Sango and Miroku pulled up at the estate. Since this was the event of the year, there was a red carpet extending out the door, down the twelve stairs, and across to where you'd exit your car. Miroku hopped out of his side, tossing his keys to the next waiting valet. He walked around the other side of the car, pulling open the door, and offered his hand. Sango's black gloved hand fell softly into his and Miroku gently helped her out of the car. He kissed the back of her hand and waved an arm out towards the opening doors of the estate. Sango blushed, but a small smile pervaded her lips and slowly gained more confidence as they continued forth. As the two entered the doorway, Miroku spoke his name and gazed at his long awaited date. As his name was searched out on the long list among the employees Miroku became entranced by her. Miroku nodded at the clerk behind the podium and as he pulled Sango closer to him, they stepped into the halo of crystal lit room of the ball room.

Sango halted her movement just before the stairway. Her mahogany eyes were wide with wonder. Miroku watched her, his eyes soft and for once they weren't filled with that lecherous glint. His hand reached down and fell on top of hers. Miroku squeezed gently causing her to look up at him. Miroku leaned down, reaching across her face, with his opposite hand and tucked a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. Her hair was down for once and Miroku couldn't help the feeling that it was just for him. Sango gripped his arm and together they descended the curving staircase that got wider as you continued down.

Soft music was been played by a live band in the corner next to a small stage. There was a grand piano, a violin, cello, string bass, trumpet, French horn, flute and a trombone player. At the moment the song was ending, with a long low note of the trumpet accompanied by the trombone. The dancing couples once spiraling in unison came to a finish and applauded the band players asking for another. Almost at once, the music began anew; the lilt of the flute began alone before the violin strung along. The two paralleled as Miroku bowed to Sango on the dance floor, followed by her curtsy. As the pair took their first steps, the piano had added to the strength of the piece, as instrument after another joined. The flowing waltz played as Miroku led their journey in a whimsical circle around the dance floor. Sango tilted her head like a professional dancer would in competition. Their performance was soon regarded by the other guests standing talking and drinking. The two weaved among those who weren't as adept and moving slower than the music, which was somewhat faster paced then the normal waltz.

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

Sesshoumaru needed no introduction as they entered the estate's doors. The clerk simply moved to one side of the podium bowing as he waved his arm allowing the two forward. Kagome removed her over coat and the clerk offered out his hands to take it. She smiled and gladly gave it to him along with her name. Then Sesshoumaru pushed passed without even sparing the man a glance. Kagome was then pulled along as well, seeing as how Takarashi-sama was such a gentleman and offered her the assistance of his arm once getting out of his Ferrari. Flickering blue eyes took in the entire scene. The room was huge, but none the less set up beautifully. There were several tables placed in a horse-shoe shape around the large tiled dance floor that buffed and polished, judging by the way it glistened under the large crystal chandeliers. On the walls were more lights in semi-opaque glass globes that sent stream of luminosity up the wall through the open top in the glass.

In front of the dance floor was a stage that was about three feet high and there were steps on either side as well as leading up in the front. A podium with a microphone was set in the center and off to the right was a long table for the host and family. The color scheme was definitely red and green, but also a cream white. Each table cloth varied from either a nice holly red to the warmest of pale creams. In the center of each table was an arrangement of flowers in that of the color scheme as well as a burning candle, the opposite color of the table cloth. Six chairs sat around each round table, except for those of the higher executives. Nearest the dance floor were tables for two, designated for the owners of the companies and higher ranking CEO's.

It was to one of these tables that Kagome was taken to by one of the waiters. They were left standing just inside the door to lead the attendees to their respective tables. Kagome felt odd, just following the man along. She had thought about releasing his arm and going to find Sango and Miroku to sit with them, but Sesshoumaru simply looked at her strangely when she was about to leave. Kagome had frowned, but stayed with him. The waiter pulled out her chair for her and she sat down thanking him as he bowed before leaving them to their selves. Kagome bit on her bottom lip a little looking around. It felt odd sitting so close to the stage. At least until she spotted Miroku and Sango dancing gaily.

They stood out among the crowd, their skill was obvious. However, Kagome wasn't that surprised. She'd known about Miroku's little plan all along. Miroku had come to Kagome about four days ago. He had dated Koharu for about two days, but it didn't really work out. Kagome had understood his reasons, the girl was apparently just too dull for him. It had been the same with Hojo. But he confessed that every time he held her hand, kissed her, his mind only pictured Sango, no matter how hard he tried. Kagome at first had been skeptical, but there was a…seriousness in his eyes, that had darkened to a deep royal from their normal violet. It had inspired something in Kagome and she for once in her life jumped on the bandwagon.

