Chapter 1

"Oh wow! This is beautiful!" I've never seen so many decorations and lights like this!" Gasped Kagome.

"It sure is! Let's get settled and changed so we can join in the fun!" Sango grabbed Kagome towards the inn.

"Hey! We're collecting jewel shards not partying!" Inuyasha yelled.

"Let's just have a little fun at least for tonight. It's just the four of us. The village chief of this area encourages demons and humans to live harmoniously. He married a fox demoness. Together they bring peace to this village with hopes of others to follow their ideals. There is no prejudice and it's peaceful. It's the annual summer masquerade festival so we can let loose. What say you my friend?" Miroku looked at the girls heading towards the inn.

"Why do we gotta stay here? I don't like being among people in large crowds." huffed Inuyasha.

"Trust me. You will have fun. Food, drinks, lots of single ladies. Come let's get some costumes." heading towards a booth pulling Inuyasha with him.

"You just wanna laid Miroku! Sango will kick your ass!" with his arms crossed.

"You can get laid as well. It would probably help you release pent up stress."

Inuyasha's face turns red. "You jackass. I'm not interested in one night stands."

"Listen my friend, free drinks and free food. Dancing. Girls. Let loose a bit. We have been traveling and fighting these past two years. We are close to completing the jewel. Honestly when we face Naraku, we don't know if we may make it out alive." placing a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder.

"Fine. If I don't feel comfortable I'm leaving. Got it." Letting out a grunt.

Miroku grinned from ear to ear. 'Looks like it's gonna be an interesting night!'

"This feels so good to finally bathe and wash my hair." Kagome drying her hair.

"Totally agree. Being able to relax a bit is refreshing. Here try some of this." Sango hands a cup to Kagome.

"What's this?" smelling the drink.

"It's some fruit juice the innkeeper gave me when we checked in. It tastes good." sipping on her drink.

"Yum! This is good! The guys would like this." "I wonder what's taking them so long. Miroku said he was gonna get us costumes. That pervert must be grabbing some poor girl butt or asking her to bear his children." pouring another cup.

"Let's have fun tonight! I've never been to one of these festivals in this time. Forget about Miroku and Inuyasha! I'm sure we might meet some cute guys! A little flirting and dancing won't hurt." sitting next Sango.

Knock on the door.

Miroku's voice "ladies I got your costumes." Kagome jumping up and opened the door "it's about time!" Taking the packages from him.

"Hey wenches! Put on some clothes!" Inuyasha pulled away Miroku with a nosebleed.

"Ahhhhh! Perverts!" throwing the empty cup at them. Sango laughed. "Why are you laughing! Not only did they see my red lace bra and panties, they saw you in your black lace bra and panties sitting there on the bed!" huffed Kagome.

Inuyasha and Miroku were outside waiting for the girls. Inuyasha had his hair pulled into a ponytail and wore red and white striped yukata. His mask was a white dog demon with red markings. His tessaiga was tied on his waist. Miroku ditched his monk robes and staff for a blue and grey striped yukata. His mask was a tanuki. They both sat on the bench outside the inn and each had a mug of wine.

"By the time they are done dressing, it will be over" Inuyasha gripped.

"Patience my friend. You can't hurry ladies when it comes to clothing" drinking from his mug.

"Hey guys. What ya think?" Kagome pulling a blushed Sango.

"Absolutely mouth watering" Miroku gushed.

"What the hell Kagome! Where is the rest of it!" Turning away red faced.

"I love it but Sango is shy" Kagome giggled.

"You perverted monk! I knew you picked these!" emerging angrily from behind.

Kagome had on a white mini length kimono with red cherry blossoms, red obi tied in bow at the back, knee high white socks and geta. Her mask was a white fox with purple markings. Sango wore a similar mini length pink kimono with white plum blossoms, pink obi tied in a bow at the back, knee high white socks and geta. Her mask was a cat mask white with red and black markings. Their lips were tinted with pink lip gloss.

"Let's go! I'm hungry as Kagome ran ahead pulling Miroku with her.

"What's up with her?" Inuyasha looked confused.

"I dunno" Sango pulled Inuyasha along following the others.

Meanwhile by the village square…

"My lord. Tell this lowly servant why we are here? I know you don't like humans and being so close to them must have you disgusted." Jaken followed his demon lord.

"This one had to attend the annual conference with the other lords and village leaders for the southern and western lands. This year it is held in this village as the southwest village was host. It was to encourage seeing how demons and humans coexist peacefully." ignoring the lustful women watching him.

"I don't get why we have to wear these ridiculous masks. It's degrading." Jaken whined.

"It's called masquerading. It's part of the festivities. This one would like no attention drawn upon myself tonight. In order to keep the peace among the south and west, my presence is required as the others. This one interest is piqued with this festivities and the co-existance."

Sesshomaru wore black silk hakamas and a cape to cover his swords. He left behind his armor and mokomoko as not to draw attention. His hair was pulled into a high ponytail. His mask was uniquely made to replicate his inu demon form. Jaken had on an ogre mask.

