Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

   Kagome really couldn’t figure out what had caused everything to go wrong. She was a professional matchmaker, with great success and acclaim. So why was it impossible for her to find someone for herself? Her fingers drummed absently on her desk as she considered her best friend’s offer. Ayumi, her high school friend, had also joined the matchmaking profession. Ayumi had offered to help Kagome find a partner in the same manner Kagome had done for her.

   The offer enticed her, even more so as her grandfather’s attempts to arrange her marriage to Akitoki’s heir grew more apparent. Kagome grew up with Hojo. He had been infatuated with her for years, the trouble was she never felt the same attraction that Hojo insisted existed between them. Her temple pounded at the thought of becoming ‘Mrs. Akitoki Kagome’, no, she would never be able to achieve happiness in that match. Her only chance at finding that happiness was with Ayumi’s help. Kagome locked her computer as she stood to stride across the hall to the opposite office. She knocked at the door and waited for Ayumi’s voice to call her in.

   “Ayumi, I need your help,” Kagome rushed. “I need you to find me a boyfriend that will be my future husband.” Ayumi squealed aloud in delight as she jumped up from her seat to rush over and squeezed Kagome tightly.

   “I was hoping you’d ask! Yesterday the perfect candidate contacted me, and I have no one else that I’m sure will fit him perfectly. Let’s sit down to update your information so I can send it to him! When we’re done I’ll give you his information and then tomorrow just let me know if you want a date with him.” Ayumi paused, then laughed at herself. “But of course you already know how this works. If he agrees to a date, we’ll get you set up.”

   Kagome couldn’t help smiling at her friend’s exuberance. Ayumi meticulously verified her pairings matched each other as perfectly as possible. Their firm assigned success rates by following up with couples that married two years after their weddings, and Ayumi had an astounding 98% rating. She made sure to verify that the couple’s morals, personalities, and interests aligned. If Ayumi claimed they were a perfect match, she meant it.

   They sat together for some time to update Kagome’s information before Ayumi sent it over to her client. As Ayumi handed over his information with a smile she hoped silently that this worked as well as she imagined it should. The two friends shared a hug before returning to their separate tasks. One was excited for the responses from the two, the other nervous about the possibility of meeting someone new.

<< SxK >>

   Ayumi hadn’t been wrong in her assertion that he was a perfect candidate for a relationship. Somehow, she, a chatty female, got along immediately with the taciturn male. When she had read through his information, him being a yokai created no concern for her. While society frowned on such cross-species couples it was slowly becoming normalized. If hanyo had been a concern for either of them, it really didn’t matter. Kagome’s miko heritage guaranteed a full human or full yokai child.

   They had both gone to Ayumi with the hopes of finding a friendship first and seeing if romance grew from that foundation. They both faced forced marriage to someone they knew they could not be happy with. 

   The first date had been a complete disaster, much to their now shared amusement. Ayumi had set the date up for lunch at a quiet cafe she knew they would both enjoy. Sesshoumaru would appreciate the quiet and intimate atmosphere, giving him the peace and quiet he thrived in. Its appeal for Kagome is the home baked pastries and coffee, perfect for a sweet tooth addicted to all things caffeinated. 

   When Kagome arrived Sesshoumaru was already there, and as expected of a gentleman he had pulled out the chair for her to sit down. The meal had started out well enough, though awkward at times due to Sesshoumaru’s succinct nature. The lapses in conversation left her uncomfortable as she worried about coming on as too chatty when it appeared that he did not enjoy talking with her. The date had come to an abrupt and unexpected end when a mutual acquaintance showed their face.

   InuYasha had slammed his hands so roughly on the tabletop which caused Kagome to spill her coffee all over the table as she jumped. Sesshoumaru growled at him and stood quickly to avoid the liquid now seeping across the wood towards him. Without thinking about it Kagome grabbed Sesshoumaru’s hand and pulled him from the cafe even as InuYasha chased after them screaming the whole way. Just a split-second later Kagome found herself being pushed into the passenger seat of Sesshoumaru’s car before it sped away from the irate hanyo behind them. The quiet ride ended with Sesshoumaru pulling into his driveway.

