He stood straight behind the podium, waiting for the calm to fall across his guests. This man had short medium brown hair that was spruced in youthful shaggy spikes. Indeed, the man looked nothing the part of his fifty year old age. His bright cobalt eyes though shown with the wisdom brooding in his heart and twinkled with delight, as he regarded the turn out this year. Usually the greatest crowds were only succeeding when the Takarashi estate was the meeting place. However it seemed this year, perhaps, he could challenge their reign in popularity.

Haruyama Hazuna stood behind the podium, the chandelier above his head was much better than the usual track lighting that blinded one's eye sight on this kind of stages. He'd made his instructions specific. He wanted to be able to speak and observe his audience, not be seeing blurry discolored spots instead of their faces. This year he had decided to go against the traditional black tuxedo and went a little flashier in a grey suit, expensive brand, with a pale grey vest underneath and a darker grey tie. His hair was gelled, giving the natural spikiness a little more exaggeration. In all, he looked like the eccentric, yet experienced lawyer his reputation deemed he was.

"Konba'wa. It is quite pleasant to see so many of you attended, please enjoy yourselves. Merry Christmas."

Hazuna raised the glass of champagne previously resting on the slight downhill slant of the podium that he wrapped his fingers around to steady it. Lifting the glass to his lips, he watched as the rest of his guests followed suit. The collective and jumbled roar of clapping echoed throughout the great room as he sidestepped the stand, bowing his head, and headed back to his table resting on the stage. His wife hadn't exactly approved being up on the thing, like they were on display, but after his cunningly convincing words…she had agreed.

Hazuna had just stated that he wanted everyone to see his darling wife in her astoundingly gorgeous holiday dress and admire the beauty he was gifted with everyday. He had given her a soft, wet kiss on her cheek holding her in his arms. Yes- his wife was a little self-conscious of her looks, but she was indeed his love, his lady fair, and his life. He'd do anything to show her off, especially since it made her usual confident, steadfast composure melt into uncertain anxiety. He smiled as he gazed at her sitting next to him nibbling a piece of bread that she had broken with her hands with a grace he couldn't imagine was possible. He picked on her, lovingly of course, and his jibes made her squirm…and he found it hilarious if only because it made her annoyed with him. Joules would either poke back at him in a soft unsure manner not wishing to insult him in any way or give his a reprimanding slap on his arm, which she also never meant to be harmful. It was…entertaining and endearing.

Haruyama Kaden had been his wife for the past twenty two years. Hazuna preferred to call her Jules, her nickname, but that was reserved strictly for private moments within their home surrounded by close family and friends. It was kind of embarrassing for her and he could understand that. Her name meant electric charge and the unit for energy was joules, he believed, so that was what she was nicknamed. Hazuna had first called her such when he had first met her in college. It was an elective course for him that he had thought would be interesting, but was a requirement for her curriculum. So, basically he fell for her and she couldn't escape the class because she had to take it. Eventually though they began dating and that whole deal.

Hazuna took hold of his wife's hand and noticed the esteemed blush trying to hide among her light layer of cover up. He smiled charmingly and gave her hand a kiss. It was amazing how shy she was even after all these years. He sat against the back of his chair and allowed his eyes to wander the crowd. All were happy-faced and smiling either eating or drinking as the food was served around the room. As the host, his table was served last and usually one would wait for your host to eat first, but everyone knew how untraditional Hazuna was…so they just dug in, which was what he wanted. He didn't consider him someone who should be waited for in such a manner.

If you're hungry…eat.-

Hazuna's smile faded as he leaned forward in his seat. His blue eyes fell upon one certain table just near the center front before the dance floor. The red wine cloth made the white and black contrasting fabric of the woman's kimono, stand out all the more. However, even more interesting was that of her companion. It was the stoic owner, newly gained, of Takarashi Technologies. Sesshoumaru was dressed as always in a black tuxedo, but this year his hair was pulled back into a low pony tail over on at the crown of his head. As of now, he sat with his elbows resting on the table; his hands clasped supporting his chin in what could only be called a 'poker posture'. Indeed it looked like he was trying to make his…date nervous? Hazuna snickered lightly. Or maybe it was all the glares she was receiving across the room from women who had wished for years to be in her seat at this moment.

