InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hidden Past, Hidden Self ❯ I do... ( Chapter 32 )

I do not own any of the InuYasha characters mentioned in this fanfic. They strictly belong to Rumiko Takahashi. But she doesn't own my original characters along with the ones owned by my friends. I own, but am not limiting it to, Kane-Sakura and Setsuna, Steph owns Mika and Nakura, Nicky owns Michi and Ori, and Danielle owns Yuki and Akira (coming soon).

 

Not much to say in this message. I'd like to thank all of my readers for reading this fanfic. Umm, now that school's in session, I may not be able to update all that often. Just recently, I had a major blow to my ego when a freshman was awarded the lead in the musical my school is doing this year. I'm a senior and it didn't feel right having someone so much younger than me get the part I wanted. I was at a real low for a while and even contemplated stopping my writing because I felt like I had no purpose to be writing when I wasn't any good. But, my close friends helped me out of it and I'm better than I was. So the story must go on…

 

Oh, one more thing. If you're looking for a really good book to read, get yourself hooked on Anne Kelleher's books called `Silver's Edge' and `Silver's Bane'. I read the latter of the two in a week and thought it was great. It had me itching to read it for the entire week and I could barely put it down. I highly recommend you read `Silver's Edge' first and then read `Silver's Bane', especially if you're into fantasy and fiction works of literature. Some parts are graphic and gory, but the story line is intricately woven and intriguing.

 

Chapter 32: I do…

 

“So far ye look healthy. The babe I can not tell as of yet, but it should be healthy too.” Kaeda had done a physical on Kane by Setsuna's request. He had been so worried about her health that he'd blurted out his mate's condition and had her immediately checked. Kane had struggled, but in the end, she got her check-up the old fashioned way. “Plenty of rest, no hard work and eating right will not only ensure a healthy child, but a smooth birth.” As she stood to stir the fire, she saw the rosary around Kane's neck. “I'll take that for ye.” Reaching down, she took off her necklace. “We don't need someone to get mad at ye and telling ye to stay.”

 

Kane touched the place where the necklace had once rested. “Thanks Kaeda. You wouldn't happen to know where InuYasha is, do you?”

 

“Sorry child, but I do not. He's been gone for a few days and…”

 

“Kaeda-hag, could you get a fire started? Kagome's gonna…” The subject of the conversation stepped into the hut. “Oh, Kane-Sakura, back from the future?” As Setsuna stood, InuYasha glared at him. “And you too, cat-boy?”

 

“You got a problem with that mutt-face?” The Neko stepped in front of Kane as if to protect her and smirked. “We are engaged after all.”

 

“I don't give a rat's ass that you're engaged. You almost hurt her two months ago.” He cracked his knuckles

 

Before things got bloody, Kane stated, “Boys, that's enough. I'm past that now, so can we please just sit down and discuss something?” She motioned for them to sit beside her.

 

After another moment of uncomfortable and stifling silence, Setsuna broke his stare and sat beside his mate. “It's hard to believe that you two are related; you're nothing alike.”

 

Kane sighed. “Don't push it, Setsuna. Our wedding is coming up and I'd like to see you're alive to be there.”

 

Kagome walked into the hut and InuYasha's golden eyes softened. “InuYasha, did…oh, Kane-Sakura, how're you…?” She stopped when she thought she saw something different about Kane. `That's weird. Kane's body looks the same, but it's different. Almost like there's an aura surrounding…her…' Her gaze dropped to Kane's lower abdomen and gasped silently. `There's an aura around her womb. She's pregnant…'

 

“Kagome?” InuYasha's voice sliced through her reverie with pure clarity. “What's wrong?”

 

“Oh!” She snapped back to attention. “N-nothing, I just stared into space that's all.” She sat next to InuYasha and took notice of how Setsuna was holding Kane. `He looks like he's protecting her by holding her waist. He must already know.' She watched attentively as Kane's hand went to caress her mate's, which was also lingering by her womb. `What am I going to do? InuYasha will kill them if he finds out…' “Kane, how're you feeling?”

