Raven's POV

Byakuya had found a job for a local bookstore two weeks ago. It was old and the lady was probably as old as the building itself, but she needed help and prince charming just HAD to help her. He had been working there for a few weeks and today was his day off. I starred at him walking around the kitchen, making himself some tea. Then something caught my eye, his kenseikan. Ever since before I actually met him, there were rare cases that you would catch him without the pieces of nobility. Then something struck me that I found amusing. I bet he can't go the WHOLE day without the kenseikan...and I can spend some time with him too.

"Hey Kuchiki-san!" I called to him,"How do you feel about friendly wagers?"

"Gambling is a bad habit that I do not tolerate," he said while raising an eyebrow, "And I do not tolerate these, dares too well. The were-cat woman used to place me through all sorts of events when she felt like I was getting too boring and needed to relax."

"Um, friendly wagers don't deal with money, well not for me. Plus if I dare you to do anything, I promise it won't be bad. You can dare me something too," I said, trying to bait him into it.

He ignored me and began finish making his tea, this got me flustered and pouty. I wanted a chance to hang out with him. He was around me the least, but I barely knew him as well as the others. By now I could practically read Sephiroth like an open book, and had a little more control over my 'mood swings' but that still didn't stop me from pouncing Sephy from time to time. Sesshomaru, I could get to chat with occasionally along with getting into more embarrassing moments and awkward situations. Focus girl. Alright there is one word that is a low blow, but it will get his attention...

"Alright, I can understand if you were chicken," I casually said.

I heard something almost slam down, or drop from in the kitchen. Next thing I knew he was in front of me glaring.

"I am not some kind of bird that is flightless and easily scared," he said.

"Alright!" I said becoming chipper, planing on how I would win, and what the stakes were, "Well usually my friends think of the prize that you get, then we make the dare, or bet depending on what is decided."

"I see, well then what do you suggest?" he asked amused.

"Well," I said placing my finger to my chin," Alright! Whomever wins, they get to use the other one as a slave for the entire day and everytime the winner asks for something, the loser must go yes master!"

Aside from the pervy thoughts of forcing him to take off his shirt, and he not try and kill me. I could also 'order' him into a date. Hell, if I was going to be stuck with them, I might as well try and do something useful, well at least useful to myself.

"Very well," he spoke,"Now what is your wish? Dare or wager?"

I believe my mind fried on him saying what is your wish. THAT will defiantly have to be spoken by him more often. Imagining him whispering that into my ear gave me shudders, and I began to tingle as my pulse quickened.

"Hm, I propose both, well sort of. I mean when will I ever get a chance to do this again?" I said wildly, "Alright my dare is, that you take off your kenseikan and let me wear them for an entire day, I promise not to break them. Plus I want to see if I can get you to act out of character, and surprise you or make you react in any way. Since I am adding something to my wager, you can add something to yours."

He looked at me blankly, as if he were calculating his chances of winning, and if the risk was worth it, "Very well, I accept this challenge and await to hear the next one. My dare is that you dress and act like a lady for the entire day, and you can't complain."

You low blow sneaky son of a ! How dare you use my ultimate weakness to get me to back out of something as golden as this. I will have you know sir, there is nothing...ALMOST nothing that I will not do to win. You can do this girl, be patient and try to act a little restrained.

"Um, I know you have taken note on the lady thing and me not mixing. I am not even sure where to start other than break out the shoes you made me buy and that ridiculous outfit as well...Now if I do something wrong, tell me. I don't have a clue what to do!" I said truthfully, " I really didn't have any etiquette classes where I was from, but a deal is a deal."

How do you like them apples, Mr. High and Mighty.

"As you wish," he spoke softly.

There are times when your mind breaks from trying to form thoughts, maybe it is a filter of some sort, like a mental block because your brain will permanently fry or you will be mentally scarred for the rest of your life if you picture this. Like say your grandmother and grandfather being into BDSM, can't picture it can you, because that image would break your mind and probably your will to live. This was one of those moments in time where I knew if I attempted to imagine Byakuya Kuichiki as my slave, with a collar, no shirt, tight pants, bending to my every whim, and at night chained to my bed and with every request he said 'As you wish', I would probably combust and shatter into a million pieces because he is too damn hot for his own good.