Miroku wanted to impress Sango and he knew she was a good dancer. Kagome had agreed, dancing to Sango was her longtime passion. So, Miroku wanted to learn how to dance, but apparently…he knew very little. Kagome had then for the next four days worked with him after work. They even practiced in her office at work during their lunch hour. He had been a natural at it. Then Miroku would call Sango and ask her to come with him. Now what Kagome didn't know what that he actually had schemed a plan that to get Sesshoumaru and Kagome together, he would pick Sango up early for the gala. He would call Sesshoumaru and tell him that Kagome didn't have a ride and was just too stubborn to ask anyone, so she wasn't planning on going. Kagome didn't know that it would be Sesshoumaru who would pick her up, Miroku had just said he would make sure she got a ride.

So Miroku was the ultimate match maker, he schemed with both girls, but withheld important information from both. Kagome laughed at him because now it was so obvious. Kagome glanced across the table at her dinner companion and chuckled softly again.

Miroku is so ridiculous. Sesshoumaru and I…?-

Sesshoumaru watched her as she laughed, she tried to keep it in, her shoulders shaking and her cheeks warmed rosy under the candlelight. Her kimono was gorgeous, fitting just right. She looked like some ancient shrine maiden that went Cinderella magically changing into a proper Hime. She had removed her over coat and now it was obvious how slender she was. Her shoulders and her slender neck, but also the richness of her curves. Her full hips, succulent breasts, and her flat stomach. Unlike most women, she had fuller thighs that Kagome didn't seem to be self-conscious about. Of course, they were muscular as he could tell by the leanly sculpted lines that he had glimpses of previously. They were seen under her knee length skirt that rose when she crossed her legs as she sat down. They were not like the match sticks most walked around on. Being skinny wasn't always the best thing. It was good to not be overweight, but to Sesshoumaru muscular was much healthier. The way their ribs and hip bones would poke out reminded him of Skeletor from an old American cartoon show, He-Man. Skeletor was a bone skeleton under a cape and the evil villain. He called a girl this once, and she just looked at him as stupidly as her intelligence deemed her worthy of.

Sesshoumaru glanced at the woman across from her only to find her mouth in a silent 'o' as she stared at him. His eyes lidded, their golden depths gaining two different tones in the candlelight as well as extra highlights, and Sesshoumaru tilted his head a degree to the side. His gaze averted to over her shoulder when he saw someone approaching. It was Haruyama Kouga, dressed as inappropriately as always. He was wearing black slacks with his white shirt, for once, tucked in. The sleeves though were rolled to his elbows and his tie was a loosened normal black work tie. At the tip, was the a stylized picture of a dead fish of some sort, the symbol for his horrid band no doubt. Kouga walked up to the table holding the collar of his jacket draped over his left shoulder. A big grin was worn on his gruffly handsome face. His stopped in front of table and looked down at the girl he saved.

Kagome looked up as a shadow fell upon her. Her blue eyes looked up at the male beside her, only to widen in shock. She stood then and bowed to slightly since they were standing too close for a full bow at the waist.

"Konba'wa, Haruyama-san."

Kouga looked abashed and his fell open to look the fish on his tie.

"Kagome-san I though I told you not to call me that."

Kouga grinned and scratched the back of his head. He flicked the end of his pony tail back over his shoulder. His long hair was pulled up at the back of his head as always.

"So, daijoubou desu ka?" Kouga's face filled with concern.

"Hai, arigatou!" Kagome smiled.

Sesshoumaru watched the exchange and felt a twinge of jealousy, something he never felt. Why would he desire her attention so exclusively? Did he even desire her attentions? He nodded to Kouga, the slightest declined tilt of his head. Then Sesshoumaru stood, pushing in his chair, before offering his hand to Kagome.

"Would you care to dance, Higurashi-san?"

Sesshoumaru's voice was empty, but Kagome could read the small twinge of annoyance. She smiled and excused them from Kouga's presence. As they neared the dance floor, Kagome, as discreetly as possible, loosened the bottom half of her kimono. It would most likely wrinkle, but there would be no way she could dance otherwise. The fabric splayed below obi revealing the layer beneath, but not anything unsuitable. Kagome was, at that moment, glad to have all those layers. Sesshoumaru spun Kagome, then bowed still holding her hand and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her knuckles. He then placed a hand around her to just above the small of her back and held Kagome's other hand in his much larger one, nearly twice the size of hers. Kagome smiled and reached her hand up to rest on his shoulder. Sesshoumaru easily maneuvered them into the whirlpool of dancers and the two moved effortlessly across the tiled floor. The steps were shorter than the usual long glides. It seems Sesshoumaru compensating for her attire as well.

