Mistress Misfit by mle

Old Dog, New Tricks

Ch. 4: Old Dog, New Tricks

AN: I don't own the characters of Inuyasha, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi, Viz Media and Sunrise.

Thanks for reading!

And now...

   Finally, some vows are exchanged (well, sort of.)

Sesshomaru hunkered deeper into his coat and tiredly glared out into the street. The air had gone chill and the sky was a disturbing shade of gray. Mr. Souta had dashed by in a flurry of paperwork, cell phone conversations and stress half a dozen times only to return with odds and ends, always frazzled but strangely happy. When Toutosai asked what all the hullabaloo was about, the young man paused long enough to chirp, “Sis's wedding party is tonight.”

Solemnly, Toutosai pulled off his hat. The odd clump of gray hair that sprouted from the center of his bean fluttering stupidly in the faint arctic breeze. “That's wonderful!” He wheezed. “Why she deserves a good man.” He glanced at Sesshomaru, “Even if he's a bit rough 'round the edges.”

Souta gasped, snagged the gushing demon's arm and yelped, “Can't believe I didn't think of this sooner!”

Both doormen gaped at their suddenly flushed and grinning boss.

Souta added in one breath, “You can watch the table.” He stuffed Toutosai through the door and, as though he'd just remembered Sesshomaru was there, poked his head back out, “You're ok on your own, right?”

Nod. “Yes, Sir.”

“Good.” He chuckled and peeked at his watch, “Gramps will be here soon, please don't let him walk across the sidewalk unaided.” Cringe,

“And don't let him bully you either.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Souta smirked, “Why don't you go snag a coffee from the cafe before things get too hectic.” He rubbed his neck, peeking back inside to eye the decorating progress.

Sesshomaru cleared his throat, “I will be fine on my own, Sir.” Remembering Kagome's insistence he not forget his P's and Q's, he added, “Thank you for your concern but please go back to what you were doing.” He tipped his head, “As I said, I will be fine.”

“You're sure?” The young man canted his head, eyes narrowing in earnest study of his employee. Seemingly satisfied with what he saw, Souta nodded and disappeared inside.

Sesshomaru frowned, just able to catch sight of the large conference room across the way. It had been extravagantly decorated in royal reds and purples, splashes of yellow and touches of silver. The faint smell of flowers escaped into the winter wind as the door purred closed. Turning back to keep guard, Sesshomaru's blood chilled. If the heiress is getting married... spine stiffening, he let his eyes scan the street, worry mounting. That means many of the company's business associates will be in attendance.

No sooner had the thought crossed his mind then a sedan rolled easily up to the curb. Sesshomaru dared the beginning spits of snow to open the door and offer his hand to the passenger inside.

“Humph!” A cane burst from the back seat, followed by a scowling elderly man's head, “I'm not an invalid, boy!”

Sesshomaru stepped out of the old man's way, eyes widening in recognition. It was hard to forget Grandpa Higurashi with his steely gray, slicked back hair and eyes narrowed in crabby condemnation of the world. Gramps' mustache tugged into a frown as his goatee quivered. The Higurashi patriarch burst from the car, jerked the door from Sesshomaru's hold and slammed it shut before he began clattering towards the building.

“Damn this blasted chill!” He huffed, well aware Sesshomaru was right on his heels.

Sesshomaru blinked down at the back of the old man's head. Curious if the cane were for show rather than actual use. Gramps marched to the doormat and roughly bashed his walking-stick against the rubber rug. He turned, frown on high as he regarded the wary demon.

“Do I know you?”

Sesshomaru touched his hat and mumbled, “No, Sir. I do not believe we have met.” It was only a partial lie. Sesshomaru had been in attendance when Grandpa Higurashi came to meet with his father but they had never spoken.

“Hmph.” Aged eyes flicked from demon to door and back, “Well, you look pretty damn familiar if you ask me.” He tipped up on his toes, neck craning to get a closer look at Sesshomaru, “You aren't related to a...”

“Gramps!” The office building’s door bashed open, a middle-aged woman scurrying out. “You leave the doorman alone and get out of the cold, this instant!” She clucked her tongue, “Really, coming here in just a sweater?! What are you trying to do catch pneumonia?”

His bluster popped, Gramps' bullying air spluttered away like a pierced balloon. “Hmph.” He grumped by the threatening woman, his sulky comment floating back, “Get that kid something warm to drink and one of the corsages!”

