AN: This has been marinating in my head for a while, it's my second venture in Inuyasha fanfiction. Sango has been one of my favorite characters ever, and her and Miroku's relationship post manga series sparked my writer creativity. I hope you guys enjoy it—especially the twist I put in it. ;)

Disclaimer-I don't own Inuyasha.

"The festival's over Sango, and Father said that we could have more dumplings in the morning," Kohaku hissed at his sister. Sango stuck out her tongue.

"Father would be proud that we're putting our slayer skills to good use," She hissed back. "And you want the dumplings just as much as I do! We're not hurting anyone by sneaking a few!"

She quickly stepped away from Kohaku's admonitions so she could slide down the corridor. She'd almost made it to the common area when she heard her father speaking with one of his close friends.

Normally, Sango would never have even thought of eavesdropping on her father. Stealing dumplings was one thing, dishonoring her father was quite another. But when she heard her name, she stopped...

"—concerned about Sango," her father's friend, whose name was Shinichi, commented.

Sango froze.

"Of course I'm not," her father replied breezily. "She's strong. I've taught her well, how to take care of herself. Ten years old and she can wield the Hiraikotsu effectively. She's a fine demon slayer now—so someday she'll be the best in the village."

"It's not about her abilities," Shinichi grumbled. "It's about her life later. What of her dowry? Who will take her as a bride?"

Sango inhaled sharply.

"A bride?" Her father's voice was strange. "I didn't raise Sango to be a perfect bride, I raised her to be strong. I don't want what happened to her mother to happen to her."

"But what if someone did accept that she was a demon slayer?" Shinichi insisted. "Would you give her up as a bride?"

"Perhaps," Her father acknowledged. "But that will not happen. The marks of a demon slayer's life have been clear. She is scarred and will be more so as she grows. No man will take a scarred wife."

No man will take a scarred wife…

Sango awoke in a cold sweat. She took a deep breath trying to clear her mind. She was in Kaede's hut—she heard Kaede's snores from across the room. Kirara opened one eye and stretched luxuriously.

"Sorry, Kirara," Sango murmured. "I won't be gone long." She took her red and white kimono and slipped it over her white yukata and quietly walked outside.

It was still very early. The pink rays of dawn had just started to touch the corners of the village. Sango had always been an early riser. She walked to the outskirts of the village and sat in the tall grasses.

She noticed that Inuyasha was not in his usual roost. She presumed he was at the well. It had been three days since Kagome had gone back to her home in the future—and would never return. Every day at dawn and sunset Inuyasha kept a silent vigil at the well.

Sango sighed as she sat in the grasses, watching the sunrise. She missed her friend dearly. Life was not the same without Kagome's cheer and light. Inuyasha certainly wasn't the same without her. He hardly argued with anyone anymore and was more quiet and subdued than Sango had ever known him to be.

"You're up early."

Sango jumped. Miroku smiled at her gently, standing over her.

"So are you," She returned, but smiled in spite of herself. "I didn't sleep much last night."

Miroku nodded understandingly. If anyone understood sleepless nights, Sango thought to herself, it was Miroku.

"May I join you?" He asked politely.

That was something she liked about Miroku. He understood her craving for solitude and let her alone when she wanted to be alone. But since her brother was free from Naraku's grasp and Naraku was destroyed, her desperation for loneliness wasn't nearly as strong. She smiled at him and nodded.

He took a seat next to her. They were silent for a while, watching the dawn. Then Miroku broke the quiet.

"I passed by Inuyasha," He said. "I'm a little worried about him."

Sango nodded in agreement. "The whole village is saddened by Kagome's return home. I know I miss her."

Miroku nodded. "Sango…I've been meaning to speak with you privately."

Sango looked at him. "About what?"

"About our wedding," He smiled at her gently, taking her hand.

Sango's stomach flipped and she flushed hotly. She was sure her palm was sweating in Miroku's warm hand.

Wedding. Marriage. Naraku was dead, Kohaku was safe…did this truly mean she could be with Miroku? As an ordinary woman? Not a demon slayer, not someone on a journey to avenge their family…just a wife. Miroku's wife. The idea made her flush again and she became unable to look Miroku in the eyes.

"Honestly," Miroku continued, squeezing her hand. "I'd like it to be quick. Small…Kaede, Inuyasha, Shippo, Muushin, Kohaku…Rin might like to come. But as soon as possible."

Sango managed to tilt her head up to look at Miroku. "A swift wedding?"

"Yes," He smiled, causing her stomach to do backflips again. "I want to be married to you, Sango."