I'm glad I taught Miroku those dance moves. It refreshed my memory and its coming in handy now.-

Kagome smiled as she stretched her neck into a graceful tilt inwards of the turn they were making. Her slender neck and beautiful unblemished skin was further revealed beneath the collar of her kimono. Sesshoumaru couldn't bear to raise his eyes from them and if looks could kill- Kagome would be on fire. Those burning suns were almost attached to her, watching as the skin tightened and relax with her movements. It was calling to him…something he could barely ignore.

The song soon ended, turning into an almost drugged rhythm as the unvoiced tendrils ran their dull claws over the guests' ears and soaked them with calm. The lilted streams were heavy and full of instruments following this ocean of jumbled silk tumbling down among them. Sesshoumaru pulled Kagome closer hearing no protest from the woman, the corners of his lips upturned momentarily. His left hand fell down to hug her waist close up against him, or as close as was appropriate in this setting. Sesshoumaru made sure to leave a comfortable distance between them. It wouldn't bode well to have rumors floating around about him having a relationship. Her felt her flick the trail of hair, which had a single lock over her shoulder, back behind her. Her head then fell easily onto his shoulder and for once, Sesshoumaru didn't have to worry about getting make-up on his clothes. It was much more relaxing and it came out in the fluid elegance not only in his dancing, but more in the gentleness in his features.

Kagome felt his hand reach down to her waist and hug her to him without having direct contact all over. It was…exasperating because she wanted to feel him against her, but it was overwhelmingly sensual. Most likely he would be protecting himself from having stories in magazines and tabloids about them being together or something, but even Kagome had to admit she didn't want that kind of attention. Besides, she told herself, Kagome knew she wasn't ready to deal with another Takarashi. They were both the same anyways…she'd just be left behind. If she wasn't good enough for the younger, the elder, less feeling, brother wouldn't care either. Still, she closed the distance a little more, first flicking a few rebellious strands behind her, and then laid her head against his shoulder. Kagome didn't feel him tense at her contact and a smiled crept onto her face. Her left hand was softly in his grasp and the joined hands lay against his other shoulder. Kagome breathed in his fresh scent, darkened only by a pleasing cologne and the soap he showered with. It was as tasteful as him and the aroma didn't knock her off her feet. Kagome could feel the muscles in his arm ripple along with his bicep. She sighed and completely surrendered control of their steps, trusting him to lead while her eyes shut.

Sango sat with Miroku among the sea of tables, but off center. The two chose this one specifically because their view was spectacular, but not of the stage as one would think. Their eyes had followed their match- made couple to their table as they danced. Then Sango found a corresponding set up so they could spy effectively. Miroku turned to Sango and the two smiled. Miroku took hold of her hand in both of his. For once, his eyes only settled on her face, but more importantly her eyes. He just squeezed and ran his thumb over and across the back of her knuckles in a sensuous massage. His expression was intense, but a calm, that one would expect to feel before the crashing of a storm. Except that he only smiled, once again, but his eyes twinkled and it wasn't his usual full blown grin. It was small, gentle, almost loving as he placed a kiss upon her hand.

Sango looked absolutely beautiful. It was such a change from her usual jeans and even more rarely worn skirts. The dress was a forest green satin that had a typical bell-shaped skirt. The bodice was close-fitting and rounded at the bottom being higher at her hips. The bodice was strapless, but there were sheer straps about an inch wide making sure the dress didn't slip during the night's activity. Sango was always one for fashion with functionality. The bodice and skirt were plain, but there was an ebony sheer overlay that had small flower patterns in a wave of tasteful decoration across the thin fabric. To Sango the design looked similar to lilies, her favorite flowers, which was one reason why she picked this dress over the others.

Sango reveled in Miroku's small, innocent caresses and brought her other hand up to rest on top of his. Their four clasped hands lay outstretched on the table. Sango nudged her shoulder against Miroku drawing his eyes from their momentarily resting point on her bust. She scowled at him, but inclined her head towards their guarded table. The two were so different that it was very strange for them to look so perfect, so complete together. A few months ago, Sango would never believe her shy, tortured friend would be befitted by Sesshoumaru like the last piece to complete the puzzle of her life.

Strange indeed…-

The lights of the room dimmed so show a tall figure standing behind the podium on the stage.

Late…yes. I meant to have this out earlier tonight, but I got behind with my homework. So that had to be first. R&R, but just some questions. First, does anyone have any guesses about what happened to Kagome in her past? I want to see how predictable my plot line is. Second, how do you spell 'daijoubou'? Is that right?

Thanks to Tsuki Yume for noting my mistake with Sango's description.