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“It was all so cute; can you imagine him trying to hide that from you?” Sango queried with a laugh. The young miko laughed with her, still blushing. The thought of the dog demon attempting to skirt answering her about any odd behavior was too funny. He would have tried to be angry and would have tried to get her to argue with him until she forgot… but he always forgot her tenacity, and she almost always won.

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Sango made a contented sigh and stepped back suddenly. Her work on Kagome's hair was finished and she was quite impressed with her work. Still, there was one more thing to do. The huntress and mother of three shuffled to face the bride, a small shell and paint brush in hand. With a few quick strokes she applied some lip color to her; immediately the twins also begged to have their mother put make-up on them, too. She laughed and gave a light dab of color to each of her girls. With her children appeased Sango pulled a small mirror from a chest and gave it to Kagome so that she could approve her looks. She in turn gave a delighted gasp and gave the huntress a tight squeeze.

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“It looks wonderful! Is that really me?”

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Sango laughed, “Of course it is! Come now; let's get you to Kaede's.”

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Feudal marriages in rural villages were quick and dirty affairs. The ceremony involved an exchange of good or services to the bride's family—except in this case the bride's family was unavailable, so instead they improvised and brought several pouches of herbs with medicinal properties for the elderly miko. Inu Yasha stood outside Kaede's hut and paced.

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“What the hell is taking her so long?” He groused.

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Just then he began to sniff the air. Kagome's scent had grown stronger; she was out of Sango's house and coming closer. It took all of his will not to charge through the village to her side. He waited. Miroku had told him that the surprise of seeing his intended was the best part. He was not so sure until he saw them; two taller forms, one in a modestly colored kimono, the other in a pure white one with a hood, and followed by two smaller ones came into view.

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“She wore it…” He murmured in surprise.

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Shippo rolled his eyes; his jealousy had gotten the better of him, “Of course she did, stupid. What'd you think she'd do, marry you in a pile of rags?”

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For his comment the kitsune was awarded a sharp rap on the head with the houshi's staff. Inu Yasha's heart began to race as Kagome drew closer. She was a vision of beauty to him. The silk of the kimono and obi he had picked out with care shimmered in the afternoon sunlight. His sensitive pointed ears picked up the faint tinkle of jewelry under her hood and could only imagine how her hair might look beneath it. For the hundredth time that day the hanyou wondered why Kami had felt it so fitting to bless him with a woman such as she. She kept her eyes to the ground, shyly. When she came up to Kaede's hut the old priestess slid the door open to allow them in. The couple headed inside while the rest remained outside.

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Inside the hut the pair knelt before the old miko, also seated, and waited quietly until she spoke,

“Inu Yasha, by drinking this sake ye agree to take this woman into your home. Ye will provide for her in absence of her family. Ye will fight for, work for, and defend her very being. May the gods bless you and your family in your new life together...” with that concluded the priestess continued with Kagome. “Higurashi Kagome, by drinking this sake ye agree to leave your home and enter into his. Ye will support him in every situation. Ye will fight for and defend his very being and in turn the gods may bless you and your family in your new life together.”

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When the speech was concluded the couple completed the ceremony by drinking the sake, then Kaede smiled broadly and escorted them to the exit of her home. The old woman stepped out first and declared to Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and dozens of villagers who had appeared of the newest family to their town: Higurashi Inu Yasha and Higurashi Kagome.

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“Wow, news spreads fast in a small town.” Inu Yasha's new wife whispered.

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He smirked and reached out a claw to squeeze her hand, she accepted it and squeezed back. The crowd cheered.

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