 

“Hmm? Oh, I'm fine. Why do you ask?”

 

The miko shook her head. “I was wondering if…if maybe you'd like to move your wedding date up.”

 

“Move it up?” Kane asked, pretending not to be delighted that she hadn't had to bring up the subject herself. “How come?”

 

“Well, May isn't a good time for me and probably you too. I realized yesterday that the finals all happen in May and…and maybe you'd like to move it up so that you're not worried about finals and the wedding.” She was babbling, she knew it. But she couldn't help it. If she couldn't convince them to move the date up to next week, things were going to get messy in about four months or so.

 

“Actually, I was thinking the same thing.” She said calmly, squeezing Setsuna's hand gently. “I came to realize this too.”

 

“The only time I have open is next week Wednesday, so we should do it then. Can you get off of school?”

 

Kane nodded. “Sounds fine. We just picked up our wedding gowns and tuxes so everything is ready.”

 

“It doesn't sound fine to me.” InuYasha stated coldly. “How come you're so eager to move your wedding date up?”

 

Kane stiffened. “Um, like Kagome said, our finals are in May so…”

 

“Then move it up to March or something further away.” InuYasha stood and dragged Kane to her feet. “You, come with me.” Then he looked down at Setsuna. “I'll deal with you later.”

 

Kagome and Setsuna watched as the siblings walked out of the hut. That's when Kagome sighed and asked, “So, how long have you known?”

 

“About what?”

 

“Don't play stupid with me Setsuna.” Kagome glared over at him and he stumbled back in fear. “There's an aura surrounding Kane's womb and you suddenly agreed to move your wedding date up to next week. You know she's pregnant, don't you?”

 

Setsuna sighed. “Yeah, she is. And the problem with this is the fact that she's already two months along.”

 

“Two months? Setsuna, everybody…”

 

“Everybody already knows.” He stood to leave, but Kagome cleared her throat and he sat again. “Look, I love her and she loves me, so isn't that enough? We created this child out of love, not from some coupling we did because we wanted to. We love each other and…”

 

“Setsuna, did you ever take into consideration that she could get pregnant? And what about her brother, you know how overly protective he is of his sister.”

 

He dragged his eyes up to hers and kept them there. “Unfortunately, I didn't. But…”

 

“And did you ever consider some kind of birth control? The pill, a condom?”

 

“I told you no!” Setsuna's eyes flashed orange and red flames in the heat of his anger. “None of those things were considered because of…”

 

Temper met temper as Kagome slammed her palms on the floor boards and started yelling. “Do you realize that you're both still in high school?! I know you're part demon, but you're both still very young! Especially Kane, since she's only seventeen! You don't have your own apartment, no jobs yet, and no income, and you're starting a family?!” She pointed a finger into his chest. “We both know InuYasha's going to find out about this, whether I move the date up or not. Seven months is too short for a full term baby to be born healthily. He's going to know!”

 

Setsuna staggered back further until he was against a wall. “And when he finds out, it'll be your head, not Kane's that he'll chop off with Tetsusaiga! Believe me when I say that he'll find out a long time before that child is born, in fact I'm surprised he doesn't already know!”

 

“What?” Setsuna's eyes widened in surprise. “How could he…?”

 

“His nose, baka. Her hormones are probably giving off a certain scent that he'll be able to pick up. That's probably why he dragged her off, to get her to confess.” Kagome finally leaned back again.

 

Setsuna looked down at his legs in silence as he contemplated things. “What're we supposed to do? The deed's been done and…you don't think we should kill it do you?”

 

Kagome shook her head. “No, of course not. But now that this has happened, I recommend you find a job and fast. After you're married, you'll want to find your own apartment.”