"I suppose if I am forced to spend a day with you, to make sure that you honor our agreement, I can take some time in teaching you how to present yourself in a respectable manner," he said.

"Not going there," I sighed before holding out my hands,"Alright, fork them over."

He then proceeded to take out each clip and then place them in my hair. Although, I really couldn't tell how they looked on me when he placed them in my hair. When he finished I went into the bathroom and looked into the mirror to see where he placed them. The two chunks of hair that rested on either side of my face had them in it, the two smaller ones that went on the right side of his head, were placed near the top of my head on the right side, making them appear to be larger and to help hold my hair out of my face, while the last one was placed on the left side of my face to even things out. I mean it was strange but looked good. I wondered what sort of events would be occurring today as I heard a knock on the door.

"Well if you are not going to honor our agreement, then I can take them back," he said as he inched closer to me.

I jumped up and darted under his arms and behind him before stopping, "No I got it. Lemme get dressed."

I found the dress that Byakuya had talked me into getting one day along with the scarf and boots, which I wore like they were going out of style, they were my favorite(1). It was my favorite color and I couldn't complain on the cut, there was no lace, and it wasn't as girly as the others that he suggested, but since it was winter I decided to put on some gray leggings to keep my legs warm. As for make-up, I picked out a light lavender and some pink to mix together and decorate my eyes with and I kept everything to a minimum, light powder, shimmer rose pink lip gloss, and a light spray of my favorite perfume, that just so happened to smell just like Japanese cherry blossoms. When I was about to leave the bathroom and await my impending doom, I noticed he was watching me, I had hoped not the entire time, but my luck was really bad.

"Um, is this too...much for you," I said, treading carefully with my words from now on.

"No," he said, "I was going to ask you if there is some place that you wish to travel, or is this a spontaneous occasion?"

"I would say book store but you have seen WAY too much of that, so how about the music store?" I asked him. Completely oblivious to the fact that it was a date.

We walked out of the door and began our long walk towards the mall where the music store was. During my time here I had noticed that the music was the same here, I mean exactly the same(2). Everyone was called the same name and they did the same music. I was lucky to be blessed with this little miracle, and I now had the chance to get an i-pod, another exact thing. After I finished this, I would stop by and get a functioning computer so I could upload the music into the storage device. It took us a while to get there but eventually we made it into the store and walked in. I made my way over to the i-pods and began looking at the assortment of colors that they had. I really didn't need a new one, an older model. I found an I-pod nano that I could afford, but now was the time to pick out the color I wanted. Each of them reminded me of Bleach characters, so I began humming and singing their names in my head.

"What are you doing?" asked Byakuya.

"If you must know, these remind me of people from where you come from. Would you like to know who?" I asked him.

"I could say no, but I doubt that will stop you," he answered.

"Okay," I said averting my eyes, then I looked back at him and pointed to each of the colors: white, black, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink," Lets see. Joshiro Ukitake, Soi Fon, Mayrui Kurotsuchi, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Retsu Unohana, Zaraki Kenpachi, Ichigo Kurosaki, Renji Abarai, and you."

"And how did you come up with this?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"Well Joshiro because of his hair, Soi Fon because she is a ninja, Mayuri because of his creepy hat thing, Toshiro because of Hyōrinmaru, Retsu because healing kido is green, Zaraki because of his reaitsu, Ichigo because of his hair, Renji because of his hair, and pink is the color of your shikai blades as they scatter about and slice people into ribbons," I said absent-mindedly.

He narrowed his eyes for a moment and then looked back at the devices, "So that is your reasoning...interesting. If I may ask, which one will you take home and what is the function of the device?"

"Mayrui is my favorite color, but I also like Renji and Toshiro, er not the people I mean the colors. Well at least Mayuri, he creeps me out terribly, I am afraid of him. I would rather hug Kenpachi all day than have Mayuri look at me for a second, or be stuck in a room with Gin. Oh, right, off topic. These devices, or I-pods, store music that you can listen to whenever you want. The usual time is a few hours of battery life, but the more you use it the more you have to charge it, and that will wear down the battery. If you want, I can let you listen to some of my music. I don't know if it is in your taste, but I can help you. I mean I can get you one..." I said trailing off.

"No thank you," he said before coughing.

