This is for all of my anonymous raters

"Wait a second. Are you trying to tell me that you are invited to the THH Christmas Gala and you don't have a dress yet!"

"Um…hai?"

Kagome's voice was soft as Sango continued to gape, her eyes wide and unbelieving. The two continued down the path between the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo's city-scape. They had just left the café and were walking down the snow-covered sidewalk. The majority had been brushed aside or trampled into near extinction by hundreds of commuting feet, but grey slush still remained of its alabaster memory. Sango closed her mouth and composed her face into determination. She did a quick right jetting across the street while the cross walk light was still green and she dragged Kagome with her. The two walked between the parallel white lines, but the light turned red half-way through and had to run the remainder of the track because of the herds of beeping cars hurrying them across. Sango turned to her friend once safely on the other side and a short distance down the pavement.

"Do you know who goes to those things?"

"Iie. I've never been…"

"Obviously."

"But I don't plan on going either."

"Why not? And don't you dare say you don't like parties."

"Well I don't."

"Kagome…"

"Fine I'll go, but…so do you."

Kagome's voice had darkened with mischief, much like Shippou's did before you were sprayed with the sink faucet. Sango didn't like it muddying Kagome's normally cheerful tone. She turned to her friend, staring straight into those blue eyes of hers searching for any evil plans. Alas, no clues were found, but Sango wasn't that easily misguided. She knew something was up; she just had to figure it out on her own.

"Okay…now- let's go shopping!"

Sango's voice was enthusiastic, but only a sullen groan was emitted from the now grumpy Kagome. They headed one more block before coming to the subway and took the next train, which they were in luck was at 1:45. Sango and Kagome waited the fifteen minutes on one of the benches lining the lowered tracks. Kagome busied her mind trying to decide what dress she could wear to something like this. It had to be classy and of a good material, but not too gaudy…or expensive. Kagome visualized her account and from memory went over it.

A photographic memory does come in handy when you least expect it!-

Kagome mentally cheered, especially when she discovered that she had about two hundred maybe three tops to spend on the whole affair. Now, that wasn't a lot since Kagome knew that many at that gala would spend hundreds on just the dress. But granted Kagome was a poor college student who put most of the money she earned from her internship and the odd part-time jobs she had done over the summer that was a pretty decent amount. Plus she basically supported Shippou, except for school since he did have that 'secret' benefactor, rather anonymous, but Shippou was really proud of that fact and played it up. Kagome bought him clothes and food mostly. Also, she didn't like the fact that her mother struggled to keep open the shrine and pay Kagome's tuition, so Kagome did the best to help even though her money was usually refused. The two women had compromised saying Kagome would buy her books and save for her future. Kagome saved everything except what was needed for basic necessities, but always kept a separate account where a certain amount automatically came out of her paycheck. It was what she called the 'splurge bin.' Whenever Kagome got the urge to purchase something, like a dress, that she wouldn't normally consider, the expense would come out of this second account.

Sango hadn't really spoken anything because she was too busy trapped within the twirling twister of her thoughts. What exactly had she just agreed to? Wouldn't Miroku be there with his new girlfriend? Yes, Sango did have the slightest crush on the pervert, she would admit it to herself, but she still felt embarrassed about it. Sango felt stupid and naïve because he could have anyone, most likely more than one, and why would he ever choose only her? Sango wasn't crazy possessive, but she wouldn't share with other girls. It was only fair, she won the guy, and then she'd keep him to herself. Sango laughed lightly at herself. Well, Miroku was worth it. He was tall, dark, and handsome ironically. But more than that there was a serious side to him that the male seemed to hide from everyone. It was that mystery and hidden maturity that attracted Sango. He could be playful and fun to be around, but also intelligent and realistic. Sango could almost picture herself having dozens of deep conversations with him. But now she really did feel stupid. She was considering Miroku as a boyfriend.

Yeah- his shoulder length, silky hair, and deep violet eyes. That crooked smile and soft, masculine…lips…broad shoulders and long muscular legs…-

Sango's notion began as skeptical and mocking the possible thoughts of others, but as she neared the end it became her own. The thought became weighted with her own observations and appreciations of his physical appearance that she really hadn't been aware of. Sango really did notice these things, but perhaps she just passed it off as either approving of his appearance or rather just paying attention to it as his handsome qualities were hard to miss.