 

“I guess the free apartments for the guys and girls aren't going to cut it, huh?” He smiled a little, knowing now that his life of video gaming and relaxation were over. “But there's only a week…”

 

Kagome sighed again. “I'll ask my mom if she can make a down-payment on one so you can pay her back later on. Find a job, and start providing for your family. This is a big step for both of you. In seven months, you won't be just a married couple anymore; you'll be parents and you'll have to provide for her and your child.”

 

Setsuna could only continue to stare at his legs. Then he asked, “Do you think we'll ever be able to have anymore children?”

 

“I don't know, why do you ask?”

 

“What if instead of killing me, InuYasha decides a fitting punishment is to cut off my balls?”

 

***

 

Kane gulped soundlessly as InuYasha continued to pull her away from the village and into the forest. His grip on her wrist was beginning to hurt a little, but she chose to ignore it. She instead studied his features. His face was set in a grim and angry scowl, his golden eyes narrowed and mouth frowning. He looked back at her. “What are you looking at?”

 

His grip tightened and she let out a yelp. “InuYasha, you're hurting me…”

 

“Hurting you? I'm hurting you?” He asked angrily. “Does it look like I care right now that I'm squeezing your wrist to pull you away from the village? Does it look like I care?”

 

“Itai!” Kane planted her feet into the ground to stop her brother's marching. “Your claws are digging into my skin, you baka! Now let go of me!” She tugged her wrist out of his grip. Blood trickled down her hand from where his claws had punctured her.

 

InuYasha felt his rage quell a little as she nursed her wound. He was about to apologize when her stench hit him again. His temper flared again. “Kane-Sakura, I think you have some explaining to do.” He took her other wrist and pulled her along again until they were at the Goshinboku in the middle of his forest. “And you're going to explain everything, here and now.”

 

He shoved her down onto a root of the tree and turned his back to her. “InuYasha what's the meaning of all this? You're acting like a dumb ass!”

 

“I am not acting like a dumb ass! All I'm asking that you explain to me why you and Setsuna couldn't wait until after the marriage ceremony to consummate it.”

 

Kane stared at his back. “Wh-what are you talking about? We never…”

 

“You're pregnant Kane! I've known about it almost the whole time! And unless you cheated on him, it's his.” He turned and scowled at her. “I don't like the fact that he almost raped you and then you welcomed him back so eagerly by giving yourself to him. You're too trusting Kane! What if he does that again?!”

 

“He won't!” Tears stung in the back of Kane's eyes and a lump formed in her throat. “I trust him InuYasha, and I love him! What we did together wasn't just sex; it was magic and love that has us bound together!” Kane protected the new life within her by putting her hand over her lower belly. “What we made together, what's growing inside of me is something I want more than ever! It's his child that I carry and nothing you say is going to change that fact!”

 

“I know that! What really ticks me off is the fact that you went behind my back, got laid and pregnant, and you never told me!”

 

“My sex life is not something you should know about! You're my brother…”

 

“Oh, so now you have a sex life?” He asked sarcastically.

 

“I do now!” Kane took a deep breath. “Whether you like it or not, me and Setsuna will be doing that more often once we're married…”

 

InuYasha's gaze turned icy. “Listen to yourself! Do you even remember when Setsuna almost raped you?! Don't you realize that he'll change into a full-demon every six months? You'll have to find a way to protect…”

 

“We're mates now! The only reason that happened was because he had feelings of lust for me before he had turned full-demon!” Tears finally flowed freely from Kane's eyes. “Why are you making such a big deal out of this anyway?”

 

“Because you're my little sister! I don't want anything to happen to you, okay?” He blushed a little and turned away from her again. “I care about you, is that all right?”

 

More tears streamed down her cheeks, but these were tears of relief and happiness. “InuYasha, I know you love me, but you have to understand that I have to be able to do things on my own; make my own mistakes.” She closed her eyes. “I'll admit, this was one huge mistake on our part, but it's one we'll have to live with and cherish all our lives.”

 

InuYasha looked into the tree tops. “Kane, all I want is for you to be happy. And if being with Setsuna makes you happy, then I guess I'll have to find a way to be happy for you.”