"Well you don't know if you will like it or hate it, but I suppose I can't press the matter because of our little deal," I said turning to him," You know um, could you pick out some ear phones for me? I haven't decided on what I wanted yet."

He looked confused for a moment but after explaining to him what earphones were and what kind of stuff I liked, he was off looking. I grabbed the nearest clerk and picked out the purple one for myself and a pink one for Byakuya, although I hope he would allow me to give him something. I don't think he is used to getting gifts and holidays are around the corner. Although I was not sure if they had any holidays in this world, so I would have to wait and see. After purchasing the pink one, I slipped it under my hat that I was wearing. Byakuya then came back and brought two sets of ear phones with him, but he didn't question me when I bought them both. After paying I turned to him.

"Alright, now I need a computer to help me with this stuff. Otherwise I will have the stereo blaring my music, and some of it isn't really kid friendly," I said, a blush creeping up on my face when he rose his eyebrow at me.

While walking out of the store, I don't know how I did it, but I managed to distract him enough to where he had turned his back on me and I slipped the box out from under my hat and into the bag that I held. Hopefully he didn't notice, or he was nice enough to keep quiet and let me belive I had accomplished something. I mean I wasn't Yourichi, but being sneaky around him was fun, and I was being nice. I let my mind wander for a moment before I realized that I had no idea where Senbonzakura was! He was supposed to be here so Byakuya doesn't cheat! I quickened my pace and darted over to Byakuya, unfortunately I more or less bumped into him. He turned and glared at me for a moment before he noticed my distress.

"Where is he?" I asked.

"Around. What if someone were to see him?" said Byakuya.

"He is a zanpaktou spirit, I doubt people can," I told him.

"Then how come you are able to?" he asked.

"You would call it spiritually aware, born with it," I said walking towards the electronics store in the mall.

It didn't take us too long before I found a suitable computer, it was also cheaper that what I had planned, so the difference covered my splurge with the pink i-pod. After buying that, my shopping was finished and we left the store and continued to stay in the mall. I window shop, usually, and then when I want something, I save for it. When I know I have money, I tend to splurge. I hated going through money like that, but that is because a lot of things happened to me when I was in my own world. Things kept happening that made me wonder who I could have been in a past life to accumulate so much bad Karma that carried over into this one. I was fortunate though and the kids seemed to be calmer, thanks to Byakuya giving me a list of punishments to give to the kids when they weren't behaving. So I guess the present I got him was a small thank you and a holiday present if there was one and a birthday present. I would have to wait another month before his birthday, but it was December.

I wonder how the guys will react to Christmas? I should defiantly fill them in on it when we get home. What if they haven't had one before? I could understand Sesshomaru, but Sephiroth and Byakuya? That makes me really sad that they haven't done anything like that, but I know if I mention that this is a family based holiday they will miss everyone they care about. I don't blame them, I miss everyone too. Well try and pry something out of Byakuaya...Take your mind off of this topic.

"So um Byakuya, have you ever kissed someone? I mean I know about Hisana, but what about- Oh forgive me, I um. Stupid questions that fly out of my mouth. I need a filter installed between my brain and my mouth," I sighed looking down, "Forget I asked."

"Yes I have," he said.

I perked up like a puppy being shown a treat, I stared at him starry eyed, and I probably had hearts in my eyes too. Then I summoned up the courage to ask, "Who?"

"My family, mostly," he said smiling slyly,"And apparently Renji, Ichigo, and Grimmjow."

"Very funny," I said dryly. I wanted to add smart ass to that but I was supposed to be lady like the entire day.

"I am surprised that you caught my joke, last person I told one to nearly had a heart attack," he said recalling Renji.

"Well if you weren't serious all the time," I started in before I realized we were at the other end of the mall that we entered,"Oh snap, I turned the wrong way."

We turned around and while walking back I began to look at the stores windows, and around the mall for decorations that would help me decide if they celebrate Christmas. I wanted to ask someone but how would I know if something was made illegal like Christmas until it was too late, making people come after me for being ignorant. I need to be less paranoid.

"Byakuya, different question. Do you know about Christmas?" I asked him.

"No I do not. Is it a human holiday?" he asked.

"Yes, it is a Western based holiday from the Human World that became popular long before I was born. You get together with friends and family, exchange gifts, and spend time together appreciating one another. I mean this will be my first one away from home. Though it is a plus that I get to spend it with you." I said blushing. Great now he thinks you are weird.