   Kagome fiddled with her fingers as she tried to figure out what she should do. She hated the way this date had ended, such a sour note. She didn’t get long to think about her next actions when a young female of sparkling brown eyes plastered her cheek to the window to peer in at them. Kagome caught only ‘pretty lady in daddy’s car’ before Sesshoumaru stepped out and addressed the girl. Kagome followed suit and stepped out of the car and offered the girl a smile, her mind racing to recall what little information she had on his daughter.

   “Did you guys have a good date??” Rin pestered Kagome with wide and curious eyes. She completely ignored her father as he attempted to pull her away from the older female. Rin stood her ground and refused to let go of Kagome’s hand as her unwavering gaze demanded an answer to her question.

   “I’m not sure I can say it was good with how it ended,” Kagome murmured as she avoided making eye contact with Sesshoumaru who’d crossed his arms to watch the interaction. She didn’t have to force her attention away for long when she noticed the tears welling up in Rin’s eyes. Kagome quickly squatted down to wipe at the girl’s eyes, her own brown eyes studying the face in her hands. “Don’t cry Rin, it was because of something outside of our control.”

   “Then you guys need to have a do-over date! Right away!” Rin’s emphasis rang less of excitement and more of indignation. Turning on her heel, still gripping Kagome’s hand, Rin marched into the house and deposited her hostage onto the couch. She pointed a finger at the couch next to Kagome and shot her father a demanding glare. He took the cue and sat, curious as to what his daughter schemed in that teenager manner.

   “Dad, did you like talking with…” Rin paused and cast a side eye glance at a manilla envelope tucked less than discreetly amongst some schoolwork on the living room table. “Ms. Kagome?” She finally finished, deciding that she didn’t care if her father or his date knew she’d read the information packet. Her sharp gaze landed on Sesshoumaru, unwilling to accept a non-answer.

   “I did,” he replied.

   “Ms. Kagome, did you like talking with my dad?” Rin turned the question to Kagome.

   “I did,” Kagome answered with a laugh, her hand attempting to hide the smile.

   “Then it’s settled, you guys go to the backyard. I’ll bring you a picnic. You’re having a do-over first date.” Rin’s fists were planted on her hips as she turned and stomped towards what Kagome now knew was the kitchen. From there the rest was, as they say, history.

Chapter Text

   Kagome sat crossed legged on the large plush couch with her laptop perched precariously on her knees. Her fingers slowed as her mind wandered back over the past few months.

   “Kagome?” Sesshoumaru tapped her on the shoulder, successfully pulling her from her memories. She glanced up at him from where she sat on the couch, having missed him sitting down beside her. Tomorrow would be their wedding day, and Kagome was wrapping up typing up a report of her clients for Ayumi. Her friend would be taking care of her clients while she enjoyed her honeymoon. “Did you hear what I said?”

   “I’m so sorry, Sesshoumaru, I didn’t,” Kagome quickly apologized. Her brows pinched tightly as she mentally scolded herself for not noticing his presence or his question to her. He didn’t like to repeat himself. As someone of few words he usually got irritated when ignored. Her eyes studied his face carefully and she relaxed as she recognized no anger or irritation in it.

   “Are you okay, you look exhausted. Do we need to postpone the wedding?” As he spoke he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into him. Kagome leaned into him, loving how relaxed and safe she felt when he held her. A sigh escaped her as she shook her head while closing her laptop and setting it on the couch next to her.

   “No, I’m just anxious is all. I know that InuYasha has to have heard about the wedding, I’m worried he’ll show up and try to ruin it. And it’s such a big day. I’m excited, and Rin’s even more excited than I am, I don’t want it ruined.” Kagome confided in him, knowing that he wouldn’t try to dismiss her concerns. She adored this trait of his, he took everything she said into account.

   “If it will ease your mind, I can have Kouga provide security. Troublemakers will be kept out,” Sesshoumaru offered. Kagome could sense a tension in him as he examined her, she knew he hated seeing her stressed out. While she wished she could do something to ease her own stress, it was beyond her power. Their wedding would be happening sooner than they would have preferred, but with her grandfather and his father pushing harder for the arranged partners they decided it best to do this now.

