Miraculous by AndrewsRedSweater

Just Perfect

Miraculous

By AndrewsRedSweater

Posted April 19, 2011

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. The series belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, all rights reserved. I am making no profit from this fanfiction. It is purely for my personal amusement. And hopefully yours, too.

******

Chapter 1: Just Perfect

Fairy tales are more than true:

not because they tell us that dragons exist,

but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.

G.K. Chesterton

*

Kagome sat at her kitchen table, her nails clacking against the surface. The ticking clock filled the house, while the courtyard's usually sing-song birds stayed silent. Crossing her legs, Kagome tried to appear composed, but failed miserably. Sesshoumaru always unnerved her.

His broad frame filled the chair across from her, arms folded. In the early spring heat he looked good in a white dress shirt with rolled sleeves. For someone she'd known for over seven years, you'd think they'd be a bit more amiable. Considering he'd known her for more than five centuries, you'd really think they'd be more amiable.

"You are staring, miko."

Amiable? Not so much.

Averting her eyes, Kagome cursed Shippo's lateness. She hadn't seen her kit in over a year, and she was impatient. How she ended up spending her Sunday afternoon in her family's house, waiting with the Lord of the West on a perfect spring day, was completely irrational. This is not how "normal" twenty-two-year-olds spent their time. And besides, Sesshoumaru made her feel itchy. Unwelcome in her own home. And really, really awkward.

But she was here for Shippo. Supposedly this was going to be "something big," as he'd put it in his most recent letter. So she'd sit it out. And be a lady. Or something like that. Clearing her throat, she asked, "Would you like some water?"

"My lack of thirst has not changed."

Kagome glared at the inuyoukai. His expression was bland, bordering on comatose. Same as always. Well. It wasn't her job to humor him. He was an adult. Realistically, he was probably older than some mountain ranges. But she could only respect her elders so far.

Standing up, Kagome said, "I'll wait outside."

******

Kagome sat at the top of Higurashi Shrine's sprawling steps. With her elbows on her knees, she watched the orange sunset fall across Tokyo. Kagome wondered if sitting on concrete in her white dress was a smart idea, but quickly stopped caring. She'd rather be in fresh air than in the kitchen. Plus, she did her best thinking out here.

It'd been three years since she'd healed the Shikon no Tama, the well had sealed, and then wham! she'd rediscovered her friends in the here and now. More accurately, they'd been waiting for her and threw a big bash at her return. She'd never imagined how much modern youkai loved karaoke.

As for Sesshoumaru... Well, they'd been "necessary allies," as he'd put it. She'd only seen him three times in the past years. Rin always made the gang get together at Christmas. Sesshoumaru usually sat staring into the fireplace. It was obious he suffered the celebration solely for his daughter's sake.

"Wait a second," Kagome murmured to herself. Sitting up straighter, she pieced together the fact that whatever Shippo was plotting, Rin was obviously in on it. Nothing else explained Sesshoumaru's presence.

It was the middle of April. No holidays were approaching. What were those two plotting?

Suddenly, a familiar engine roared in the distance. On the road beneath the shrine, Kagome chuckled to herself as a red motorcycle zoomed through the traffic. Bunches of schoolgirls stood on the sidewalk, watching the rider with awe. He turned up the hill that led to the shrine's public parking lot.

"Oh Inuyasha," Kagome sighed.

Behind her she heard the loud engine cut to a stop. Turning her head, she watched Inuyasha approach. He was covered head-to-toe in red motorcycle gear, his helmet in his hands, and a bandanna covering his ears. Watching him approach, she thought, He really is handsome. Taller, broader, and with a wider emotional range than the teenage hanyou she used to know. Kagome knew it all too well. She really did enjoy the older Inuyasha.

He took a seat beside her. With a large grin he said, "So I'm not late?"

Rolling her eyes, Kagome said, "No, you are. By two hours."

Inuyasha looked at her. "And the kid's still not here?"

"Nope."

A comfortable silence fell between them. Before them, the sunset slowly pooled into twilight.

"Sesshoumaru dead yet?"

Kagome gave a dry laugh. "Nope. Still a demon."

He nudged her shoulder. "C'mon. Where'd you bury him?"

Laughing, she said, "He's in the kitchen, Inuyasha."

"Hmm. Out in the open. No one will suspect it, Kagome. Good thinking."

Shaking her head, Kagome couldn't hide her smile.