Her face went red again but she was unable to tear her eyes away from his. His blue-gray eyes were soft and warm and he placed two fingers under her chin, tilting her head upwards.

Sango closed her eyes. She had kissed him once, when she thought he was going to die, and then she was fairly certain he'd been unconscious. She felt his warm breath as a sparkling, electric feeling exploded within her senses.

"Lady Sango! Lord Miroku! Did I hear right?"

Sango's eyes flew open and the two jerked apart to a more seemly distance. Sango turned to see a village girl, named Akane, staring at them eagerly.

"Are you going to get married?" She squealed.

Miroku coughed awkwardly, caught off-guard. "Well, yes, but…"

"How marvelous!" Akane squealed again. "How absolutely marvelous! I'll tell the village at once, there is so much preparations to be done!"

"Oh, well, we were actually planning on…" Sango's voice trailed off into nothingness as Akane raced into the village, shouting incoherently.

Miroku frowned. "We better stop this before it snowballs," He stood, offering his hand. Sango took it and he helped her up. She felt slightly disappointed at Akane's interruption but was far too embarrassed to…to request a kiss, or even comment on the interruption.

Soon we'll be married, she thought to herself as the two of them hurried into the village to stop the madness. Then perhaps I won't have to ask. At least I won't be as shy…right?

As soon as they entered the village, they were engulfed by the entire village.

"Lady Sango! I have a very expensive uchikake—belonged to my grandmother—please, accept it for your wedding!"

"We've been saving this sake for years—now's our chance to celebrate!"

"We're so happy for you, Lord Miroku!"

"How can you do this to me, Lord Miroku?"

"You're going to look so beautiful, Lady Sango!"

Sango felt dizzy as the overlapping voices flooded them. "I, ah, we actually wanted something small…" She tried to say over the crowd but the excitement refused to dwindle.

"Now hang on, this is our decision," Miroku tried to intervene. "We already have a plan, and we're…"

"Will Kaede perform the ceremony?"

"Shall we invite the neighboring village? I have cousins who would love to attend!"

"Will we have to invite demons to appease Lord Inuyasha?"

"How many kids will you have?"

At the latter question, Sango spluttered and lost all ability to speak. Even Miroku looked annoyed and opened his mouth to say something when—

"ALL RIGHT YOU VULTURES, BACK THE HELL OFF!"

Sango had never been more relieved to hear Inuyasha's uncouthness. The half-demon stormed into the picture, barking at the villagers, who quickly scurried off. Just because they were grateful to Inuyasha for protecting them, didn't mean the weren't terrified of him.

"Thank you, Inuyasha," Miroku said gratefully. Sango nodded fervently.

"It was nothin'," Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Humans are way too excitable."

"It'd be nice if someone listened to what we wanted," Miroku remarked, still clearly irritated. "We were only going to have something small, something quick…"

"Please don't."

Kaede stepped into the view. The three of them turned to look at her.

"A small request," Kaede said calmly. "Don't disappoint the villagers."

"We're not getting married to give the villagers something to do," Miroku snapped.

"Miroku, listen," Kaede stated. "These villagers have been through a lot since the rise and fall of Naraku. They have lost their high priestess twice—Kikyo is dead and Kagome is unlikely to ever return."

A shadow of pain flitted across Inuyasha's face at this though it was quickly masked.

"Demons…wars…we have lost so many…and now two of their protectors, you and Sango, have chosen to bind yourselves to each other. They are happy. They are eager. They have had precious little time to celebrate anything. So please…as a favor to me…let them have this."

There was something akin to guilt on Miroku's face but he still looked clearly annoyed. He sighed.

But Sango was staring at Inuyasha, feeling sorry for her friend. If…if an elaborate wedding ceremony could raise the village's spirits…could it not raise Inuyasha's as well?

"I don't mind, Kaede," Sango decided. "I never thought I'd get married so I don't even know what to do or how to plan anything. I'm sure the village women would be happy to help me."

Miroku nodded, acquiescing to Sango. He glanced at Sango, as if wondering why on earth she never thought she'd get married, but turned his attention back to Kaede.

"Would you be willing to officiate, Lady Kaede?" He asked her. "Seeing as traditionally, we don't have two maikos to do it."

"Of course," The crone bowed. "Come with me, Sango. We will begin planning."

XXXXXXX

A tall, beautiful, and extremely large-chested woman read the message quickly.

"I can't believe it," She whispered in a low, husky voice. "My Miroku…is marrying?"

Her eyes filled with tears. "How can he not think of me?" She stood swiftly, beginning to pack her things, all of which were expensive and high quality.

"This will not stand!" She said furiously. "I'm going there—tonight!"