"You will have to explain this holiday farther,' he said.

"Well we have to wait until we get home and I ask the others. That way I can explain it to everyone and then we will handle things from there. Though I have to ask the kids if there is such a holiday here. If not, then I will make one, and it will be special to us...er...as a family...um, I mean friends,' I said panicking.

He looked over me for a moment then placed a hand on my forehead. Probably checking for the signs of the fever that lets the boys know when to lock me in my room. Since I know what to expect now it is less difficult on me and it seems that just touching me calms me down enough, so if I am lucky I will transform and have the kids pet me. Until they get the hairspray, scissors, glue, paint, and other stuff to make me pretty, after me. I jerked away from him at first, fearing that he would notice that my fan girl side was slowly surfacing. After checking my temperature he shrugged and walked off ahead of me. I quickened my pace a little to keep up with him. This went on for ten minutes before he suddenly stopped and stared at something. I bumped into him and nearly hit the ground with my but before I catch myself and look at him, puffing my cheeks to express anger. There is something on the ceiling above us, I recognize it, mistletoe. They DID celebrate Christmas here! I was so happy that I bounced up and down.

-Smack!- Um, do you even remember WHAT that stands for? You better explain it to him before someone tries to steal a kiss. Oh no, there is another girl here..Oh HELL no, hands off. I do NOT play well with other bitches. Avert eyes before I knock the blond out of your hair and give you a real reason to be stupid. Ah, dammit the bet! If I do something I lose, but if I DON'T do something, sakura petals hit the fan and that blond will die.

Sure enough a big breasted, young, pretty, tall, slender, perfect outfit for her body type, blond, manipulative, chick who looked like she was a living fashion magazine practically ran over to him and began laughing. I then stepped out from behind him, before any damage was done and I gently nudged him so he could take notice he was being stalked. My mind was reeling over all the nasty things I could do to her and made up all sorts of dirty secrets that she could have. When she saw me move out from behind him, she made a face that resembled someone trying to digest that nasty stuff off of Scare Tatics. I gently smiled before placing a hand in the friendliest type manner on Byakuya's arm that telegraphed to every female watching that he was mine, and I was not sharing.

"Um, you know him?" I asked her through clenched teeth.

"Well you really don't have to know someone to get into the spirit, but if he is willing to share," she said.

"He isn't from around here and doesn't celebrate the holiday," I spoke as politely as possible wanting to rip her head off then and there.

"Well he can learn and appreciate such a holiday," she said inching closer to him.

I then proceeded to make myself a wedge to place between her and Byakuya. Though her stelletoed feet managed to outmaneuver me and dart around, stopping inches away from Byakuya. I turned on a heel and glared at her, then my eyes darted to Byakuya who had the most interesting look on his face. He knew that there would be a fight if nothing was done about the situation, but he could not figure out WHY we were at one another's throats.

"The mistletoe," I said pointing up to the ceiling, and not taking my eyes off of her, "People who walk or stand under it together have to kiss before they leave that spot."

His eyes widened for a second before he quickly gained composure, then he cleared his throat," There are three of us standing under it now. So unless you have any suggestions, that are peaceful, otherwise you will be standing there forever."

Bya-boo, you had better be looking for someone to throw to this shark before I prove who is the better bitch. Wait what did he just say? -turns towards him- Oh that slimy son of a- He sneaked out from under it. -Evil eye blond- Oh don't you dare move missy. I will win this! Time to take one for the team.

I lunged at her before she could do anything and began to kiss her as hard as I could. Hopefully this would deter her from trying something like this again, and I made sure to be a little rough to 'help' get my point across to her. After the five seconds of holding the kiss, and practically trying to make out with her, I let her go and turned to Byakuaya and walked in his direction. He had his eyes closed and was coughing, whether fake or real, he was covering up something. I was hoping that I gave him a nosebleed, smiling at the thoughts. I cleared my throat looking at him before he opened his eyes to find me cross armed and tapping my foot against the floor and to find her stunned and glued to the spot.

"Nice try," I said turning to the blond, "But I am quicker."

"I didn't know that you felt that way towards other women," said Byakuya before he began walking off.

I believe I turned the shade of Rudolph's nose before running after him, "Y-you did that on purpose to see if I would do that! That was cheap, even for you!"