Suddenly Inuyasha's ears quirked to the side. Listening intently he said, "Hey you know what..." His eyes turned to meet hers. "He's here!"

At the same instant, Sesshoumaru walked out the door and leaned against the doorframe. Inuyasha offered Kagome a hand, and soon all three were facing the shrine's far side where the parking lot was. Inuyasha walked forward, Kagome's hand still in his.

While Inuyasha walked toward his brother, Kagome took a second to reel her emotions in. She wasn't fifteen anymore. This wasn't the Feudal Era. She was a woman now. Holding hands did not mean romantic intent. They were friends, they'd made that perfectly clear. But she couldn't help the light blush from painting her cheeks. Shaking her head, she turned her gaze to Sesshoumaru who was ignoring both of them.

"Hey Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha called. Receiving no answer, Inuyasha asked, "So since when is Shippo so important to you?"

As usual, Sesshoumaru remained silent. From the shrine's parking lot, Kagome heard a car door open and shut. Her heart leaped in her throat. He's back!

Unlatching Inuyasha's fingers, Kagome turned and ran to the parking lot. Rounding the shrine's corner, she spotted Inuyasha's motorcycle, Sesshoumaru's silver Mercedes, and an expensive black sedan. Before Kagome could make any sense of this, Shippo rushed toward her and pulled her into a big hug.

Shippo twirled her around, his rich laughter filling her heart. Laughing, Kagome said, "I'm still not used to you being so big!"

Joy radiated from him like sunshine. Finally placing her on her feet, Shippo's green eyes twinkled as he said, "Well, now that I'm back for good, you'll have to!"

The wait had been worth it in every way.

"Hey there runt!" Inuyasha appeared beside her, and pulled Shippo into a tight hold. At six feet three inches, Shippo certainly wasn't a runt. Inuyasha was actually a good two inches shorter than the kitsune, but Shippo never corrected the nickname.

Ruffling Shippo's auburn ponytail, Inuyasha said, "So where you been the past year, kid? All those postcards didn't tell us much. Just knew you were travelin'."

Shippo scratched the back of his head, a nervous habit he hadn't outgrown. "Well, you see..."

It was at this time that Kagome finally looked behind Shippo and noticed Sesshoumaru approaching the passenger door. The windows were so darkly tinted that Kagome couldn't see a thing. But as Sesshoumaru reached forward gracefully, opened the door, and held out his hand to the waiting passenger, Kagome knew.

Glancing at Shippo, she read his aura's emotions. Joy, certainly. Excitement, yes. And bundles and bundles of anticipation.

Kagome's eyes met Shippo's. "You married Rin."

Inuyasha yelled, "WHAT?" at the same moment Shippo grinned and said, "Well, not exactly..."

They turned just in time to see Sesshoumaru take Rin's arm in his own. She was clothed in a blue kimono, her brown hair knotted in a traditional style. Rin's bright face turned upwards. With a smile she said, " Good evening Kagome! Hello Inuyasha!"

Kagome and Inuyasha exchanged looks of pure shock. Sesshoumaru never let Rin travel with males without himself as company.

Shippo laid a hand on Kagome's shoulder. Grinning broadly, Shippo said, "And that's not the only surprise."

Shippo turned toward the car and waved. The two back doors clicked open. Two brown heads popped out of the car. Kagome's heart clenched so tightly it hurt. She could feel Inuyasha's hand on her waist, steadying her.

Did she dare hope?

But how?

How?

Sango and Miroku exited the car. Miroku smiled calmly, dressed in slacks and a dress shirt like a true twenty-first century native. In a warm voice he said, "It's been a long time."

Tears filled Kagome's eyes. Her gaze turned to Sango. Her friend was elegant in a black skirt suit. Before she knew it, her sister run toward her, and was holding Kagome in an embrace so warm that she hadn't realized how dearly she'd missed it.

"But how?" Kagome mumbled against Sango's shoulder.

Sango's voice was filled with tears and joy, "It was all Shippo, and Sesshoumaru."

Before Kagome could ask further, Inuyasha was holding both of them, and then Shippo and Miroku joined the group hug. Tears and laughter erupted from Kagome like a fountain. Her Feudal family was back. All of them. She hadn't felt this whole since... well, since before the final battle.

Sesshoumaru's chill voice broke their tender moment. "Let us go inside," he said.