 

“Is that your version of a marriage blessing?” Kane grinned and took her brother's hand. “'Cause if it is, you just gave me away to Setsuna to marry.”

 

He nodded, but then stiffened suddenly. He turned sharply and sniffed the air. A growl resonated deep within his chest as he said, “Okay you bastard, show yourself!”

 

“Inu…”

 

“Shh!” He hushed her. “Ren-Tao, I know you're out there! Now show your sorry ass so I can kick it!”

 

`Ren-Tao?!' Kane looked down at her hip and found Teretsu was gone; she had left it at Kaeda's hut. That's when she realized that InuYasha was also without his sword, the Tetsusaiga. `He's caught us unarmed and defenseless. Now what?'

 

Though he wasn't seen, Ren-Tao made his presence known by speaking. “Well InuYasha, it's good you sniffed me out. But don't worry, I won't attack.”

 

“What the hell's that supposed to mean?” InuYasha asked, making sure he kept his little sister near.

 

“I just heard your conversation. Kane-Sakura, you carry the spawn of Setsuna, do you not?” From his hiding spot, Ren-Tao smiled as he watched the siblings gaze around, looking for him.

 

“Yeah, what…?” InuYasha covered her mouth.

 

“You don't listen very well, do you?”

 

Ren-Tao laughed. “Let her speak InuYasha; after all, she's a grown woman now that she has a mate and a whelp in her belly. She has the freedom to do what she wants.”

 

His hand stayed where it was and Kane resisted the temptation to bite him. “I don't think so you bastard! I…” He paused. `Wait, he knows about Kane's baby. That means…' “Kane, let's get out of here. Right now.”

 

She tried to speak, but his hand was still over her mouth as he scooped her up into his arms. “He knows about your pregnancy. You and the baby are in danger with him being here, so I'm taking you back to the future…”

 

“Oh come on InuYasha, you can't just leave in the middle of a conversation.” Ren-Tao teased. “Put her down, I swear I won't attack; it's not the proper time.”

 

“The hell it is!” InuYasha leapt away from the clearing and left the demon behind.

 

Ren-Tao only shrugged. “I've all the information I need right now anyway. In seven months, Kane-Sakura's life will be mine. Hers, her whelp's, and her mate's.” He jumped out of the tree he hid in, landing on the direct spot InuYasha and Kane had once stood on and took a deep breath of fresh air. “She'll be at her weakest at that time and then my revenge will be complete.” In a puff of smoke, he disappeared.

 

Outside the village, InuYasha finally stopped to set Kane down. “InuYasha, what did he mean by, `it's not the proper time'?” She asked.

 

“He obviously wants to attack you when you're at your weakest; during your labor or after the baby's born.” InuYasha led her into the village. “He won't attack now, but when you get closer to having that baby, he'll move in for the kill.”

 

“What should we do?”

 

“Does the place you live in have people that will help you deliver the whelp?”

 

Kane nodded. “There's a hospital a few blocks from our apartment complex.”

 

“Then you'll have it there. When you get to a certain point in your pregnancy, you'll stay in the future until you've recovered enough to come back.” He smiled. “Don't worry, I'll keep you safe along with Setsuna. There's no way he'll get past us.”

 

“Thanks bro.” She hugged her brother tightly.

 

“Hey, watch it! Don't get all emotional on me!” He cried out in mock protest.

 

***

 

One week later…

 

Kane walked out of Kaeda's hut with Mika holding her train. Her dress was a simple white tube top that fanned out at her waist line. The sheer veil that covered her face had tear-drop shaped patterns on it and was sparkling in the dim and almost non-present sunlight. The sky hanging above her was a dark gray. “I'm worried about these clouds; can't Ori control them?” Kane asked Michi.

 

She shook her head. “Unfortunately, he can't control those, only the ones he makes.” It thundered in the distance. “In fact, he's absolutely terrified of storms that he hasn't created.”

