InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ripples ❯ When A Man Loves A Woman ( Chapter 12 )

Alright, here is the last chapter and the epilogue. I hope you aren't too terribly disappointed with it. I think it wraps up a bit better than `Chimera' did because I actually tied up loose ends in this fic. I don't own Inuyasha, but don't hold that against me. I love you all and hope you have enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you all so much.

~Arella

Chapter 12: When A Man Loves A Woman

Inuyasha watched as Sesshou and Kagome drove up. He hadn't seen his brother this happy in a long, long time and he was glad. Sesshou never really recovered from Kagome's disappearance, although he had known it would happen. Some days Inu swore the only thing keeping him going was Kagome's ring, which glowed pink when he got too depressed, and the knowledge that he would see her again. One time he'd asked Sesshou what the ring did when it glowed.

Flashback

"Oi, Sesshoumaru?"

Sesshoumaru looked up from his desk in question.

"You can tell me to mind my own business if you want, but what happens when your ring glows?"

The elder youkai twisted the ring unconsciously and then studied it for a moment. "Kagome gave me this ring. It's made from her own energy and binds me to her just as her mark does."

That didn't really answer Inuyasha's question, but the hanyou didn't push. After a moment, the taiyoukai seemed to remember his brother was still waiting on an answer.

"She talks to me when it glows. Sometimes I can even see her face."

"Does it work whenever you want it to work?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head and looked out the window, a faraway look of sadness in his eyes. "No, only when she knows I need her. I don't know how she does it but somehow she always knows when I have need of her."

The two brothers sat in silence for a long while before Inuyasha spoke up. "Rin told me one time that she saw Kagome. I didn't believe her, but now-I don't know."

Sesshoumaru turned to his brother. "Kagome gave Rin a locket before she left. I wouldn't be surprised if she protects Rin through it."

"The way she protects you?"

"Hai, the way she protects me."

End Flashback

The couple made their way over to Inuyasha's table and said hello to him and Kagome's family. Kagome cleared her throat before beginning.

"Um, Mom, Grandpa, Sota, I have some news for you."

Just then the waitress came over and took their orders. Kagome was fidgeting by the time the woman left. Sesshou discreetly took her hand. She sighed and took a calming breath.

"Sesshou has asked me to marry him and I accepted."

Cricket, cricket. Silence hung in the air until her mother broke into a huge grin. "Finally! I'm so happy for you, dear. It's about time you were married and your Sesshou is a wonderful boy. Isn't that right, Father?"

Kagome's grandfather glared at Sesshou. "You'd better take good care of her, demon, or you'll have me to deal with. I know some pretty angry spirits who would just love to haunt you."

The Guardian laughed nervously and Sota spoke up. "So I'm going to be related to Sesshou and Inu? How cool is that! Oh, wow, oh wow oh wow! Way to go, Sis."

Inu rolled his eyes but gave the kid a high five when he called for one. Mrs. H immediately sat down and began discussing what Kagome wanted. It was another two hours before they stumbled out of the café and made their way downtown to look at wedding things. Mrs. H sent Grandpa and Sota home, but insisted that Sesshou and Inu come with them. The brothers grimaced but came without complaining. Another six hours later and thanks to Sesshou's influence and money, they had everything but Kagome's wedding dress. Mrs. H refused to let Sesshou be with them when that was purchased. The wedding would be in two days due to Sesshou's insistence that it be as soon as possible. His motto through the entire thing was `whatever's the best.' That hurried things along.

Riding back home, Kagome leaned over to Sesshou and whispered out of hearing of her mother, "You think you can wait another two days?"

He growled quietly and nipped her ear. "I'll try, but don't tempt me."

Kagome and her mother were dropped off and Sesshou kissed her goodbye. "I probably won't be seeing you much until the wedding, so kiss me again."

Sesshou put up no argument and gave her a passionate kiss. Kagome pulled away reluctantly and grinned. "Save it for the honeymoon. By the way, where are we going?"

"My apartment, it's closest to the shrine. I'll take you on a honeymoon after you reward me for 500 years of chastity."

Kagome erupted into laughter and he left with a gentle kiss on her cheek.

**Today was the day. He was marrying the love of his life and finally there would be nothing keeping them apart. Nervously, he shifted his weight and looked toward the front of the church when the music began. Shippou came in bearing the rings and looked at him proudly. Sesshou gave him a small smile until his attention was caught by Kagome's maid of honor. Rin walked, beaming, down the aisle and gave him a small thumbs up sign. His daughter had grown into a beautiful youkai.

Hundreds of people, mostly business associates of his who he had to impress, stood as the bride appeared in the doorway. Sesshou felt his breath catch as he saw her. She was like an angel in her flowing white dress holding an armful of orchids. The church was full of orchids and violets, but no one paid any attention as they watched the most beautiful flower of all make her way toward her husband to be. Sesshou felt his best man nudge him in the back.

"She'll never believe you when you tell her how she looks," Inu whispered.

"I know, but she'll like hearing it."

He shut up when Kagome was handed to him by her grandfather, who surprisingly shook his grandson-in-law's hand. Sesshou took Kagome's hand and the priest began the ceremony.

"…and if there is anyone here who objects to this union, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."

"I object," a voice from the back of the room announced.

Kagome and Sesshou turned and found Koga standing in the aisle, glaring. "Kagome, you are supposed to be with me, not with him. You're my woman."

Sesshou looked at the priest. "Can you just ignore him?"

The priest looked at the two. "I can't until it is settled."

Kagome looked at Sesshou. "I don't love you, Koga. In fact, you pretty much disgust me so could you kindly leave and quite ruining my wedding?"

He sputtered until Sesshou nodded to two men and the enraged wolf was dragged from the church. The mates then gave their attention to the priest.

"Well, seeing as how there are no objections," the audience snickered, "I pronounce you to be man and wife."

A cheer went up in the church as Sesshou kissed Kagome and they ran out the church into the waiting limo. Instead of ordering the driver to take them to the reception, Sesshou ordered it back to his apartment.

"After all," he said looking at his wife, "I have 500 years to catch up on."