A voice from within blurted, “GRAMPS! Girls wear corsages! Men wear boutonnieres.”

“I don't care!” Smash of cane, “Whatever they wear get one on that doorman, NOW!” He fluffed up, “And some coffee.” He spun back to glare through the open door and snarled, “Can't have my employees freezing to death or out of uniform.”

Sesshomaru stiffened, eyes dropping to his clothes. There was nothing off. He was wearing the wool, camel hued coat they had given him. His slacks were pressed and of the same color. He peeked below his lapel to verify he was wearing a white dress shirt and the assigned red vest.

The woman who had retrieved the crabby old fart giggled, “You're to code, Mr. Sesshomaru.”

He twitched, having never met the woman before.

She giggled, “I'm Souta's mother. He and my daughter have told me quite a bit about you.”

He swallowed, again remembering to be polite. “I have heard your daughter is getting married,” shift, “Congratulations.”

“Hm.” Mama turned away, accepting something from a person who remained out of sight. She held the item in her hand, smiling fondly before slipping out the door.

“Ma'am...” Sesshomaru began but was immediately silenced when she placed a hand on his chest and easily slid a pin through his coat. Fussing for a moment, she pulled away, leaving a bright yellow rose. He studied the simple bud, a few sprigs of miniscule white and purple flowers framing it. The entire thing held together by a silver wrapping. Glancing back at the woman he tipped his head and muttered a faint, “Thank you, Mrs. Higurashi.”

She giggled, “Don't thank me.” Then squeezed his arm gently, “My daughter would be very upset if you were left out.”

He stiffened at the touch, recalling instantly that the friendly woman before him was the mother of the young woman he had verbally accosted all those months ago. A niggling sense he was being toyed with began to fester. The sleet that drizzled just beyond the awning only emphasizing that belief and the sight of a familiar car rolling easily to the curb cemented it.

Unfurling an umbrella, he stiffly made his way to the car, trying to completely ignore the gawping driver. With practiced ease he tugged the door open and placed the umbrella out and away from himself so the passengers would not get damp. A woman's hand appeared from the dark interior. He accepted it and gently helped his step-mother to her feet with a mumbled, “Welcome, Ma’am.”

She smiled at him but made no attempt to show she knew who he was. The car jostled as a man materialized behind her. He wrapped his arm gently around her waist, golden eyes sparkling when they landed on his son.

Sesshomaru offered his father the umbrella and muttered softly, “Welcome.”

Pops chuckled and thrust a package into Sesshomaru's chest. “Carry this.” He then headed straight for the door.

Sesshomaru stared stupidly at the elegantly wrapped package. The gift card clearly read: To The Bride and Groom. Shaking off his surprise and shock, he scurried after his parents, just beating them to the door.

Izayoi retrieved the package and slid easily inside. Her happy chirp as she was greeted by the familiar faces of the Higurashi clan fluttering back.

Pops eyed Sesshomaru closely, hand disappearing into his breast pocket. It reappeared with a pile of bills that he carefully wound into a tube and slid into his son's pocket. “Thanks for the help, boy.”

Sesshomaru peeked at the wad of money and blurted, “This is too much, Fa... uh... Sir.” He went to pull the money back, certain he had seen bills marked far to high to be considered anything but charity rather than a tip of gratitude.

Pops caught Sesshomaru's hand and shook his head. “No.” His eyes lost some of their sparkle. “You keep it.”

Unable to argue, Sesshomaru provided a curt nod and a very formal, very flat, “Thank you, Sir. Enjoy the party.” Then turned away to glare at the street, furious he was not only being mocked but his father and step-mother pitied him as well.

A couple appeared from around the corner. Arms linked they strolled casually towards the door. Sesshomaru sighed, his eyes flicking skyward to stare sadly at the unhelpful drizzle. The man released his date's arm and chuckled, “Well, if it isn't...” he coughed roughly. His tomboy date's elbow embedding into his ribcage with practiced precision. “Ah...” he rubbed his neck and grinned, “Good evening.”

“Hn.” Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed on the man. Why is the priest here? He grit his teeth when he realized the woman was the same girl he'd accused of having a crisis with her sexuality.

She ignored him completely, gliding by and on through the door.

Miroku paused to rummage in his pockets. Forehead wrinkled, he withdrew his wallet and a handful of bills. “Here.” He pressed them into Sesshomaru's chest, “This is for you.” Before Sesshomaru could hand the bills back the man slid through the door and disappeared in the mingling crowd.