"Jaken. You are free to enjoy yourself. We leave tomorrow morning." leaving behind a shocked imp in ogre disguise.

Kagome was dancing with some of the children in the middle of the square. She was laughing. Being carefree. There were a couple nearby soldiers watching, some tried to approach her for a dance but she politely declined not wanting to upset Inuyasha and causing a scene.

"How much of that juice did she drink, Sango?" Miroku watched in amusement.

"We shared the bottle in the room and I know she drank a couple mugs. I think she's tipsy but look at her having fun. We gotta make sure she doesn't drink anymore." while eating some dumplings. "Miroku? Am I talking to myself? Where did you go?" Looking to her left, Miroku chatted with two girls with an arm around each one.

WHAPP!

"You pervert! Get back over here!" dragging him back to the table.

"Are you mad I'm having fun," rubbing his head.

"No you're just a pervert touching any available girls." Grabbing a mug from a nearby waitress and gulping it down. "Hey. Where's Inuwasha?" Sango slurred.

"He took off. Said too many people around him. I'm sure he's close by." Miroku smirked at Sango, amused at her getting jealous with his flirting.

Sesshomaru was close to the middle square leaning against the wall watching the children dance and play. Men drinking and playing games. Women happily chatting and eating. Couples holding hands and dancing. He felt no ill intentions or threats. Everyone around was mingling with demons and humans, even tho they wore masks and costumes.

His attention gravitated to the young woman with the children dancing around. Her laugh was mesmerizing and smiled beautifully. Her body looks curvy and soft. Thick black hair bounced with rhythm. He knew others were watching her.

'Such a mesmerizing human. She's attracting attention.'

'Indeed she is.'

'She must be a fox demon. They tend to deceive men."

'The mask does suit her, but she is human.'

'Look at those fools she rejected them!'

'The stench of their sexual excitement is disgusting.'

'Yet her scent is intoxicating."

Without thinking, Sesshomaru walked up to the young woman, gave a small bow and reached out his hand, indicating for a dance. Kagome stood there stunned by this tall man in front of her. She looked around for Inuyasha but didn't see him. Giving a small bow and smile, she took his hand and they danced. The moonlight shined on them giving a glow as they glided and twirled.

'She smells familiar.'

'I know this scent. I can't place it.'

'The alcohol is partially covering it.'

Sesshomaru kept dancing with Kagome with the nagging familiarity of knowing her. When the song finished, he led her to a table and pulled the chair for her to sit. A waitress came by and gave them two mugs. Kagome drank happily as she was out of breath. "Thank you for the dance." Kagome catches her breath. "I haven't had this much fun in a long time." Hearing her voice, it finally dawned on him.

'That's the shiko no tama miko! That means my brother and his pack is close by.'

'That stupid boy is no where around and she's walking around in such short clothing. Attracting attention to herself as always.'

'She looks delicious and tipsy. I can easily get my way with her"

'No we won't. She's a powerful miko and still pure.'

'She won't know it's us. We are not dressed as normal.'

'I said no. We don't take advantage of women, including breathtakingly beautiful and tipsy one.'

Kagome sat there with this man not knowing what to say as she felt her skin wash over with a shiver of desire. "Umm I gotta look for my friends. Thanks again for the dance." Kagome stood up but stumbled and fell into the demon lord's lap. Sesshomaru felt a surge of heat run thru his body. Kagome's face reddened with embarrassment "Oh my god! I am so sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I am so clumsy." she tried to stand but fell back into his lap again.

He gave a small chuckle "You are clumsy. Let me help you up and assist in looking for your friends." gently helping her to her feet and took her hand to walk away from the square.

'It doesn't look like she recognized us.'

'She's embarrassed and tipsy. Her concentration is clouded.'

'Troublesome miko!'

'Hmph.'

"That's enough drinks Sango. How about we go for a walk? There's a little garden by inn we can check out" helping her up.

"I know you wanna get me all by myself." giggled Sango taking his arm.

"How do you know that my dear? I just thought looking at the pretty flowers would be refreshing?" teased back.

Sango clinged closer to Miroku putting her head to his chest. "You smhells good? Like fresh spring water." sniffing him.

Miroku's face turned red and he laughed. "I am glad you like my scent because I like your vanilla scent too." They walked to the garden and sat below a tree. Miroku pulled Sango to lean against his chest. The moon was full and bright.

"Prewwty moon" giggled Sango.

"I have never seen you so tipsy." caressing her hair.

"That feels nice Miroku." snuggling closer.

Sango tilted her head up looking at Miroku with the glow of the moon on them. Miroku looked back down on Sango, admiring her beauty. Their eyes met and were soon being drawn closer and closer until they kissed. This was the first kiss they shared and being so close intimately. They both blushed and then apologized at the same time. Laughing at the awkwardness

"Your lips are soft. Can we kiss again?" she asked boldly.