 

“My wedding is ruined!” Kane started crying again, knowing it was part hormones, part emotional strain. “What are we going to do; it's outdoors.”

 

“Not necessarily.” Kagome leaned into the crying hanyou. “The weather today in the future is nice, so we could move it to my shrine.” After saying that, it began to sprinkle. Since the guys were all helping Setsuna get ready in a different hut, Kaeda's hut was theirs. They moved in just as it started to pour.

 

“We'll have to go get the guys.” Mika stated as she hiked her dress up to her knees. “Kagome, come with me?”

 

She nodded. “Michi, take Kane with you. We'll bring the guys along.”

 

As they left, Michi and Kane headed for the well. “How're you feeling Kane?”

 

She shrugged. “Okay; the morning sickness has calmed some, but I'm still emotionally unstable.” She sighed. “I can't wait for this part of it to be over.”

 

“You'll be saying that when the contractions start.”

 

Kane laughed. “I know. That's the part where I'll want to kill Setsuna, huh?”

 

They both continued to laugh as they jumped into the well.

 

Meanwhile, in the boy's hut…

 

“I'M NOT WEARING A SUIT!!” InuYasha's cries of protest resounded throughout the village. He was pinned to the ground by Nakura's vines as Ori and Miroku tried to undress the struggling hanyou. So far, things weren't going very good.

 

“You have to! You're giving your sister away and you need to look nice!” Miroku straddled InuYasha as he attempted to take off his outer haori. He dodged a punch to the face as he pulled it off.

 

“I'll wear whatever I damn well please. Hell, I'll go NAKED, but I won't wear that stupid tuxedo!” He yelled out ferociously as Miroku stripped him of his kimono top.

 

“Setsuna, grab the white shirt! Quickly!” Setsuna tossed Miroku the button up white collared shirt and pulled it over the hanyou's tomato-red angry face. “If I'd known you were going to need to be dressed like a two year-old, I wouldn't have dressed until later.” Miroku complained.

 

Nakura smirked as he used his vines to raise InuYasha off of the floor. He was tied by the waist, his wrists in cuffs and ankles bound. “This attire isn't so bad mutt. Besides, if you marry Kagome later on, I'm sure she'll make you wear this exact outfit.”

 

“Like hell she…Hey! Since when are we getting married?!” InuYasha bellowed. He struggled even more against the vines.

 

Miroku only shook his head as he loosened InuYasha's hakama and prepared to pull them down. “Come, come InuYasha. It's no secret on how you feel for Lady Kagome.” He pulled the pants past his hips and stood upright again. InuYasha's nose was nearly touching his, but Miroku knew that Nakura's vines were dependable. Either that, or the ignorant fool was beginning to listen.

 

Fat chance…

 

“Will you shut up Miroku? You're only antagonizing him.” Setsuna sighed in exasperation, secretly enjoying his soon-to-be brother-in-law's embarrassment. “I would like the wedding to start on time.”

 

Ori smiled. “Yeah, the sooner the ceremony and reception are over, the sooner you and Lady Kane can get it…” Setsuna glared over at him. “…get home and let her rest.”

 

A gust of wind blew into the hut as the guys discussed bed room etiquette, and then an audible gasp broke the conversation and plunged the whole room into silence. All of the men, who were standing before InuYasha, turned their heads to find Kagome, face red and eyes averted, and Mika, hand over her eyes as she laughed. InuYasha's face turned redder than when he'd been yelling bloody murder, and he unsuccessfully tried to hide his…equipment… from female eyes.

 

“I-InuYasha, I…we came to say…um…” Kagome was speechless as she bored holes into the wooden panels of the floor with her eyes.

 

Nakura finally realized that it was he who had kept InuYasha from hiding himself, so he let him go. InuYasha instantly curled into his thighs, but knew that it was too late; she had seen everything! “Um, Kagome, couldn't you have knocked?” The hanyou's voice cracked in mortification.