Sesshomaru glanced at the pile, eyebrow lifting. “Hn.” He couldn't hide his discomfort though or the certainty that his old acquaintances were mocking him from the safety of the office building's foyer.

Several guests later, including a chattering young woman just out of school. Her doe brown eyes had sparkled in recognition, a childish grin growing on her face as she smiled adoringly up at him. “Why hello.” She chirped, her hold on her date tightening.

Sesshomaru sighed a weary, “Good evening, Miss Rin.”

She beamed over the fact he had recalled her name, her date smirking impishly from behind his red bangs. “Now,” she chided childishly, “Don't you freeze out here, ok?”

“Hn.” He glared at the fox yokai when the youth thrust a few dozen bills into his stomach before dashing off with a giggling Rin in tow.

Sesshomaru caught the collection before it could flutter away, guts tightening when a rather loud, jovial cackle slipped through the closing door.

To his increasing horror, people he had met through work, family relations and impromptu matchmaking ceremonies continued to arrive. All of them tipped him, a few giggled at his plight and others smiled with a sense of understanding that set his hackles rising. The most troubling was the old hag, Sesshomaru had once callously called Quasimodo. She had needed his elbow to get to the door from her cab, her body pressed close as she used him for support. She had remained quiet, concentrating on not slipping; however, just before she went inside, she squeezed his hand gently and wished him well.

Sesshomaru had been severely stunned by the good wishes, especially from someone whom he had treated so poorly. In fact, the aged woman before him had only been let off the hook because Mistress Misfit had stumbled into the banquet and distracted him.

He shifted uncomfortably, just remembering it was Mistress Misfit's wedding he was watching the door for. Trying to regain his cool, he glanced down at the boutonniere Mrs. Higurashi had pinned him with and scowled. Curious, he turned, peeking through the window just in time to catch a beautiful, dark haired woman flit about the crowd. His eyebrows lowered, curious who she was because she was truly gorgeous. He eyed her dress, wondering how Kagome would look in such finery.

“AHEM.”

Sesshomaru tipped closer to the glass, taking note the girl was speaking to his father and Izayoi.

“AHEM!”

A cold chill tickled Sesshomaru's spine when the woman turned. “It's...”

Snicker, “Sure is.” A clawed finger tapped the glass, “That's Mistress Misfit.” Snort, “Wench cleans up well, doesn't she?”

Sesshomaru spun around coming face to face with his smug brother. Trying to convey nonchalance, he grumbled a faint, “Evening.”

Inuyasha snorted, stepping back to eye his sibling with sincere cruelty. “My. My.” He purred darkly, hand reaching out to help Kikyo, “How the mighty've fallen.”

Sesshomaru's teeth grated against one another, his knuckles popping as he clenched his fists.

Kikyo hooked her arm in her husband's, free hand settling on the now visible swell at her belly. “Good evening, Sesshomaru.” She drawled coolly, expression wary.

He mechanically touched his hat, “Evening, Ma'am.” Hand tugging the door open, “Please enjoy the party.”

She smiled and waddled away.

Inuyasha remained beside his brother, eyes narrowing on the beautiful bride flitting about the crowd. “Should've pulled your head out of your ass and asked her to marry you at that damn banquet,” he slanted a teasing glare Sesshomaru's way, “Then all this could've been yours instead of that ratty, little dump you've been shivering in with that ditzy wife of yours.”

“Kagome,” Sesshomaru hissed, “Is far from ditzy.” His spine stiffened, pulling him to his full height, “She is honest, hard working and patient.” He fought to keep from snarling, “I am aware I was rude to your bride and I apologize.” His eyes dropped to lock on his brother's, “Please do not belittle Kagome as a form of revenge.”

Nothing could swipe away the shit eating grin that took control of Inuyasha's face. Fangs glinting in the streetlamp light he barked a rough, “Huh. So roughin' it really has knocked you down a peg.” With a sniff, he slipped his hand into his pocket and withdrew a hundred dollar bill. “Here's your tip.” Wink, “Thanks for the chat and opening the...”

“Inuyasha,” Sesshomaru's voice was low, uncomfortable, “I cannot and will not accept your charity.”

“It ain't charity.”

“Please,” the bill crinkled as his fingers flexed around it, “This is by far too much to give me for simply opening a door. I was not even paying attention.”

“Just take it,” Inuyasha snarled, pushing Sesshomaru's hand away, “A simple thank you is all that's needed.”