"Now look who is the pervert!" chuckling. Miroku leaned in and kissed Sango again. Miroku felt content having the woman he loves in his arms and being able to kiss her. He knew she might forget in the morning or just accuse him of pervert as usual. He wished they could remain like that forever. They remained under the tree and fell asleep in each other's arms.

Inuyasha was sitting in the tree branch looking at the festivities. He did not like to be close around too many people. The loud noises were hurting his ears and he had his fill of drinks and food. Couple girls approached him to dance but he declined. He saw when Miroku and Sango got up and walked towards the inn. 'Sango is totally wasted. Miroku thinks he's gonna get lucky. Yeah lucky to get puked on!'laughing to himself.'Now where the heck is Kagome! She was just right there dancing with some guy. He doesn't sit right with me. She was tipsy and that outfit she has on is too revealing. I better go look for her. She always causes me stress and trouble.'jumping down from the tree trying to sniff her scent. His eyes opened wide. 'Oh heck no! My brother is here! What is he doing in a place like this? Wait a minute, Kagome is with him! Bastard!'taking off running in the direction following their scent.

Jaken was slowly walking back to the mansion where the demon lord was staying. He was staggering with drunkenness and mumbling to himself, just then he was stepped on and toppled over into the other direction. "You fool watch where you are going!" screaming into the air "Jaken what are you doing here?"

Inuyasha stopped and turned him back in the correct direction he was going. "Oh it's just you." he grunted.

"Hey where is the ice prince?" Inuyasha bendt down to Jaken's face.

"Ahhhhh! Don't do that!" falling back. "I dunno. My lord told me to enjoy myself. He never tells me that!" sobbing.

"Urgh! You're annoying! Nevermind!" running off following Kagome's scent. Jaken got up and dusted himself. "I wanna go home!" he yelled.

Sesshomaru and Kagome walked quietly to a small pond that was nearby. Sesshomaru was just following Kagome's lead to where she was walking. All he did was allow her to hold his hand as they walked, especially since she was clumsy and tipsy.

'She doesn't even know where she's going.'

'She is going the opposite direction of the inn. I'm curious to see what she's doing.'

'You just want her to yourself.'

'No I don't. She is just a curious miko.'

'Look at her. She is tempting. Don't you want to try tasting her?'

"No I do not. What is with you? She is human. Not my type.'

'She won't know. Just a little taste.'

"I think I went the wrong way." Kagome was looking up at the moon. "I should go the other way." letting go to walk away but stumbled backwards into his arms. Kagome blushed looking into his golden eyes. Her hand was reaching towards his face but stopped. 'I feel like I know you but that's impossible. Right?'

Sesshomaru stared back into wide blue eyes. He felt he was being pulled towards her. Kagome closed her eyes feeling his face coming closer to her. Their lips joined softly and kissed. They were both lost in the moment. Letting go and helping Kagome to stand up, he felt her scent spiked and face redden.

Just then they heard "KA-GO-ME! Where the heck are ya? Answer me!"

Snapping back to reality "Inuyasha. He's looking for me." turning back to the man she shared her first kiss with. "Hey! Where did you go?" looking around confused.

"Kagome there you are. Why are you over here? Where is the guy you were with?" sniffing around.

"He left." she felt hurt.

Looking concerned "He didn't do anything to you right?" getting upset.

"Oh no. He was just walking with me to look for Sango and Miroku. But I ended up here in the wrong direction."

Inuyasha looked around and didn't smell his brother's presence. Lifting Kagome up, he carried her back to the inn. "You are not drinking anymore. You get more air headed and clumsy. Got that."

Kagome buried her head into his shoulder "I didn't drink. It was juice...wasn't it?"

"No silly woman, it was wine. It's local made with the rare berries grown here. Couldn't you tell it was alcohol?" scolding her.

"No it tastes like juice." she whimpered feeling stupid for not knowing.

"It's alright. That's probably what happened to Sango too" he chuckled.

They walked in silence until they reached the inn. Inuyasha met up with Miroku and he was carrying Sango in his arms. The girls were fast asleep. The guys tucked them into bed and went to their own room.

"I am sure they will have a hangover in the morning.' Inuyasha yawned.

"They won't remember a thing about tonight either." Miroku settling in the bed.

Sesshomaru had jumped into a tree above when Inuyasha came for Kagome. He hid his scent so his brother wouldn't find him. Looking at them leave, he felt his lips with her lingering taste.

'How was it? I told you she wouldn't mind if you got a taste.'

'Shut up.'

'Laughing. I am sure we will meet her again. Next time we will get a better taste.'

'She is indeed quite unusual. I want to see her again.'

Sesshomaru jumped down and walked back to the mansion. He was lost in his thoughts thinking about the intriguing miko with the bright blue eyes that mesmerize him. Not paying attention, he stepped on Jaken who was still standing where Inuyasha left him sobbing.

"Watch it!" Jaken yelled.

Sesshomaru stopped.

"My lord. I didn't recognize you! A thousand pardons!" bowing to the ground.

"Jaken let's go." continued walking away.

"Coming my lord!" drunkenly following behind.