 

Mika snickered. “We did, but all of you were arguing so you obviously didn't hear us.” She burst out laughing. “What a baka! Can't you even get into your own tuxedo?!”

 

“Mika…” Kagome silenced her. “Guys, there's been a change of plans. Because of the weather, we're moving the wedding to the future.”

 

Setsuna groaned, thinking she meant later in the week or month…or year. He was hoping tonight he could show Kane the stars and more, but it looked like that wasn't going to happen. “It's been rescheduled?”

 

She shook her head. “We're going down the well. Kagome will take Sango with her and InuYasha will take Miroku.” Kagome turned and left; she'd seen enough of InuYasha for now.

 

Mika turned to leave, but added over her shoulder, “InuYasha, I suggest you finish dressing before the wedding, unless you plan on walking down the aisle like that.” She left, laughing again.

 

Once she was out of hearing range, the entire hut erupted in laughter. Setsuna was hunched over, holding his gut with his hands as he said, “Oh that was priceless! Kagome couldn't stop blushing!” He hooted again. “You should've seen your face!”

 

That got more guffaws from the men, except for InuYasha who stood and hit Miroku on the head with Tetsusaiga's scabbard. “I was going to finish the rest myself, bozu, but no! You wanted to finish what you started!” He grabbed a pair of boxers and pulled them on. They were soon followed by the tux pants.

 

Setsuna stepped forward with InuYasha's shoes and socks as the laughter died down. “How was he supposed to know? I mean, you yourself once said, and I quote, `Hell, I'll go NAKED but I won't wear that stupid tuxedo!'”

 

Shut up cat-breath. Can't you take a joke?” The pissed-off hanyou took the bow from Ori, only to hand it back since he didn't know how to put it on. Nakura pinned on a corsage that he'd grown that morning for all the men while Miroku brushed out InuYasha's hair and tied it in a low ponytail for convenience sake.

 

“Wow InuYasha, you look pretty damn good in a tux!” Setsuna put two thumbs up in approval. “Kane'll be so happy to see you looking so good.”

 

“She'd better appreciate this or she'll die once that whelp is born.” He looked at his appearance in a bucket of water before snorting at his reflection and stomping out the door.

 

***

 

A small crowd had gathered for the wedding of Sugimoto Kane-Sakura and Hideik Setsuna in the Higurashi Shrine. A few were friends from school and others were people Kagome had invited last minute. The music played lightly over the small stereo Kagome had set up. The couple had chosen Enya's `Watermark' for the bride's maids wedding march. The first to come down the aisle was Sango, who wore a plain tube top dress much like Kane's only it was red with a smaller train. She smiled at Miroku (a rare sight indeed) and took his arm when they met. Miroku parted to the right, Sango to the left.

 

Michi followed, wearing the same dress as Sango. The only difference was the fact that her flames swirled around her in spirals of golden embers as she marched. They flitted through her hair, creating a small breeze around herself. Ori grinned like a fool and took her arm when she came close. They walked a little, smiling at each other with love in their eyes, then parted with Michi to the left, Ori to the right.

 

The maid of honor, Mika, was next. Her dress was slightly longer with a small train and she looked stunning with crystals of ice swirling around her body as she walked serenely down the aisle. Nakura, Setsuna's best man, offered her his arm and she took it. They parted at the end of aisle and Mika stood by Michi, grinning ear to ear. “Guys, you're going to love Kane's final touch. She looks so beautiful.”

 

The song changed to Enya's `A Day without Rain' and the small audience stood. Kane met InuYasha in the center before they began to walk down the aisle, arm in arm. Her plain white dress and train now shone in the bright November sunlight. Diamonds encircled her neck and hair, but more were swirling around her as she walked with her brother. Her long ebony hair was up in a bun with long curls hanging down in the back. Her veil hid her face with a transparent lacy white. But even though her face was covered, there wasn't a soul that couldn't see her smile. Rainbows of light hit the walls as she walked past her friends from school.