   “I’d appreciate that,” Kagome agreed to his offer. Her attention started to wane as the heat of Sesshoumaru’s body sang the siren call of sleep. She didn’t want to fight it, she hadn’t been sleeping well these past two weeks. Her eyelids slid closed as a pleasant vibration that reminded her of Buyo’s purring rumbled through her. Half an hour later the front door flung open as Rin walked in with an excited bounce to her step.

   Her eyes widened at the sound that escaped her adopted father. She turned slowly to take in what was going on before covering a barely held squeal. Her soon to be stepmother laid sleeping soundly against her dad’s chest, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist. Her hands fell as she grinned at him before turning to quietly close the front door. With that done and her shoes stored away she tiptoed closer to the couch to press a kiss on Sesshoumaru’s cheek in greeting.

   “She looks awfully tired,” Rin spoke quietly even as she eyed the space between Kagome and Sesshoumaru. He nodded in response as he watched her staring at the cuddle pile. He waved his hand, successfully grabbing her attention, and motioned to his free side. She grinned again as her backpack landed softly on the table before she too was tucked against him, an arm wrapped around her securely. Rin reached across Sesshoumaru’s lap to hold Kagome’s hand. “Dad. I’m really happy she’ll be my mom starting tomorrow.”

<< SxK >>

   Kagome couldn’t help biting at her lip as Ayumi fussed with the corset lacing of her dress. Kagome held the hem of her dress to keep it in place as bit by bit the dress conformed to her figure. Her attention jumped to Rin who came running into the room.

   “I couldn’t find Ms. Eri,” Rin whispered to Ayumi who grunted in frustration at the admission.

   “I swear, if she doesn’t show up with that veil, I will murder her.” Ayumi promised, making both Kagome and Rin giggle. Kagome’s anxiousness dissipated as she remembered how Eri had come to be part of her friend group. Ayumi had asked Kagome for help in finding a partner. Kagome hadn’t expected the fear and vulnerability Ayumi offered as she confided that she was looking for a girlfriend. Kagome had never felt more honored and trusted by her friend than in that moment. Happiness was all Kagome wished for anyone, a partner’s gender was only important if it was to the client.

   It had taken two dates that Ayumi had sworn were the worst of her life before they’d come across Eri’s packet. She’d called Sango and discussed a potential match between Ayumi and Eri. Sango had been surprised at the suggestion but quickly agreed that they should at least meet.

   Eri and Ayumi had ‘the perfect date to ever exist in all of existence’ . Ayumi had later joked that the third time really was the charm whenever the story of their meeting came up. After a month Ayumi had brought Eri along to a Girl’s Night Out, a tradition of sorts for the matchmakers. Sango, Kagome, Ayumi, and Renge were close friends as well as co-workers. When watching the pair that night they could all clearly see the happiness painted on Ayumi’s face and it was reflected in Eri. It wasn’t long before Eri was part of the tight-knit group, as essential as the others.

   Countless times they’d heard the threat that one was about to murder the other. It sounded like such a vicious thing to say, but the group soon learned that it held only fond exasperation. Kagome smiled as her laughter quieted as the worries truly escaped her now. Her friends would not let this day end up as a disaster if they were capable of stopping it.

   Kagome gasped as Ayumi pulled for the final time on the lacing of her corset. As she regained her breath Eri came rushing into the room red faced puffing. Grasped within her outstretched hand was a protective bag housing Kagome’s veil. Ayumi beamed as she took the bag and placed a gentle kiss on Eri’s cheek.

   “Well done,” Ayumi said while giving her girlfriend a brief hug. Eri grinned as she plopped onto a seat to catch her breath. She sat back as her breathing slowly evened out and turned to study Kagome.

   “You look dazzling Kagome!” Eri smiled gently at her friend. Kagome smiled back, tears in her own eyes as she fought back another wave of butterflies entered her stomach. Kagome’s thoughts swirled back and forth between excitement and nerves. If someone asked her if she was in love with Sesshoumaru she didn’t know if she could answer that, but she knew she wanted no other partner. If he were to suddenly disappear, she would most assuredly miss him dearly.