Sesshomaru's jaw tensed, lips thinning as he tried to fight his growing embarrassment. His father, the priest, Rin, the hag... everyone had over tipped; not to mention the constant visits he received from Mrs. Higurashi or Mr. Souta to make sure he was warm and comfortable. Why do they continue to mock me? He felt his stomach twist and turn when he sensed someone inside watching him, again. Have I become so wretched in such a short time? He swallowed, Is this why Kagome has never been able to find merit in anything I do because I am truly inept at everything outside business acquisition?

The door was nudged. Snagging the handle, Sesshomaru wrenched it open and sent the person leaning against it stumbling out. The girl who had caused the door to move yelped in surprise, her eyes wide as she tumbled onto the black mat.

Sesshomaru caught her elbow, “Are you harmed, Miss Higurashi?”

“Yeah.” She straightened her clothing, a simple green dress, “I'm ok.” With a deep breath, she tugged the white sweater she had draped over her shoulders a little tighter, “I wanted to check and make sure you were alright.”

“Hn.” He did his best to avoid eye contact and did not see her disappointed expression. “I am fine.”

“Oh.” She twisted her foot on the mat, “Well, then...” peeking over her shoulder she headed back inside, “You've been here all day. I'm sure you'd like a break.” Weak smile, “I'll send someone to replace you,” she bit her lip, “then you can come in and dance with me.”

“No thank you, Miss Higurashi.” He turned back towards the street, “My shift is nearly over and my wife will be waiting.”

“Oh?” She drummed her fingers on the glass, warm air carrying a whiffs of flowers and good food puffing out, “You can't spare me even one dance?”

“No, Ma’am” He slanted a sideways glance her way, “It would not be appropriate.”

“But...” Someone inside had called for her, “Um...” she wavered, “Uh...” She was called again, “If... if you'll excuse me.” Just before the door closed, she popped back out, “Please think about it.” Smile, “I'd really like to dance with you.”

Instead of answering, he feigned spotting another arrival and stepped away from the door into the frigid evening air.

The party picked up, all the guests had arrived, and Sesshomaru's shift had ended. Gratefully, he slunk along the shadowed walls towards the staffroom. There was nothing he wanted more than to leave without further attention. Locker open, he quickly changed his well pressed clothes for the simple jeans and T-shirt Kagome had bought him. He nudged the metal door closed and tugged on his jacket, the pockets overflowing with his evening tips. Unable to help himself, he grinned at the pastry bag one of the cafe workers had filled for him- plans of surprising Kagome with a piece of cake circling in his head. If I can get her to smile and say she's pleased it will make this hellish night worth...

“Excuse me.” A familiar voice broke his thoughts.

Unwilling to turn he mumbled a rather formal, “Yes, Miss Higurashi?”

She was quiet for a moment studying his back.

Sesshomaru burrowed deeper into his ratty coat, hoping desperately that she would end this stupid farce of congeniality and let him leave with his tattered pride.

Unfortunately, she wasn't in a benevolent mood. “Mr. Sesshomaru, won't you stay?” She stepped closer, “All the other employees are here and...”

“I'm sorry, Miss Higurashi but I must decline.” He took a few more steps away, pleased to note she wasn't following. “Congratulations on your marriage.” He pressed deeper into his coat, “Good night.” Desperate for freedom, he darted down a hallway and straight for a dimly lit Exit sign. The door burst open into a side alley and clanged closed. Sesshomaru took a greedy lungful and scurried towards the alley's mouth and straight into a pair of guards.

“Sir.” One of the men barked, his flashlight beam shining directly in Sesshomaru's eyes. “Come with us, please.”

He glared at the bothersome duo.

The guard without a flashlight stepped forward, “Sir.” He reached for Sesshomaru's elbow, “This way.”

Sesshomaru fought the snarl in his throat, opting to jerk his arm roughly out of the man's hold. “What have I done?”

“Inside,” the flashlight man snapped, “It's too cold out here for an interrogation.”

“Interrogation?” Sesshomaru hissed, “What have I done?”

The one who touched him curtly responded, “Sir,” he took the bag of pastries, “Did you pay for these?”

“No.” He blinked, “They were...”

“Then you are being questioned for shoplifting, come with us.”

Unwilling to continue arguing in the streets, he did as told. As he followed the pair through the foyer the crowd hushed. Faint murmurs and hushed gasps stinging his ears while the guests' eyes bore holes through his spine. A sigh of relief whooshed free when the office door blocked their curious gazes and pitying commentary.