I opened my mouth to begin the long line of curses before he held up a hand, "Remember the wager."

"I will end you," I whispered to myself.

Well if he believed he was smooth, I bet he would love this. I called out his name and handed him the shopping bags. He thought this was my payback, but no I was waiting. As we walked through the mall, I kept glancing at the ceiling, looking for more of the green mistletoe. Five minutes had passed before I found my target. I waited until we were under it and then stopped, called his name, and pretended there was something wrong with my shoe. When he walked closer, I knew he had to be surprised, or my body would only meet air. Without a second thought I lunged at him and found myself with my arms around his shoulders and my lips pressed against his. I opened my eyes to find his staring blankly ahead. I stopped kissing him and backed off, grabbing the bags from his hands before he dropped something and broke it. I then looked up to see him still staring ahead. Either I shocked him or he was debating on tormenting me with Senbonzakura. I shook him lightly just in case something did go wrong. What if I had a new thing that when I kiss people they die? Oh well there goes the female population right there...or at least anyone who looks at him. He eventually snapped out of the phase he was in and I escorted him home.

When we arrived at the flat, hardly anything had been spoken to us. I placed my bags in my room before returning into the living room. While walking, I thought up of some delusion that I had killed Hisana, and he saw me do it, and then he just saw me for the first time in years, and was probably thinking of how to kill me. His face was that blank. Either way, he would hopefully forgive me while I filled in the others on Christmas. As we walked in the door, I called out to the others and had them sit in the living room.

"Terra, Allex, how much do you like Christmas?" I asked them.

They looked at me funny before they caught on to what I was trying to say.

Allex spoke first,"That is what you call it, we call it the Winter's Tide. What do you call the first of the year...ours is Yearling's Day."

"Er, I have always called it New Year's Day, but I will go with it. So what are the festivities that you enjoy during the holidays?" I asked.

Terra spoke this time, all bright eyed, "We give gifts, sing to friends, make lots of food, be with people we like, and share things together."

"Alright a bit vague but I think we do the same thing where I come from," I said turning my attention to the other two men, "What about you two? Heard of Christmas?"

Sesshomaru was the first to speak, "The girl, Kagome, mentioned something to Rin about this holiday, though I haven't seen anyone do such a thing(3). However, that does not mean that it was not practiced. I just avoided humans before Kagome and Rin."

"We were in SOLDIER," said Sephiroth, " We 'didn't get out much', as I have once heard you say. I do have some knowledge of this holiday you speak, and have celebrated with my friends(4). Why would I want to revisit memories that are best left alone."

Then it hit me. I looked at him almost in sympathy but kept my mouth shut for a moment, in case I was going to say something stupid. Thankfully I did because what I wanted to say wasn't going to help anyone, just make things worse. I am sorry that we aren't them sir, and that you do miss them even though Genesis was the one who indirectly caused you to go insane and try to kill Planet. Don't worry we are your new friends and I won't try and make you do anything like that. Yeah smooth, and when he rips your head off, then what?

Thinking, I tried a little different way and out of my own character, "Well, as displeasing as those memories are, you could start new ones. Nothing is stoping you from doing anything. Just say yes or no and I will let things go from there."

Byakuya looked at me, and I promise you his eye brows rose so high, they disappeared into his hairline. I looked at him and smiled casually and turned my attention back on Sephiroth. As much as I wanted everyone to celebrate, I really couldn't force anyone to do this. I had hoped he hadn't really done anything like this, but with memories of people who are now dead, and it didn't help that they ended up dying horribly in my opinion.

I waited for what seemed like forever for his answer but eventually he spoke, "Yes."

Needless to say I did a little dance in my head and was so happy that he agreed with me. Though remembering what Tylean said, I guess I felt a little guilty being able to sway over them. Noted that many other fangirls would have had mad, hot, bunny love with them for hours if they were given my position, or they could have stood there and did what I did, and flip the fuck out. Considering the time I was having with them, I really didn't want to use anything, I mean I like getting what I want, but I do care enough that people are higher up than myself on my priority list. Damn my chivalry, it could go and burn in hell as far as my fangirl hormones were concerned with. I realized that I had the chance to do what I wanted, make them give...themselves as Christmas presents. Then my thoughts went to instant 'lecherous perv here' images about them. Slow down girl, remember wounded puppy in vicinity and NOT Sesshomaru either. High and mighty killer here has had one too many wounds, time for some Band-Aids in the form of love and appreciation...because we all know in anime, Band-Aids fix EVERYTHING.