 

At the end of the aisle, Kane saw the man she loved, adoring her with emerald eyes and pondering the moment. They met, but InuYasha had a couple words to say before he let his sister go. “Cat-boy, we may be brother-in-laws now, but if you hurt Kane in anyway, I'll kill you and send you to a hot place I know you can't handle; fire apparition or not.” He let Kane's arm slip into her mate's and started to walk off, but Kane cleared her throat before he got too far. He sighed loudly and shook Setsuna's hand in congratulations.

 

Kane shook her head as he stomped off. Setsuna tipped her chin up at his face and smiled. She grinned back, knowing it was the last day she'd have the last name `Sugimoto' and would forever be known as Hideik after today. They met at the front with the priest and took the traditional cups of sake. They each took one to each other's lips and sipped the strong liquid until it was gone.

 

“Today, we are bringing Hideik Setsuna and Sugimoto Kane-Sakura together under holy matrimony. These two…” He began with the blessing, but faded from Kane's hearing as she gazed into her lover's eyes.

 

“Kane-Sakura, do you promise to love, cherish, care for in sickness and in health until death do you part?”

 

“I do.”

 

“Setsuna, do you…?”

 

“I do, with all my heart.” Setsuna felt moved by the moment and said a small speech. “Never in my life will I let you down, never will I leave your side, and never will I let you go through anything alone. I'll be yours forever and for always.”

 

Her eyes misted when his speech was over and she wished to hug him, but she just smiled. “Oh Setsuna…”

 

InuYasha sat next to Kagome as she cried. “This is so beautiful.” She looked over at Sango and the other girls, who were close to tears too.

 

The hanyou only `hmph'ed and said, “This is too sappy for my tastes.” Kagome's response was an elbow in the ribs.

 

“Now we exchange the rings.” The priest announced, motioning the two before him to take each other's hands. “Kane-Sakura, accept this ring…”

 

“Kane-Sakura, accept this ring…” Setsuna repeated as he put the ring on her finger.

 

“…as a symbol of my love and affection.”

 

“…as a symbol of my love and affection.”

 

Now it was Kane's turn. “Priest, I'd like to say something.” He nodded. “This ring symbolizes more than what you think. It represents that we are married and share one life, but to me it also means that we'll always be together, even when we're fighting; it means I'll be there for you when things are hard; and it means our love will prevail. Whatever trials our love goes through, whatever goes wrong or right, I'll be there. Just like you protect me, I'll protect you.” She slipped the ring on his finger. The simple gold band reflected light onto her face, making her tears shimmer. “And furthermore, it means we're bonded together for life, for better or worse, until death do us part.”

 

She nodded at the priest that she was done and he began the benediction. “Let it be known that on this day, Hideik Setsuna and Kane-Sakura were brought together as one.” The priest smiled and finished, “Setsuna, kiss the bride.”

 

He grinned. “Gladly and always.” Their gazes locked as he grazed her cheek with his left hand and closed his lips over hers in a sealing kiss of promise. After unlocking lips, they walked up the aisle as one unit. As they did, Setsuna asked, “How are you feeling?”

 

“I feel perfect.” She leaned over to kiss his cheek. “And complete.”

 

***

 

Everybody knows that the reception is always the best part of the wedding. There was a small dinner in honor of the newly weds and that was soon followed by the dance. During the tossing of the bouquet, it landed in Mika's hands. She held it for a few seconds, then threw it aside when Nakura raised an eyebrow her way. Setsuna did the American tradition of getting the bride's garter. He crawled stealthily on the floor, cat-like, and went under her dress to retrieve the prize. Kane could only laugh and hit her husband on the back as he tickled her thighs with his tongue to grab the garter with his teeth. And who caught it? None other than Miroku.