One guard took his post by the door, the other, older one settling at his desk. He pulled a paper from a file, “Sir, will you empty your pockets?”

Growl, “Why?”

“Because we already caught you with stolen stuff!” The younger of the two shrieked, “And based on the bulges in your pockets you've taken more than just...” he ripped the bag open, glaring stupidly at the piece of cake and dinner rolls. “Good lord,” he tossed the bag onto the desk, “dessert.”

The other grunted, “Please just return what you have taken.”

“But...” Sesshomaru blinked at the man, “I haven't taken anything.”

“Then prove it.” The guard cooed darkly.

“You've no power to search me.”

“What're you hiding,” the younger hissed, “Sir?”

Sesshomaru snarled softly, well aware some of the party goers had made their way near the window behind him and were peeking through.

“Nothing,” he pulled his hand from his pocket, dropping his tips on the desk. Eyebrow lifting, he glared at the man across the desk. “I just finished my shift and...”

“Shift doing what?!” The younger spat. “Where do you work to make that kind of dough?”

“I'm the doorman.”

Snort, “Mr. Toutosai watches the door and I know for a fact he's never made that much.” The younger man, obviously loving his role as the bad cop, hissed, “How'd you really get that cash?”

“Opening and closing the door.” Sesshomaru drawled back.

The young man sniffed, “And one of Miss Higurashi's guests just happened to tip you with,” he fingered through the money, exposing the rolled collection of bills Sesshomaru's father had given him, “something like this?” Eyebrow lifting as a smug sneer pulled his lips, he twisted a gold band off and sent it clattering across the table.

The older man nodded. “Hn.” He fingered the ring, “Wow. You 'help' the ring bearer through the door too?”

“I helped all the guests...”

“Pf... more like helped yourself to all...” he stumbled forward, the door handle smashing into his back.

“Let him go.” Snarled from the hallway.

Both guards blinked nervously. The elder clearing his throat and muttering, “But Miss Higurashi, he has stolen from the bakery and look at the amount of money he has!”

“So?” She crossed her arms, toe tapping on the floor.

“So?!” The younger guard twirled towards her, “Miss, he took money from your guests.”

“No he didn't.” The line of her mouth thinned, “And I'm no longer a miss, gentlemen.”

“Mi...”

The elder guard cleared his throat, “Ma'am, let us handle this.”

Sesshomaru remained still, hoping the nightmare would end and he could leave. A bead of cold sweat trickled down his back when a hand fell upon his shoulder.

Voice cool, Miss Higurashi hissed, “Let him go.”

“But...” Eyes wide the young guard flicked his gaze from furious employer to sullen suspect, “But... Miss...”

Unable to take another moment of the farce, Sesshomaru shrugged off Kagome's hand and stood with a furious growl, “I do not need your pity.” Money rained onto the table as he pulled the overly generous tips from his pockets by the handful. “There. Now there is no reason to detain me.” His lip curled when he glanced at the mangled paper bag and then the familiar ring his mother had once worn, “See that my father gets that ring back.” He pointed to the band, then rumbled a dark, “Good evening.” With an abrupt twist on his heel he turned towards the door, just catching Miss Higurashi's startled face. She reached for his arm. “Wait, Sessh...”

“Excuse me,” ashamed he hissed lowly, “No need to concern yourself further,” his fists clenched as he artfully dodged Kagome's fingers, “my wife will not be surprised I have failed at yet another job.” Growl, “Now let me go.” He hurried his pace, wanting out of the building as fast as possible. A grimace forming when the faint click of Kagome's shoes followed him.

With a rough push, he plowed through the front door, snarling when it was slapped back open. “Sesshomaru!” Kagome scurried closer, “Wait!” She blinked at his spine, “I... I can assure you, your wife's never been disappointed with you.”

He froze, spinning angrily back towards her. “A kind sentiment but there is no way you would know that, is there?” His eyes flicked over her shoulder to glare at those watching him through the glass. Teeth tightly clenched, he gritted, “I realize I treated you cruelly and I sincerely apologize.” Eyes to the damp walk he mumbled, “I assure you, I have learned my lesson.” Gold flicked her way, “Please, Miss Higurashi, allow me to leave.”

“But,” she crept closer, “But I want you to stay.” Timorous smile, “Please?”

“You carry the joke too far.” He stepped away from her, “Goodnight.”

