Curiosity Caught the Miko by Stella Mira

A Guardian's Duty

Kagome frowned as she helped Rin get ready for the wedding ceremony in a couple hours. "Rin-chan, why are you making such a sad face? It's your wedding day! That stubborn dog finally relented and gave permission for Tatsuma-kun to marry you. What's the problem now?"

"Well…I, uh, I don't think Sesshōmaru-sama would want to be present for a human marriage, but I would like for him to be there. I don't want to force him to come though…" Rin radiated dejection. Kagome knew she had fallen head first into a trap by making that question.

"Maybe he'll come, Rin-chan. You don't know that for sure… Look, he's already here at the outskirts of the village, so when the time comes, maybe he'll make a brief appearance…I hope?" Kagome babbled, trying to sound convincing, but she had a sinking feeling that was all wistful thinking on her part.

"You really think so?" Hope shone brightly in Rin's gaze and Kagome knew she was doomed. Now, she had to make true of her earlier words no matter the cost or run the risk of having a crying bride instead of a smiling one.

"You know what? Sango-chan will help you get ready while I, uh, go take care of some last minute details, ne? Besides, she wanted to talk with you about what happens after the wedding, so listen carefully. If anyone knows the hardships and wonders of married life, that's Sango-chan for sure with the man she chose. She definitely has some tips on how to sway a man to your will." Kagome laughed, relieved when Rin laughed with her. She then hurried outside to find the taijiya and explain to her what she needed.

Convincing Sango to keep Rin occupied for an hour had been the easy part. The hard part was what came next. Kagome almost groaned as she made her way toward the powerful yōki pulsating faintly near the forest.

"Sesshōmaru, I know you're here. Can you stop hiding and come here, so we can speak like adults? I must discuss an important matter with you." Kagome's voice rang sharp and high-pitched. She knew very well that her insulting words along with her raised voice would agitate the inuyōkai enough to make an appearance.

"You will address me with the proper respect, miko." It was a rumble but calm, too quiet, eerily so. Kagome turned to meet the passive face of the current Western Lord.

"You want me to add a proper suffix to your name? Very well, I'll make you a deal. I prefer to hear my name when others call out to me, so if you address me by name then I will add 'sama' to yours. I think it's a fair deal." Arched brow. Taunting smirk. Kagome stared up into his eyes, oozing belligerence and daring.

"State the matter you wish to discuss, miko." Sesshōmaru disregarded her offer blatantly, but Kagome could see his eyes darken in displeasure, his features harden into an even more stoic mask.

Fine. Have it your way, arrogant dog. Kagome suppressed the urge to lash out, slighted by his dismissal.

"You've come all the way here. I'm assuming you'll stay until the wedding ceremony has been completed. Why not make an open appearance, too? Rin-chan will be extremely happy for your presence." Kagome shared the reason she was bothering him and herself, willing her rising temper to cool down.

The daiyōkai deigned to gift her with an answer after a charged pause. "It is a ningen wedding. My presence is not required nor will it be appreciated."

Kagome gazed at him, mouth agape. "You can't be serious, Sesshōmaru. Inuyasha, Kirara, Shippō, Hachi, even Kōga and his tribe are attending the wedding. Your logic is terribly faulted."

Sesshōmaru's lips thinned but she didn't give him a chance to speak.

"Also, as I said before, Rin-chan definitely wants you by her side. You know, there is a custom in my time. The father or, in your case, the guardian of the bride has the important role of delivering her to the man who is to be her husband at the altar. I thought you were a traditional male. Why can't you grant this small favor to your ward? How hard will it be for you to be amongst other people for an hour? You can leave after the vows are exchanged you know…you don't have to stay for the celebration." Her tone was soft and placating but unyielding. She stared at him and waited.

Kagome's tactic of appealing to his weakness for Rin and his sense of honor by mentioning the duty of a guardian seemed to be bearing fruits, if his contemplating expression was anything to judge by.

"This is expected of a guardian?" he finally asked.

"It's what most parents do for their children, yes. I wouldn't have bothered you otherwise, but Rin is feeling down because of your absence. A bride should not be sad during her wedding. This is one of the most important moments of her life. Don't ruin it for her by being an –" He slashed her with a glare. "– uncooperative guardian."

Kagome laughed nervously. It was clear to both of them that was not the phrase she was going to use originally.

A slant of his neck, and Sesshōmaru was speaking. "Very well. I shall attend the wedding and escort my ward."

Her smile was near blinding. "Maybe you could stay a little longer for the celebration afterwards?"

"Do not push your luck, miko," was his expected answer, and Kagome shook her head, chuckling under her breath.