Shippo was the first to disentangle himself. Practically bouncing, he took Kagome's arm in his, and Sango's in the other. Kagome was in such shock that she didn't even register the next chaotic moments as Rin dug through the freezer to make dinner, Miroku filled her water glass, and Shippo sat her at the head of the table. Her gaze flitted between Miroku and Sango, happiness giving way to utter confusion.

Kagome distantly felt a hand on hers. Looking up, she was met with Sango's deep eyes.

"How?" Kagome whispered.

Sango squeezed Kagome's hand. With a smile she said, "Magic and determination, and lots of it."

Kagome swallowed. "What... what was it like?"

Sango stared off, a light entering her eyes. "Beautiful," she whispered. After a pause, Sango turned back to Kagome. "Really, really beautiful, Kagome."

Before Kagome could say more, Inuyasha's voice cut through the ruckus. "But you two were dead!"

Inuyasha's eyes swept between Miroku and Sango, as completely baffled as Kagome. Kagome glanced at Sesshoumaru, who sat exactly opposite her. He was just as calm and collected as he'd been all afternoon. Part of Kagome grew angry. Sesshoumaru had known about this. All of it. And he'd hidden it from Inuyasha and her.

Some ally indeed.

Miroku's gaze perked in Kagome's direction. "There's no need for frustration. Over the past year, secrecy was paramount. We didn't even know. Only Sesshoumaru and Shippo knew we may be returning, and it was never guaranteed."

Inuyasha, however, was not satisfied. Even as an adult, he hated being out of the loop. "But wait just a second—secrecy, alright, I get it. But isn't this against nature?" He glanced at everyone in the room.

Sango's warm expression faltered. Miroku shifted in his stance. Before Inuyasha could dig a deeper hole, Kagome said, "Inuyasha, don't be rude—"

"No, no—hear me out. I mean, I'm thrilled you guys are back. But after all—you died. Death isn't usually a redoable thing."

"Kikyo," Miroku said.

"The Band of Seven," Shippo added.

Sighing, Inuyasha said, "C'mon you know what I mean. That stuff wasn't natural. So unless you two are some clay pots, or you've got shards in you, this doesn't make sense."

Rin emerged from the kitchen. Folding her hands in front of her, she sat at Shippo's side. "My apologies, everyone. I fear that all of this confusion is my fault."

Kagome didn't miss how Shippo's eyes followed Rin's every movement. Or how he took her hands in his. Kagome glanced at Sesshoumaru. His lip quirked in displeasure, but Shippo wasn't dead yet. So Sesshoumaru was relatively ok with this. Surprising.

Rin looked around the room and said, "After Kagome returned from the well, we all became closer, didn't we?"

Inuyasha and Kagome nodded. Shippo continued his intent gaze. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes.

Continuing, Rin said, "So... over time..." her words were replaced with fierce blushes. She stared at her lap.

Shippo met Kagome's eyes. "What Rin's trying to say, is that I fell in love with her. And... she with me."

Across the table, Sesshoumaru grimaced as though bamboo shoots had been jammed up his fingernails. Kagome bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.

Eager for more details, Kagome asked, "So when did you ask Sesshoumaru for her hand?"

Shippo and Rin shared a smile. Looking back at Kagome, Shippo said, "At the second Christmas party, after you returned. He said that I had to first prove myself worthy."

Inuyasha grunted. Kagome could have sworn that he'd kicked his brother from under the table. "You sayin' our kit's not good enough for Rin?"

Sesshoumaru opened one eye. After a pregnant pause... pregnant meaning a labor lasting over three days or so... Sesshoumaru said, "He is now."

Rin beamed brightly at her adopted father. Shippo looked bashful under the praise. Kagome tried not to take offense to Sesshoumaru's attitude.

Miroku said, "Since Shippo completed every task, they are now engaged."

Inuyasha stared levelly at Shippo. "So whadya have to do? Remodel Hell?"

Miroku poured himself another glass of water and chuckled, "Not exactly, but an astute guess."

With grace that was the perfect merger of humility and pride, Shippo said, "He gave me three months to prepare. And then, I had three tasks to complete in one year's time. First, earn two more tails, second, slay two dragons, and third, bring two souls back to life."

Inuyasha was dumbfounded. "Usually it takes two hundred years for a kitsune to earn one tail."

Shippo nodded.

"There were only three dragons left."

Shippo nodded.