"Thank you," I told him, "I promise I will try and let things be normal for my Christmas..Well as normal as I think they should be. I mean we all know I am not...er being quiet now."

He looked up and eyed me for a moment before clasping his hands together and resting his elbows on his knees. He was either really considering this or he was making an evil plot for my demise later. Either or, I was going to have fun. Though right now I had only a few days to get things together before Christmas, thankfully I was getting paid tomorrow and with everyone in the house having jobs, we really didn't need anything but space. Though right now wouldn't be a good time to go house shopping either, FOCUS! Time to explain everything to Sesshomaru and then get everything together. This next week was going to be crazy. I crossed my fingers and prayed this would be somewhat better than normal for all of us grouped together. Hell, who was I kidding, normal for me equals disaster area for everyone else. Well time to take one for my team, if I was going shopping for Christmas presents, I needed to hopefully take these guys out one at a time. Bad enough I had to cheap shot a kiss into Byakuya's day, which he is no doubt planning a strategy to get me back.

I knew better than to pretend that the noble was that noble. He was a childish and self centered inside, I saw that Bleach arc long ago to realize that. Plus it did help that over the course of time Senbonzakura had destroyed some of the child things because he was curious over them but didn't want to share. Rolling my eyes, I thought of things I could get each one of them while taking the kids out for shopping. No way was I going to leave them in the guys hands. Chicks with kids speak of single parent, guys with kids speaks of a wounded puppy, come rescue me from my solitude, chick magnet. It was hard enough to 'save' the guys when I was by myself, and if I randomly showed up to the mall three times in a row, each with different guys...oh hell who cared. I had them and I wasn't sharing. I could be selfish, damn those who think otherwise. Although how was I supposed to shop with all of them and make sure none of them knew who got them what. This was going to get complicated and I felt a headache coming on. I was going to have to leave the kids to watch over the guys, and tell chicks that they were off limits. There is an idea. Risky and they will pay me back for it and I will certainly lose the bet...but if it works...hell yeah.

I excused myself from the guys presence and then brought the kids to my room. Checking to see if Senbonzakura was around, he hates things being kept from him but if he were to find out, Byakuya would know. Shutting my door I looked a the kids and smiled. They went ridged, since they knew a smile meant I was up to no good.

"I am willing to bribe you into helping me keep those guys here for the season and not kidnapped by any young female who thinks she wants them. Your mission, if you choose to accept is to keep females, other than myself, away from them when we are shopping for Christmas presents. Use all means of tactical childish behavior but don't get caught. If you do this is all your idea and you held me against my will," I told them," Punishment will be overlooked, not even a time out if you are successful."

Allex and Terra stood there for a moment before grinning from ear to ear. They knew exactly what I had asked them to do, and if I knew these kids well enough things were going to be a-okay. I proceeded to hug them and make a deal with them before the mad cackle broke out into my head. This way I could keep eyes and ears on the boys while keeping my bet. Even Byakuya knew that noble women got others to do dirty work, so he can't tell me this isn't part of the bet and I broke it. Though I did think ahead and jotted down some notes to bring up in the three hour lecture that I planned to give him if he caught me in the act. The other two I wasn't so worried about, Sesshomaru would excuse himself away and be cold and heartless, Sephiroth would just scare the hell out of who crossed his path, but Byakuya...he would let his noble since of pride dig him into something I may not be able to dig him out of.

I had wasted enough time plotting and scheming, not was not the time to be put on the Naughty list, though if punishment was in order...I know people other than me who want on that list, especially if these three I was living with were involved with delivering it. Bad thoughts, bad thoughts...wow he is strong...bad thoughts. Focus, shopping first, hormone driven images of orgasmic proportions later.