The girls stepped off the train into the underground station. The area was bustling with last minute shoppers and the local homeless seeking shelter. By the look of their thick, worn coats, it was snowing outside. There were a plethora of powdery white flakes melting on their hoods and the backs that faced towards them as they huddled close to the wall. Some small children crawled on their knees with hands raised in the air at passer bys begging for money. Kagome's heart twisted at the sight, she never could resist kids. She tapped Sango's arm and found the girl nodded her head already knowing what Kagome was thinking. The two passed by the dirty grim-covered hands that were lightly tinged blue from the cold and their lack of clothing. The pair walked into a nearby shop that sold an assortment of things. They bought five scarves, one for each, as well as a pair of gloves. They were cheap, but warm. Kagome grabbed a packet of hand wipes too, speaking about cleanliness to which Sango only rolled her eyes. Then the girls bargained on food going for something for filling than the Christmas cookies they'd been considering. So they split up.

Sango walked down the aisle towards the back where the cold cases would be found. The shelves were heavily laden with a fresh shipment of groceries. There was quite a selection of chips, cookies, and other varieties of sweets, but Sango continued on passed. At the back were what looked like cases that usually contained ice cream at regular grocery stores, but there was also anything that needed to be kept cold. She bought two pounds of pre-prepared ham and cheddar cheese. Then she retraced her steps to grab a good fresh loaf of bread where it sat between the engorged arrays of snack foods. She smiled and head towards the counter as her half of the money had been spent.

Kagome went to the other side of the store to where the coffee station was located. She grabbed about ten medium-sized cups and filled them with the scorching liquid. The hot chocolate spilled onto her bare hand ripping a quiet screech from Kagome's mouth as well as causing her to jump up and down while wiping her hand. Kagome blew cool air of her hand to soothe the reddening skin. Kagome sighed, but continued on. Soon she had two carriers filled to the brim with cups and was heading to the cashier.

Kagome saw Sango waiting at the counter with the owner of the store. Sango smiled as Kagome approached. Kagome sat the carriers down and looked at Sango with a pout.

"How much are they?"

"About two dollars and fifty cents apiece."

""Oh, well you only went five dollars over our limit. That's less than I thought."

"Ha- ha."

They turned to the man and he added up the goods. The total came to sixty five dollars. It was kind of steep, but the two split it, even the five dollars Kagome had gone over after only a short fit at the counter. Then they smiled and exited the store. A few minutes later plus a few cheery children, Kagome and Sango walked on towards the mall. It was actually only about three short blocks from the station, which was good because though it wasn't snowing hard, the temperature was dropping quickly. Sango entered the mall and was aghast to find it nearly empty. All the people in the train station must have been leaving for they were maybe a hundred or so shoppers waltzing down the long stretches of white tile. Some bored children amused themselves by plucking coins from the flowing fountain, then running up the stairs to the next floor, and dropping them back in.

"Come on, dresses this way!"

Sango already had a few nice dresses to which Kagome was always welcome, but from past experience they never fit the woman. Sango was heavier, but only because she was taller and much more muscular than Kagome. Now Kagome worked out as well, but Sango was a top athlete and often competed into certain competitions every now and then. Kagome however was just so petite in her frame, shorter and more curvaceous where Sango was long and lithe. Kagome smiled and didn't resist her friend's tug on her arm. The two walked amiably arm in arm to the center of the mall where the major clothing stores could be found.

Kagome entered the first store after Sango and was met by an escalator going down right in front of her. The top and bottom floor open to her curious eyes. Kagome did go shopping, but this one was new to her. It was huge and apparently dresses were being featured right now for the holiday. The entire bottom floor was far as she could see were racks upon racks of dresses, most in green and red. Sango laughed at Kagome's wide eyes and hopped onto the escalator waving at her friend to knock her out of her daze.

They weaved within the mazes of clothing searching for that one masterpiece that was all your own. Kagome's eyes darted looking over the fabrics and many styles, but saw none that tweaked her interest. At least until she spotted the small section in the back corner. Kagome waved at Sango and smiled walking over to the more secluded spot. Sango followed Kagome's set path and slouched when she saw where she was going. Her friend was moving to the racks that ranged from traditional kimonos to yukatas. But she grinned despite her disappointment. Kagome hadn't ever worn a dress outside for everyone to see that Sango could remember. Kagome was self-conscious regardless of her natural beauty. It was like she couldn't even see it radiating in her eyes. Kagome was beautiful in many ways. To the world, it was her outward form and face, but to Sango it was that kind sadness that gleamed in her eyes when she saw those poor children in the subway or her beaming smile highlighting her face at the children's glee when they received the food. It was like Kagome's inward beauty was so immense that it permeated her skin creating its loveliness as well.