 

Then came the bride and groom's first dance together. They met in the middle of the dance floor and danced to Devastate's new single, `More Than Love' (original artists: Los Lonely Boys). Then the entire wedding party joined in on another slow song and Kane got paired with her brother once. He was careful not too step on her feet, but he was unsuccessful. He managed to step on her feet one too many times, and soon they pounded in her shoes.

 

As she soaked her feet in warm water to calm the swelling, Setsuna took the mic from the DJ and announced, “I wrote a special song for my wife. If Devastate would please come up to here, I'd like to perform it live.” He smiled at Kane, who only smiled back as he started to sing.

 

Far Away

By: Nickleback

 

This time, this place

Misused, mistakes

Too long, too late

Who was I to make you wait

Just one chance

Just one breath

Just in case there's just one left

`Cause you know,

You know, you know

 

That I love you

I have loved you all along

And I miss you

Been far away for far too long

I keep dreaming you'll be with me

And you'll never go

Stop breathing if

I don't see you anymore

 

On my knees, I'll ask

Last chance for one last dance

`Cause with you, I'd withstand

All of hell to hold your hand

I'd give it all, I'd give for us

Give anything but I won't give up

`Cause you know,

You know, you know,

 

That I love you

I have loved you all along

And I miss you

Been far away for far too long

I keep dreaming you'll be with me

And you'll never go

Stop breathing if

I don't see you anymore

 

So far away

Been far away for far too long

So far away

Been far away for far too long

But you know, you know, you know

 

I wanted

I wanted you to stay

`Cause I needed

I need to hear you say…

 

I love you

I have loved you all along

And I forgive you

For being away for far too long

So keep breathing

`Cause I'm not leaving you anymore

Believe it, hold onto me and never let me go

 

Keep breathing

`Cause I'm not leaving you anymore

Believe it, hold onto me and never let me go

 

Keep breathing

Hold onto me, never let me go

Keep breathing

Hold onto me, never let me go

 

After he finished the song, he got down before Kane and kissed her as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I love you and I have all along.” She began. “I forgive you for being away for far too long. So keep breathing because I'm never leaving you. Believe it, so hold onto me and never let me go.”

 

Setsuna smiled. “I know all that already. Do you know when I wrote this song?”

 

She shook her head. He only smiled. “After I almost lost you. The melody just suddenly appeared in my head and I wrote the lyrics to go with it.” He hugged her as she wrapped her arms under his to embrace him. “Kane, let's go home.”

 

“Oh, but…where are we going to stay?” Kane asked.

 

He jingled some keys in front of her face. “Didn't I tell you? I got a job at the local radio station as a DJ and Kagome's mom was glad enough to make the first down-payment on our own apartment in the girls' complex as our wedding present.”

 

“Our own place?” Kane's eyes glittered in excitement. “But we can't leave early, we're the bride and groom.”

 

“Not true. You have an excuse, remember?” He cupped her lower abdomen that was only just beginning to bulge. “You look fatigued; I think we should go home.” He said for all ears.

 

Kagome came over. “Go ahead and take her home Setsuna. We'll handle the mess and getting your gifts home.”

 

He scooped her up. “Okay Kagome; thanks for helping out.” He said with a smile of gratitude.

 

“No problem. Have fun tonight.” She winked and walked off.

 

They blinked in confusion and knew that Kagome had figured out the ploy. They made their way through the crowd, saying good-bye and thanking their school mates. Once they were out of the building, Kane laced her fingers into Setsuna's and squeezed his hand. “So, where's our apartment?”

 

“On the third floor, room 306.” He opened the car door for her, shut it, then jumped in the other side. “Do you think you'll have enough energy to…?”

 

“Hentai. Of course.” She shifted her hand so it rested on his inner thigh. Heat spiraled from his belly to his crotch and his erection heightened.

 

“Kane…please, wait until…” She touched it with the tips of her fingers. He groaned. “Dear god…”

 

“Just keep your eyes on the road. Once we're behind closed doors, feel free to torture me back.” She giggled as he accelerated the gas of the car, racing home.

 

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