Tomoya glanced at his watch. It wasn't like her to take this long. She was usually prompt, and was not the sort to make others wait.

Not that he minded. He didn't, really. He was just a bit eager to see how she looked. She said she'd already picked out a dress, when she declined his offer to provide her one, and he was hesitant, to say the least, of what choice she might've made.

He wouldn't have minded if she looked a disaster, but he was certainly willing to drop by a shop or two he'd already checked earlier, if she was open to the idea.

More than anyone, Kumiko was aware of how important first impressions are. And she wasn't exactly the sort who'd take his idea against him, should he offer to get her a diff...

She looked...beautiful.

Her hair flowed past her shoulders, just a little above her waist, held back by two pearl hairpins.

And her dress and shoes...matched perfectly. She even had a very feminine sequined handbag, which probably contained a small bottle of cologne, a handkerchief, and her cellphone.

For a change, though...she seemed to have just a hint of a blush to her cheeks...and what seemed like lipgloss...the 'watershine' kind in light pink.

Fujiyama Shizuko's doing, most likely. He silently applauded Kumiko's good sense to ask for the right kind of help.

He wondered if the dress was her idea, too.

No. From what he understood of the other woman, her choice in clothes was somewhat...provocative.

He looked around for a moment, surprised at the unnatural silence, then noticed the look on the kumi's faces.

They were staring in both appreciation and what seemed like mild shock. The Boss, though, seemed mighty pleased, and certainly approved of how she looked, and told his granddaughter so. Was there something he was missing? He decided to walk over to Kyou-san, but the moment she walked towards him, he found he didn't need to.

His throat went dry, when he saw the length of her well-formed leg, flash before him momentarily. It was tasteful, to be sure, but to an unprepared person so used to seeing her act...well...unfemininely, this sudden change was definitely not something people got used to, right away.

And suddenly, he had a very good idea who picked out this dress. There was only one other person, really, if it wasn't the other woman.

It was probably Sawada Shin. And as he took a secret look at the length of said leg, he noticed something catch light. An anklet? She wasn't even the type to wear jewelry. And while bracelets seemed the likeliest choice for her to make-point being the bangles she was wearing- the anklet was most assuredly Shin's doing, also.

He smiled an uncharacteristically smug smile.

Well...who was he to spoil someone else's goodwill? Why begrudge the younger man the effort, when he was the one reaping the benefits for it? It wasn't Shin she was looking perfect for, right, now, but him.

In fact, he should thank Sawada Shin, though the gesture would probably not be appreciated.

"You look lovely, Kumiko-chan." He breathed, in her ear, as he kissed her on the cheek, in front of everyone, stepping back a moment later, to watch her stammer a reply, while a real blush bloomed on her cheeks. He offered her his arm, as they took their leave.

Kuroda Ryuuichirou and Ooshima Kyoutarou watched the car speed off.

"Our Kumiko has certainly grown up into a lovely woman, don't you think so, Kyou?" Her grandfather asked. "To be honest, I've always thought the lack of female influence might become a problem, someday."

"You said it, Boss. But right now, what I'm really interesed in is what The Young Master is planning to do. He's not the kind who'd just sit back and do nothing." Kyou replied, thoughtfully. "That one's probably up to something."

A small, knowing smile graced the older man's lips, as he asked, in a tone that suggested he had something interesting in mind, if Ooshima Kyoutarou wanted to find out what it was.

"It just so happens I have one more invitation." He said, showing Kyou an ornate envelope. "Are you interested?"

Oh yes. The Kuroda men were like gossipy old ladies, when it came to their little baby girl, all grown up. Or they had too much time on their hands. Or this was just too good to pass up.

"Sure beats watching Wife of a Yakuza." He answered, gamely, plucking the invitation out of the older man's fingers. It was a good thing, too. He didn't know how he was going to get in, since he'd been planning to go, all along, to watch 'the show'. He was already dressed, too. "I take it, you're expecting a report when I come back?"

Kuroda Ryuuichirou nodded, as he turned to go back inside.

While Ooshima Kyoutarou went on his way to...the show.

0o0o0o0

Thanks for the reviews, guys. I'm actually doing cheerdance, right now, which is why i haven't been able to update.

same with drabbles. i wanted to continue Snow White, but...sadly, no one liked it enough to keep it alive.

So, we're doing short segues for SWD. just to keep you entertained until cheerdance ends.

And yeah. The polaris bit was from endless love 2: winter sonata. of course, it was a necklace, there. Not an anklet.

Hehehehe.