Kagome rushed over to the racks. She ran her fingers delicately over the soft fabrics as well as the decorated trim. Kagome's eye caught one especially gorgeous kimono in the very back corner of the way. Its turquoise sleeve brought her over to inspect. It was breathtaking. The fabric was a beautiful silk, and no doubt expensive, but Kagome had to admire. The turquoise she had seen was actually the underside of the overcoat hanging over the actual kimono. The overcoat could be tucked into the large obi and add yet another layer. This was obviously for cooler temperatures. The left side of the overcoat was a pure white, but the other side was an equally exquisite solid ebony hue. The contrast was great, but went well with the kimono underneath. The kimono was a simple, but elegant style. It was black and white as well with one side being one color and the other its opposite, except the white of the overcoat covered the black of the kimono and the black of the overcoat over the white.

Kagome looked at the tag on the hanger. It was even in her size. How often did something like this happen? Kagome always had such trouble finding kimonos, which she was more often seen wearing, but especially dresses, that fit and looked good on her. And now here was one that was the most gorgeous she'd ever seen, in her size, and it just fell into her lap.

On the kimono, there were cranes that spiraled in two and here and there three lines across the fabric beginning at the crest resting on the left side of the kimono. The birds were white then changed black, and continuing on switching colors with the clothing. The crest along the left collar resting right where her collar bone would be on that one side was a full moon. Then where the birds ceased along the bottom hem, there was a sun with rays much like a fancy compose rose, except this insignia was white. The lengthened sleeves where colored the opposite of that side of the kimono and changed hue at the elbow. There was a curling string swirling and twisting around a crane twice the size as one the torso of the kimono. It was the same of the other sleeve, except for the contrasting color scheme. The obi was plain. It wrapped so that if done right the extra material would be white and rested right beneath her breasts, but the section wrapped around her middle was black. Then the date-jima belt, the smaller belt sitting on top of the obi, was once again white.

Kagome sighed longingly and almost hesitantly looked at the price tag. She held her breath and flipped it over. Blue eyes widened then a squeal followed by a jumping and weirdly dancing Kagome. The kimono was two hundred and fifty dollars. It was a little more than she wanted to pay, but if she did her hair herself instead of at a salon like Sango had planned, then it would be cool. She even had white tabi socks and traditional black slippers that were embroidered with white and charcoal grey. Kagome pulled the kimono from the rack and held it up to her body. Then she turned with it in her arms, at least until she heard Sango laughing behind her.

"Found one?"

"Hai!"

Kagome held it up and smiled at the wonder in Sango's eyes. The other girl walked over and fingered the petal soft material.

"That's just like you finding something so perfect!"

"Hey! You know I have a lot of trouble finding stuff like this!"

"Iie, your picky taste buds just never approve."

Sango poked Kagome's arm and pulled them to the cash register. Sango had apparently already tried on and paid for her dress for it was sitting in a plastic bag hanging on her arm.

"You must have been staring for so long…"

"What do you mean?"

"We've been here an hour!"

"No way!"

Sango just laughed.

"Come on, it's getting late. We're lucky this place isn't mobbed."

"Hai, I'm surprised there aren't more people."

"I guess most people get their shopping done early. I mean it is Christmas Eve."

"Mmhmm. Online shopping."

"Probably…why don't we do that?"

"I don't know. It's kind of like a tradition going out on Christmas shopping outings."

"Hai, plus it gives me more time with you. You've been so busy lately…"

"Oh I know! I'm always so tired when I get home. Gomen ne, Sango-chan."

"Iie, its okay, but you have to promise to spend New Year's with me!"

"Mochiron!"

Together they walked out of the now nearly empty building. After checking their watches they caught the two thirty train back.

(-.-) (-.-) (-.-) (-.-)

Hot water ran over smooth, nearly unblemished skin. Long silver hair stuck to his back covering the harsh discolored skin of old scars that never really healed over. Molten eyes shut at the sheer heat of the waterfall lightly stung his pale skin lighting it with a dull red color. Sesshoumaru ran a wet hand through his soaked hair making certain to get all of the shampoo out of the long locks. His muscular body was leaning on one side of the stand-up shower stall with his head resting against the side as well. It was the one time he could relax and lean on something else. Sesshoumaru enjoyed his long showers immensely, but he had places to go tonight. With a quick flick of his wrist the water flow ceased and he grabbed the towel hanging on the rack right outside the shower. Sesshoumaru ran the fluffy material over his entire body, but paused when over his face to draw in the fresh detergent smell. It soothed his sensitive nose and Sesshoumaru could only wish he wasn't attending the gala. He could just imagine it- many women flocking his form covering him with their strongly scented perfumes. It almost made him sick sometimes.

Sesshoumaru walked into his room with the towel left the hanging in his bathroom. The male dressed adeptly and soon was walking out the door, shoes in hand.

Tried to make it a little longer. At best I can update now once a week, but the point is that after all that has happened I am staying with it! But if you get bored, feel free to read my first fic 'by the light of the moon.' It was left forgotten under my first alias, but I've switched it over finally. Enjoy the 82 some odd thousand words I have so far!