   “Do you think Sesshoumaru will like it?” Kagome asked as Ayumi fixed the veil onto the elegant tiara headpiece Kirimi had gifted her.

   “Psh!” Ayumi tutted as her finger twirled in the classic ‘turn for me’ motion. “He won’t know what hit him!”

   Rin and Eri giggled at Ayumi’s words as they nodded their own agreement. Kagome couldn’t hold back the smile as she hugged them tightly. She stumbled a bit as Ayumi and Eri turned her around so she could see herself in the floor length mirror. Her hands flew to cover her mouth as she gasped as tears gathered in her eyes. She’d never had the highest self-esteem, but her reflection belayed that opinion. Her hair was held up in an elegant halo braid, her face framed by curls, the tiara topping the regal hairstyle. Rin stepped beside her, dressed in a cute orange and cream dress, taking hold of Kagome’s hand.

   “You look so pretty Ms. Kagome,” Rin said as she smiled up at the woman she’d quickly come to love. Kagome’s eyes drifted from her own reflection to that of the daughter of her heart. She knelt as she turned to face the girl, ignoring the protests from Ayumi who was muttering about what Kagome would do if she creased the dress.

   “After the ceremony, I’ll be married to your father. If you want, you can call me mom,” Kagome whispered as she held Rin’s attention. Rin grinned as she threw her arms around Kagome’s neck while nodding enthusiastically.

   “I’d like that so much!” Rin whispered back. “Thank you, Mom.”

   Kagome couldn’t prevent the tears from falling this time as she wrapped her own arms around the young teen. Rin had wormed her way into Kagome’s heart with no difficulty from their very first meeting. Such a sweet child deserved to have a mom and dad that loved her to pieces, and Kagome was happy to be part of that. Rin pulled back and gasped in horror as she began to gently rub at Kagome’s cheeks.

   “Don’t cry!! You can’t have panda eyes!” Rin whined in panic.

   Kagome laughed as she stood and turned to Ayumi who already had some tissues and makeup at the ready. It took her only a few minutes to fix Kagome back to perfection. A knock on the door indicated his presence moments before Souta’s head popped into the room.

   “The ceremony is about to start. Mom’s waiting for you by the entry to walk you down,” Souta announced as he stepped in to squeeze Kagome in a gentle hug. Kagome returned it then as he pulled away she ruffled his hair.

   “Alright, time to get this show on the road.” Kagome clapped as she turned to make sure everyone was ready. Ayumi and Eri were arm in arm, waiting to follow her lead. Rin had grabbed Kagome’s hand again to walk with her. Kagome’s brown eyes caught her reflection once more in the mirror as she closed the door behind her. She paused when she heard the firm click of the door and couldn’t help but realize that she was leaving part of her past behind.

   Their group arrived just as Sango and Miroku stepped through the doors to walk down the aisle to stand in their spots on the stage. Ayumi gave Kagome a quick peck on the cheek as she turned and escorted Eri down after them. Souta tossed Kagome a quick thumbs up before leading Kirimi, Sesshoumaru’s mother, to her seat in the front row. Once she was seated he moved to stand next to Sesshoumaru and Miroku.

   Haruka turned to hold Kagome’s hands in her own as she admired the young woman her daughter had grown into. Under normal circumstances Haruka should have walked down with Kirimi, but since Kagome’s father had passed away, she would be giving her daughter away. 

   “Are you ready dear?” Haruka asked Kagome gently. She’d enjoyed the process of the past few days, she had gone with Kagome and Rin to get manicures together and that morning to get their hair done. She’d only left the preparation room to help Eri locate the missing veil.

   “I think so. I’m nervous, and excited. But my stomach is in knots.” Kagome gripped her mother’s hands as she drank in the comfort of her presence. Haruka smiled as she pulled Kagome into another hug. “I’m going to be married in less than an hour, Mama.”