"And... has the bringing back two long-dead souls ever happened before?" Inuyasha's voice had a peculiar high pitch. He hadn't even taken a breath.

Shippo shrugged.

Standing, Kagome walked toward the couple and embraced them. She smiled and said, "Well I think it's very romantic."

Rin met Kagome's eyes and said, "Thank you Kagome. I... I couldn't be happier."

Inuyasha said gruffly, "Sounds like pops over here tried to make the courtship impossible."

Sango said, "But Shippo did it."

Kagome peeked another look at Sesshoumaru. If she didn't know any better, it seemed like daddy dearest was hoping the tasks had been... more impossible. But he was taking it in stride.

Finally, Inuyasha barked a laugh. Clapping his brother on the back, he said, "Well, now we're officially one pack!"

Sesshoumaru gripped the table. Kagome prayed it didn't break.

Standing, Inuyasha took Miroku in his arms. Laughing, he said, "So happy you're not a clay pot, man."

Miroku's chuckle filled the entire room. A comforting sound that reminded Kagome of long treks through the forest and fetching firewood. A sound she hadn't heard in too long. Inuyasha rounded the table and took Sango into an embrace. "You may have to pick up another hobby than demon slaying in this century," he said gruffly.

"Don't get too cocky, someone has to keep you in line," she joked.

Laughter filled Kagome's home and her heart in the same instant. Glancing around her room of friends, Kagome felt absolutely renewed. Even Sesshoumaru's dour expression couldn't diminish her happiness. Smiling, she asked, "So, who'd like dinner?"

"Not ramen," Inuyasha said with a withering sigh. Owning a dojo can do that to a guy.

"Maybe pizza?" Shippo asked.

Rin turned and said, "Oh, I already started some in the oven."

"Great, I'll start serving."

******

The group stayed up so late that it was early. They had moved to the living room and were still passing around the sake. Kagome hadn't seen Sesshoumaru for the past few hours. He was probably outside mulling about how Shippo should have killed all three dragons, or some such nonsense. After serving the last of her treasured strawberry mochi and cleaning the dishes with Sango, Kagome decided it was time to start doling out pillows and blankets. She did have work the next morning, after all.

Rising from her seat beside Inuyasha, she headed down the hall and toward the linen closet. Opening the door, she felt a powerful presence behind her.

Keeping her eyes on quilts and pillowcases she said, "Yes Sesshoumaru?"

"We must talk."

"It's kind of late..."

"This was not a request."

Leaning forward against one of the wooden shelves, Kagome pleaded, "Sesshoumaru, I have work tomorrow, I'm tipsy, and tired. I—"

"The God Tree. When you are finished."

Sighing, Kagome nodded her head.

He had already gone.

******

Kagome played the role of dutiful hostess. Inuyasha and Shippo were in bedrolls in the living room, Miroku and Sango in Souta's room, and Rin, the blushing bride-to-be, was sleeping soundly in Kagome's old room. Kagome really, really envied them.

Wrapped in one of her mother's old sweaters, Kagome took a seat against the Goshinboku's trunk. Staring at the dark sky, Kagome smiled with an ease she hadn't felt in years. She had expected one dear person's return, and three had come. Nothing short of miraculous.

A breeze swept through the branches, and she sensed Sesshoumaru's youki. Sesshoumaru was standing under the shrine's arch, his tall frame surrounded by the city's lights. He turned toward her, his inhuman eyes glowing softly in the darkness. It was moments like these when Kagome realized just how strange her life was. The demon walked toward her soundlessly, and she tried not to feel hunted.

Easing back against the tree, she turned her eyes to the stars. He stood just a few feet from her, wordless and patient in that way of his. Time passed. Maybe even an hour. Typical of him to speak only when he wanted, not caring about someone's sleep schedule. Perhaps tipsiness and tiredness made her a teensy bit sour. Or perhaps he really is just a jerk.

When Sesshoumaru finally spoke, his voice was like the wind. "Rin would like a human wedding, miko."

Kagome rubbed her face, struggling to stay awake. "Sounds great."

Another laborious pause. "As Shippo's guardian, you will play a significant role."

"Ok."

"The groom's mother holds many responsibilities."

"Ok."

Sesshoumaru's youki glowed dimly around him. If she didn't know any better, she'd say she was annoying him. Well. Now he knows what it feels like whenever she tried to engage him in conversation.

"Miko, considering this is the merger of our two houses, I assumed you'd take a more active role." His voice was eerily smooth.