I headed out of the door of my room and told all the guys to get ready for some shopping while I helped the kids get ready. I told Senbonzakura that was to make a list of all we needed: a tree, decorations, wrapping paper, individual presents, and an assortment of food. After the list was made I decided to spend some time with Sephiroth again and then Byakuya, and finally Sesshoamru, that way I was to be sure and help them if they needed it in shopping for gifts. I assigned Terra and Allex to the guys. Allex, who was more aggressive and open was given to Byakuya, and Terra who was sneakier and manipulative was given to Sesshomaru. With all my precautions in effect, I headed out of the door with everyone to get everything we needed. Hopefully we were all set and could get everything. Otherwise I would have to make Christmas presents, which I didn't mind. Stuff made from the heart worked better on me anyways, which made me wonder if it worked on the guys. Splitting up, I sent Senbonzakura for trees and a good description and picture of a tree we needed, though we were in a city, there was a nearby forest with pine trees, go figure, nearby, Sesshomaru would help Terra get decorations, Byakuya would help get food, and me and Sephiroth would get the wrapping paper and gifts that we thought would suit everyone first. With the plan set, we headed out and hoped we could get most of this done before the day was out.

1. The Image of the Dress is this, copy and paste if you want to see what it looks like. .com/resize/squidoo_images/590/draft_1254395670Jigsaw_Autumn_Winter_Fashion_Looks_7_-_Womens_Clothes_

2. I am lazy and I didn't want to have to make fake names for the bands and then have to individually name them...so I am keeping the music the same.

3. First recorded Christmas was a little before the Edo Period in Japan, in 1552. Although sometime later it was banned, along with all Christianity in Japan a few years later in 1612. Fortunatly it reemerged in the Meji Era, where Kagome, if I have my facts right about Inuyasha, and would have been celebrated more openly than those in the Edo Period. Though Sesshomaru tended to avoid humans in general, and Rin was very young and her family slain by bandits, so I don't think Rin was old enough to remember anything other than running away from the bandits. Kagome, however may have celebrated this holiday with Inuyasha and the bunch during and after the main story line of Inuysha. This I dunno, for sure, about because I haven't gotten around to actually reading the thing. Don't shoot me...

4. Talking about Crisis Core, with Angeal, Genesis, and perhaps Zack Fair when Angeal brought him along. I am not exactly sure how long they have known one another and I say they did. Love creativity license things...but anyway this will progress into the story...just you watch. That and I am hoping to do something special with all this...even if it is made up.

River: yeah a little short chapter, but it was mostly for me and Byakuya to bond...sorta.

Byakuya: Sure bond, and what was that kiss for?

River: I like you and you are my friend?

Byakuya: Scatter...

River: Ep! Hey I could have written you and me together in bed...which reminds me of a fortune cookie game me and my friends play. You read your fortune aloud and then you have to say 'in bed' at the end. Some fortunes are ridiculous.

Byakuya: That has nothing to do with the story.

River: I know but the Christmas Special I am placing on the next chapters are going to be my time with all three of you and some other yummy stuff with fluff, lemon, and twists. Speaking of twists, I get to cook Christmas dinner for my family this year. Cross your fingers readers that my cooking doesn't kill anyone.

Byakuya: You can't cook?

River: Yes and no. I CAN cook but no well. Orihime CAN cook but no...bad example. Okay story time. One day I was frying spam, (fried spam sandwiches are the best) and well I accidentally set the whole stove eye on fire. To this day I dunno how...but I lived, the stove was okay, and the spam was delicious.

-Byakuya backs away-

Sephiroth: Embarrassing stories?

River: Well they are funny now and I don't mind telling them but yes. Oh yeah I almost forgot. I do not own anyone or anything from Bleach, Final Fantasy 7, or Inuyasha, or any affiliations. I simply use the characters in my own way for fan fiction like many other people similar...er anyways. Don't steal from me or I will hunt down your house and hide all your Christmas presents and replace them with bear traps in boxes, and when you open them up SNAP GOES YOUR HANDS. That way you won't be able to steal again. Capishe!

Sephiroth: Protective much?

River: Very, now I want you to be my present this year...what'cha say?

-Sephiroth walks away-

River: Dammit!...Better luck next year... By the way thanks guys who have reviewed my story, better late than never to AllNighter, Kitty, and Lady Zombie, who thanks to her I FINALLY saw all the bloody errors in the first chapter and fix them. That and I laughed when you commented about the abs...they are life threatening when placed on hot men like Sephy.

If you like my story then you should check hers out. If you like this chapter please review. It helps things go along quicker.