   “I felt the same when I married your father. The butterflies should go away once you see him,” Haruka assured softly. “Just keep this in mind. I’m walking you down the aisle today to give you away at your wedding. I’m giving away the responsibility of providing and caring for you. However, I am not giving you up. You will always be my daughter, and we will never be separated. By giving you away, I’m gaining another son and a granddaughter.”

   Kagome took a deep breath and nodded as she felt the flurry of butterflies slow their spiral. Her attention pulled away from her mother’s face as the first few notes of the wedding march floated through the door. Kagome’s hands settled the veil over her face. Mother and daughter shared a smile as their fingers laced together. Together they walked hand in hand down the aisle. Kagome’s gaze landed on Sesshoumaru standing at the end of her short walk, dressed in a pristine tux. All nervousness melted away when she saw the small smile on his face.

   Standing next to him were Souta and Miroku, both of whom were grinning. Kagome smiled as she watched her bridal party’s reaction to her walk. At the bottom of the steps Haruka and Kagome stopped. Kirimi stood and approached the bride to give her a hug.

   “Thank you, Kagome. My son deserves a kind woman by his side,” Kirimi whispered into Kagome’s ear. “I welcome you as my daughter.” Kagome fought back tears as she hugged Kirimi even tighter. All yokai that were present heard the words and were amazed by the fact that the bride had been accepted as a pack member by the Western Lady.

   “Thank you, Mother. I accept and embrace the honor of marrying and mating your son.” Kagome’s nerves washed away completely with Kirimi’s words. Having the acceptance of his mother meant that even his father would be unable to press the matter of a divorce. Within the inu packs a female’s acceptance of her offspring’s mate was final. No one, not even the alpha, could revoke that status.

   Releasing her mother-in-law, Kagome turned to Sesshoumaru who held out his hand. As they had exchanged words he’d stepped down to the bottom most step.

   “We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s wondrous moments. The joining of two hearts and two persons. Who gives this young lady for matrimony?” The priest's monotone voice forced Kagome to bite back the urge to giggle.

   “I, Higurashi Haruka, Kagome’s mother and head of the Higurashi clan, give her to her fiancé Tsukiko Sesshoumaru in marriage.” Haruka lifted their intertwined hands to place Kagome’s hand within Sesshoumaru’s. Once he had grasped Kagome’s hand Haruka enclosed their intertwined hands with her own. “Today I welcome Tsukiko Sesshoumaru as a son of the Higurashi clan, though my daughter and their children will take his name, let their ties to our clan never be broken. As such, Tsukiko Kirimi is also now my sister.”

   If the audience hadn’t already been shocked by the words of acceptance from Kirimi, they certainly were now. A quiet murmur shifted throughout them, it wasn’t uncommon for such things to be said by two yokai families connecting through mating. But this was a human and yokai family, in a human wedding ceremony, extending the same formalities.

   “Who takes this young woman in matrimony?” The priest continued his job while ignoring the whispers around them. As he spoke Kirimi and Haruka sat down together to watch their children.

   “I, Tsukiko Sesshoumaru, heir of the Western Lands, take Kagome to be my wife and mate,” Sesshoumaru intoned. The priest nodded and waved them forward. Together they climbed the short staircase to stand before the older gentleman.

   “Should there be anyone who has cause for which this couple should not unite, speak now.” Here the priest paused, and Kagome’s heart skipped a beat. Her imagination ran wild for a split second as she envisioned the entire audience jumping up and demanding a halt to the ceremony. Her worry broke due to a voice from the audience.

   “Hurry up old man! Don’t make ‘em wait!” Everyone in the room laughed, including the priest. Kagome reigned in her imagination, Kouga was looking out for them. No one who would have disputed her marriage would have been allowed in, unfortunately that list had included her own grandfather.

   “Very well then. Since my nephew seems more anxious for these two to be married than they are, I guess I must continue,” he paused then chuckled. “And quickly, if his scowl says anything.” Quiet giggles rang through the crowd once more.

