Ice and Snow, Mind and Heart

Chapter 87: Toward Tomorrow

Three years later

Yuki hummed as she pottered about the gardens at Sesshomaru's mother's palace, waiting for Sesshomaru to join her. The dog demon was currently tied up (she hoped not literally) with his mother as the dog demoness gave her son a final parting lecture.

It reminded Yuki of two years earlier when she had first witnessed Sesshomaru being scolded by his mother. The dog demoness had been merciless to her son as soon as she'd found out that Sesshomaru had not only failed to immediately let his mother know when he had proposed, but he'd also forgone the wedding entirely before claiming Yuki as his mate. That had been a rather awkward meeting after Sesshomaru's mother had smelt the change on them when they visited her at Yuki's suggestion (or rather, her insistence) that his mother should know. They hadn't needed to say anything as his mother had quickly worked everything out when she saw them, not bothering to wait for an explanation.

To say she was furious with her son was possibly an understatement; and to say Sesshomaru didn't care nor was he inclined to rectify his "mistake" in the slightest was definitely one. It eventually took Yuki's persuasion and a solid week for the two arguing dog demons to compromise with a formal but personal ceremony. Sesshomaru's mother was able to lavishly plan out her son's wedding as she wished while Sesshomaru was spared from having to endure what would otherwise have been the traditional three-day long procession. Instead, he just had to complete the simple ceremony to exchange verbal vows (considering they'd already given their everything to each other) and then accept the congratulations of his ministers and subjects.

Yuki was surprised when the subjects of the Western Lands where Sesshomaru's mother (and sometimes Sesshomaru) ruled, genuinely celebrated their lord's union although few were invited to the actual wedding. Only the ministers joined Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, Shippo, Lady Kaede, and naturally Rin, Jaken, and Kohaku in attendance but they were all cordial while subjects from across the land celebrated their lord's wedding with banquets kindly funded by Sesshomaru's mother. It was so strange to her, almost as strange as seeing her odd mix of friends in the same room as the proud demon ministers.

Jaken had wept throughout the entire day (although he denied it later) while Rin smiled through the whole day before falling asleep on Kohaku's lap as the evening celebrations wore on. Sango and Miroku had to leave early as the demon slayer was extremely pregnant at eight months, and Lady Kaede and Shippo had left with them as protection. Inuyasha was the only one who stayed behind for his 'sister', although he later looked like he regretted it a bit.

That first meeting between Yuki's 'brother' and her new mother-in-law was one of the most interesting interactions Yuki had ever witnessed in her life. Inuyasha had looked distinctly uncomfortable and wary, but Sesshomaru's mother had been as cool as ever and even a little amused when they were introduced.

"So, you are Inuyasha." She observed while Inuyasha fidgeted a little before her. Sesshomaru's mother smirked.

"You look very like your mother."

Inuyasha glanced at Yuki uneasily, but she could only shrug. While she could easily read Sesshomaru, his mother was as much a mystery to Yuki as she was to Inuyasha.

"Thank you-?" Inuyasha began, when Sesshomaru's mother added, "I can see why my son's father was so enamoured by your mother."

Inuyasha tensed; but Sesshomaru's mother just smirked wider.

"There is no need to be so alarmed. My son is marrying your foster sister today - yes, I know of your relationship."

Sesshomaru's mother seemed amused at Inuyasha and Yuki's surprise.

"If I had opposed my husband's relationship with your mother, I would never have accepted my son's union with Yuki. As things are, I am simply glad my son is finally showing signs of settling down. He wouldn't have chosen her if she were not the best match, therefore your mother must have raised her well. No doubt she passed on the same qualities that had Sesshomaru's father so enraptured."