“Sesshomaru,” Kagome doggedly followed him down the walk, “Please!” She took a deep breath, “I... I'm not trying to make fun of...” she yelped, body pitching forward when her toe caught a raised bit of cement.

Sesshomaru winced at the hollow thump and pathetic hiss.

“Ouch.” She glanced at the scrape and torn panty hose. “Sesshomaru, wait!” Legs wobbly, she rose on shaking knees. “Please,” hissing she swiped her hands on her already ruined dress, “just let me explain.”

He planned on leaving her, hoping to use her limp to his advantage but something inside him insisted he turn around. His heart clenching when he heard her sniffle and caught her roughly swiping at her eyes. “Miss Higurashi,” he slid his hand below her elbow, “Are you hurt?”

“I'm fine.” She gave a watery giggle, “Ok. Maybe a little disappointed.”

“Why?” His fingers shifted, "I did not take anything I wasn't..."

She wriggled from his hold, spun before him and wrapped her arms tightly around his middle. “Very disappointed.” She nuzzled his chest, “Sesshomaru, don't you recognize your own wife?”

“Wha...” He stepped back, eying her closely. “You...”

“Yeah, that's right.” She blushed, “I'm Kagome. Kagome Higurashi a.k.a. Mistress Misfit,” she glanced away, “I was also the girl that ran over your bike and I'm your wife!” Her bottom lip slid behind her teeth, “I... I can understand if you don't want to be married to me anymore but...” she shivered again, “but I want you to know that I was very proud to be your wife and...” swallow, “You never disappointed me but...” her finger wringing increased, eyes shifting to the street, “but you had to learn you couldn't treat people the way you did.”

Slowly, he blinked. Mouth closing as he hastily regained his composure. “Kagome?” He nervously brushed a strand of hair off her cheek, frowning when he felt her shiver. “You're my Kagome?”

Giggle, “You've never called me yours before but if you want me then...”

He glanced back at the building, suddenly desperate to retrieve the ring his father had given him.

She pulled her eyes off his chest, the blues sparkling, “You know, I've loved you from the first time we met?” Again, she shivered.

“When did we meet?” Frown, “I would remember a disheveled mess like you.” He shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

“Hey!” She tapped her chin with a bandaged finger. “For your information I wasn't messy then.” She snuggled into the warm material and grinned, “You probably don't remember because I was assisting my grandfather. You had just started at your father's company.” Blush, “You ignored me because,” shrug, “I suppose, you assumed I was simply a secretary.” She sighed, gaze flitting away

His eyebrows began to knit, mind racing to try and snag the fleeting moments when they'd crossed paths.

Kagome continued rambling, “It was my idea to do this... this charade.” Wince, “Gramps and your dad were afraid you were too self absorbed. That you wouldn't treat me well. They even said you would only marry me to better your position.” Her knuckles cracked from her nervous finger knitting, “I... I had to show them they were wrong, that you could change. That you were a good man and a hard worker.” She gestured nervously to the milling folks in the foyer of her office building. “They aren't here to mock you. Those 'tips' weren't out of sympathy.” Smile, “They're here to congratulate us.” She twisted a silver band onto his finger, “You know, since we're married and all.”

“Hn.” He glared at the piece of metal that symbolized so much.

Feeling brave she slid her hand in his, “Come.” Small tug, “Let's get you cleaned up and...”

He let her lead him a few steps back towards the party, only to suddenly freeze.

“Come on.” She squeezed his hand, “Honestly, everyone's here to wish us...”

He grinned as he leaned towards her. “Hush.” Gently, he pressed his lips to hers, hands sliding around her waist as he deepened the kiss. Forehead against hers, he muttered softly, “It is good to see you are capable of cleaning up, Kagome,” he pulled back to peek at her scuffed knee, “I must admit your ability to become so disheveled is also endearing," nose brushing hers, he added with a purr "my Mistress Misfit.”

She giggled, “I love you too, my useless husband.”

That night one demon learned the importance of humility; two old men discovered that a dog can learn new tricks (if his trainer is patient enough); two guards found out the hard way that Miss Kagome had one hell of a nasty temper- especially when you harass her new husband; a family heirloom was retrieved and placed on a rather dirty girl's finger; a new bride was able to brag about her wonderful husband and let him finally hear it; and finally, one large crowd was able to witness a young couple began their happily ever after.

~The End~

 

INUYASHA © Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan • Yomiuri TV • Sunrise 2000
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