Yep. Definitely annoyed.

"But you're having so much fun just telling me what to do," she quipped.

A deep growl shook around her and echoed in her ribcage. Finally looking up, her blue eyes clashed against his gold ones.

"Listen, miko. And listen well." Kagome gulped. "Even in your time, I remain the Lord of the Western Lands. I will not be disrespected by a poorly trained priestess—"

"Hey!"

He steamrolled over her. "And what's more, I will not have my daughter's union to your... kit... be an embarrassment upon my name."

Kagome saw red. Bursting upwards, she stood on her tiptoes and pushed her face in Sesshoumaru's. She hissed, "How dare you insult Shippo! He's done your tasks! He's earned her hand! He is not an embarrassment to you, or to any—"

A large hand clenched across her mouth. Kagome huffed and attempted to shake her head free, but it was useless. Sesshoumaru's gaze bore into her. Slowly, she calmed down.

Satisfied with her silence, Sesshoumaru said, "After five centuries Rin has finally met a match who could achieve the three tasks. This makes your kitsune worthy. When their mating is complete, her lifeline with shift from mine, to his."

Sesshoumaru watched Kagome to make sure she understood. She nodded.

His grip on her mouth softened, but he did not remove his hand. "Rin wants a June wedding."

Kagome's eyes widened. Two months left no time for anything quality. Embarrassment aside, it just wasn't possible.

Reading the doubt in her eyes, Sesshoumaru said, "This wedding will be the event of the century. The House of the West has not seen a union in..."

Since Izayoi.

"In centuries," Sesshoumaru stated.

He peered down at her, evaluating her comprehension level. After a long moment during which Kagome decided Sesshoumaru smelled distinctly of peppermint, he released his grip.

Sesshoumaru's eyes hardened. "Understand, miko, that this must be perfectly handled."

But perfection isn't possible.

"And that it's perfect execution lies in your hands."

Kagome balked. "But the bride's family is usually the most responsible."

Sesshoumaru's lips gave the smallest hint of a smirk. "For the payment, yes. So indeed, my house will pay for all events. Even those traditionally paid for by the groom's house."

Kagome sighed in relief. "Perfect" certainly wasn't possible on her bank account.

"But that being the case," Sesshoumaru continued, "You are fully responsible for tactical execution."

Kagome grit her teeth. He had no respect for the fact that she had a job, was completely responsible for the shrine's upkeep, and was now hosting three drop-ins—two of which had been dead for five centuries.

Before she could retort, Sesshoumaru said, "It pleases me that we have reached an accord."

"But—"

With that, Sesshoumaru jumped on the shrine's roof and leaped into the night. It didn't matter if Sesshoumaru wore modern clothes. He was a mythological being. One that she'd never understand.

"Well fine then," Kagone grumbled to herself.

After this wedding, Rin and Shippo be blessed, she really hoped the grandkids would visit their grandparents on different days. A very Sesshoumaru-less life seemed pretty ideal at the moment. Itchy awkward rude demon indeed. When she was fifteen she didn't really "get" why Inuyasha couldn't stand his brother. But the more she interacted with him, the more she really, truly got it.

******

Later that morning Kagome tiptoed upstairs and into the master bedroom. When Mama and Souta moved to California for Souta's baseball scholarship, Mama said Kagome could have the master bedroom if it stayed tidy. Crawling into the king size bed, she hoped that her two hours of sleep would be really, really deep. But as she stared at the ceiling, and replayed the day's events, she couldn't prevent a familiar ache from filling her chest. After a night watching Shippo and Rin's bubbling excitement, and Miroku and Sango's soulful devotion, it was hard not to be wistful.

Turning over on her stomach, she slammed her eyes shut. It wasn't the time for a pity party. This was about her son's wedding, and her two best friends back from the dead. Miraculous events should be given miraculous honor.

Her last thought was of Inuyasha walking toward her, the sunset's light reflecting off his silver hair. His body encased in flashy motorcycle attire. So close, and still so unattainable. Even with Kikyo gone.

And now she had to commit two months of her life to planning the wedding of the century.

Perfect.

Just perfect.

******

Thank you for reading. Please review and tell me your thoughts. This is my first Inuyasha fanfiction ever, and my first fanfiction in eight years. I would love to hear what you think.

Thank you again for reading and take care.

Many blessings,

AndrewsRedSweater