   “Romance is fun, but true love is something far more. We are here because of this couple’s desire to love each other for life so let us celebrate today with them. A strong marriage must be created, one cannot expect it to just happen. The ‘little’ things are what creates the bigger things. It is never being too old to hold your partner’s hand. It’s never going to sleep angry. It’s standing together and facing the world and whatever may come. It’s not only marrying the right person but also being the right partner.

   “The couple has decided to refrain from cookie cutter vows and have written their own. Tsukiko Sesshoumaru, if you would.” The priest nodded at him to start. Sesshoumaru returned the nod before turning to face Kagome.

   “Kagome, you know better than most that my words remain few, even at home.” Kagome giggles, causing Sesshoumaru to smile in response. “Though that’s never seemed to bother you, you fill that silence by speaking your thoughts. Even going so far at times to speak mine.” This time the crowd laughed quietly, mostly from those who knew Kagome well. “I like to let my actions speak what I mean. Words can be easily changed, forgotten, or false. Actions cannot be so. Still, today with my words I vow to protect you, care for you, love you, listen to you, and stay by your side. Let my actions show these things true only to end when death separates us.”

   Kagome’s smile wobbled as tears of happiness threatened to spill at Sesshomaru’s words. A few ‘awws’ rang from the crowd as he finished talking. Sesshoumaru’s hand gently squeezed Kagome’s hand in reassurance as she cleared her throat.

   “Higurashi Kagome, your vows please.” The priest motioned for Kagome to say her own vows.

   “Sesshoumaru, despite your taciturn nature you’ve never been upset by my chatty tendencies. If anything, you seem to prefer it because I don’t force you to talk back.” Kagome giggled again as laughter echoed around her. “Even though you feel that words don’t hold a match to actions, there is a strength in vows made in words. You and I don’t give our word easily, for a word given too often is a word worth too little.

   “Today I make a vow on my word as Shikon Miko, heir of the Higurashi clan. I will provide protection whenever you need it. I will protect Tsukiko Rin, whom I take as a blood daughter. I will care for you as you need, I will lend a listening ear when you feel the need to speak. I will stand by your side and be your life mate, helping and supporting throughout our time. Love is something that is learned, may ours grow till we part in death.”

   “Tsukiko Sesshoumaru, do you take Higurashi Kagome to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

   “I do.” Sesshoumaru’s eyes remained locked upon Kagome’s brown eyes despite the veil between them. He gently squeezed her hand again as a tear escaped her control. Sesshoumaru knew that his saying a proper ‘I do’ rather than a non-verbal agreement meant a lot to her for this ceremony.

   “Do you Higurashi Kagome, take Tsukiko Sesshoumaru to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

   “I do.” Kagome couldn’t have torn her gaze away from her husband if she had tried.

   “Who has the rings?” The priest turned towards Souta when he stepped forward while pulling a small box from his jacket pocket. He carefully and gently placed each respective ring into the couple’s hands.

   “The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no provider and no receiver, for each gives and takes. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have given today.” The priest motioned for the couple to exchange the wedding bands.

   “I, Tsukiko Sesshoumaru, happily accept you as my wife.” Sesshoumaru slid the diamond band onto Kagome’s finger before pulling her knuckles up to his lips. He pressed a soft kiss to the band as his eyes promised what he’d said was true.

   “I, Higurashi Kagome, happily accept you as  my husband.” Kagome beamed up at Sesshoumaru while she slipped the titanium band onto his own finger. Instead of kissing his knuckles she intertwined his fingers with her own.

   “You may now kiss your bride!” The priest announced as he started to clap for the couple. Sesshoumaru lifted Kagome’s veil and pressed a quick peck to her lips before pulling her into a tight hug. The audience burst with cheers and claps as they kissed.

   “It is my pleasure to introduce to you all, Mr. and Mrs. Tsukiko!” As the priest finished the ceremony the couple, hand in hand, stepped down the stairs and down the aisle to leave the sanctuary. Not far behind them the bridesmaids and groomsmen followed them. The only exception was Souta who stood with Haruka and Kirimi at the base of the stairs.

   “We thank everyone for attending the ceremony today! If you wish to join us for the reception it will be located at the King’s Ballroom at the Hilton hotel. There are direction cards at the door if you are unfamiliar with the route.” Haruka announced as the crowd quieted down. After a pause she looped her arm through Kirimi’s and together they followed Souta down the aisle to congratulate their children.

   The photographer motioned at them as they exited the sanctuary to follow the bridal party. He would need to borrow everyone for 30 minutes or so to get some final shots of the bride and groom together with different members of the party.

<< SxK >>

   “Did I find you a match, or did I find you a match?” Ayumi whispered into Kagome’s ear as they hugged and smiled at the camera. Kagome laughed just as the shutter clicked.

   “What a match you have made.” Kagome took a moment to squeeze her good friend nice and tight. “Thank you.”

   “Let’s do the whole bridal party now!” The photographer directed from the step ladder he stood on. Together bridesmaids swarmed around the bride and groom. Everyone listened to the directions for a few shots before Sango started to yell out directions for the last several photos. Kagome knew that regardless of the irritation on the photographer’s face, these photos would be her favorites.

   “Alright! Just the bride and groom now. Then you’ll all be free of me.”

   Sesshoumaru extended his hand towards her which she quickly took and pulled him into a hug.

   “Please tell him how you want our picture to look like,” Kagome murmured as she smiled cordially at the photographer. Sesshoumaru’s brows rose as he watched her carefully.

   “I do want a picture of our wedding day, just you and me. But then I want the rest of them to be all of us. We got married, but Rin is our daughter. We’re celebrating two things today, our marriage and my adopting Rin.” Sesshoumaru’s lips quirked up as he listened to her explanation before nodding. His body heated as happiness radiated throughout his being.

   “Byakko, just one shot of myself and my bride. The rest will include every member of my family,” Sesshoumaru instructed. He ignored the momentary glare the photographer shot at him. Sesshoumaru was the client and he didn't care if they were breaking away from the traditional way things should be done. Besides, his Kagome was a unique bride, why wouldn’t their wedding be unique?

   “How would you like to pose for it?” Byakko asked as he focused on making sure this one shot was perfect. His interactions with the bride had been limited to just taking photos, the contract and planning had been handled by the groom. Brides in general were dangerous creatures to displease, so this singular photo was essential.

   “However Kagome wishes.”

   “You do know that you spoil me, right?” Kagome asked as she wrapped her arms around Sesshoumaru’s neck and stared up at him. Byakko instinctually snapped the photo just as Sesshoumaru’s lip tipped up into a soft smile at Kagome’s comment. He would have to check it later but Byakko would be willing to bet his paycheck that this was his make or break picture.

   “Who else are we adding? Normally the bride and groom don’t pose with their parents for more than one photo. We have those already.”

   “Our daughter should be with us, shouldn’t she?” Kagome responded kindly as she motioned for the girl to join them. Byakko glanced over and watched as Rin’s toe scuffed at the dirt as she stared at Kagome’s offered hand like one might at a poised snake.

   “Are you sure Mom? You’ll have plenty of time to take pictures with me later, today you married Dad.” Rin twisted her fingers as she glanced up from the ground to Kagome’s hand and finally to her Kagome’s face.

   “I’m sure, Rin. Today I married your Dad, yes, but what is a wedding if not a celebration of joining together a family? You are our family aren’t you?” Kagome’s hand remained outstretched as she patiently waited for her daughter to take hold of it. “Now, come take photos with us? You look so pretty today, let’s ensure we capture our happy day.”

   Rin grinned, now appeased that Kagome did want her in the pictures, and bounced over to join her father and mother. The bridal party watched from the sidelines while uttering occasional ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ahh’s’ as the three posed. Even Byakko had to agree that they three made a picture perfect family.

   As the photographer packed up his equipment to head home to start editing the photos the bridal party made their way towards the limos. Shippou smiled at Rin as they raced each other to see who could get inside first, their giggles floating behind them as they ran. Kagome glanced over at her husband with a sly grin. He shook his head as they walked, trying not to chuckle as Kagome started to sing.

   “Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match. Find me a find, catch me a catch.”