Sesshoumaru always seemed to be one of great tastes and that was made clear in his choice of woman. But Hazuna knew he was not one to be involved with the other sex, besides a few random girlfriends. Sesshoumaru was definitely too traditional and honorable than to have a one night stand. He had said that it disrespected the woman and if he ever discovered one worthy enough to be in his company, she wouldn't leave after a single night. Hazuna believed Sesshoumaru said that the female would leave on his terms and only with his permission. In those two sentences, Sesshoumaru had contradicted himself greatly. To respect the woman he was spending time with, yet to break their relationship she needed his approval? Hazuna knew Sesshoumaru wasn't cold-hearted, he was cautious and determined. If you weren't what he would call 'worthy' it meant that you weren't real. You were fake and materialistic, clearly not worth his time.

But…he did date Yura…confusing one he is, every time I think I've got him figured he throws another curve ball.-

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

Kagome sat, straight backed in her seat. Kagome was on edge; she was being watched if not worse. She could literally feel the hot glares searing her skin ever as she remained sitting. At first it had been maybe one or two people staring at her, but now it was like almost every woman in the room despised her simply because she was being forced to sit with Sesshoumaru. But Kagome felt guilty because he had been conned into giving her a ride and she was sure he didn't know the whole truth. Kagome opened her mouth to speak, when she found his attention else where.

Kagome tilted her head to the side and found his eyes glued on Kouga's figure. She then noticed a crowd near the entrance. There was a swarm of girls surrounding…Inuyasha…Kagome bit her bottom lip tasting the sticky texture of her strawberry flavored lip gloss. She also noticed several of the women glancing back at their table with either a glare or teasing smile as if to say 'see what you're missing'. Kagome laughed then, seeing the horrid and nervous look on her ex's face. Inuyasha was never one for crowds, preferring wide open spaces which are why they went camping in the country or slept on the beach often. Kagome went because that was where he was obviously the most comfortable and the most romantic. He could be a completely different person. Inuyasha just wasn't Inuyasha unless he was shirt less in cargo shorts and a visor trying to catch a fish with his bare hands. Kagome's smile changed, it didn't hurt anymore to see him and she was so…

Glad…now he can be truly happy with Kikyo.-

Sesshoumaru turned to watch her when she laughed. He saw she had noticed where he was looking and was currently turned slightly in her seat to watch as well. Her eyes were warm and her smile charming, causing a jealous twitch of his muscles. But then she turned back to face him again, she puckered her lips to smooth her lip gloss back evenly over her lips, and leaned forward slightly with a smirk.

"Jealous?" Her voice was a deep, sultry timbre.

Sesshoumaru leaned forward on his elbows, clasping his hands underneath his chin. He seemed to be contemplating, but there was a wolfish gleam in his eyes.

"Why be jealous of those mockingbirds when the most beautiful nightingale is right at my table?"

His eyes had turned innocent, blinking down at her, but that soon melted away leaving humor. Kagome blushed flustered, sitting back in her seat trying to avoid his strange gaze. This wasn't the serious Sesshoumaru knew, but Kagome realized he might actually be trying to make a…joke, though she could never be sure with him. Her hands fiddled with the collar of her kimono, but she was given a reprieve when their dinner arrived.

The waiter placed the napkin in her lap and was surprised when she found herself anticipating the jealous growl that Inuyasha always gave when someone got so close to her like that. Or well it sounded like a growl to her. Kagome remembered one time, one of the very few dinners that the two went to a fancy restaurant. So the waiter pulled out her chair and placed her napkin in her lap. She had smiled and about to thank him when she found Inuyasha grabbing him his collar. He scared the young man, probably only sixteen and seating people at tables for the hostess. Inuyasha had been mad saying that no one touched her. Kagome had never been so frightened and so mad at him, in fact Kagome never forgave him for that.

And now she wanted to smack herself, or something a little more dignified. Of course Sesshoumaru wouldn't do that. He wasn't so insecure or possessive; he was nothing like Inuyasha, so why would she compare them to each other? Kagome stared at her food. Was it possible…that she did like Sesshoumaru? Now Kagome was frustrated. Hadn't she told herself just a few minutes ago she wasn't good enough for the Takarashi line? That it would just be unnecessary heartache that would dash her hopes. Even if she knew the two brothers weren't the same…at all…

Kagome shook her head clearing her thoughts. She wasn't ready for another relationship even after more than a year of no dates, no involvement with anyone. Except going to see Hojo because he was safe. He loved her yes, but now it was only as the sister he never had. To tell the truth Hojo had become very important to Kagome, especially in the first few months after Inuyasha. He had comforted her and offered a relaxed environment where they would just laugh watching old movies.

Maybe she could just be friends with Sesshoumaru? Kagome looked up at him, truly looking at him, not glancing away when he noticed her stare. She looked passed those golden orbs and stone face to what mysteries lie behind. Kagome smiled.

Hai…maybe.-

Sesshoumaru noticed her looking at him, but she didn't avert her eyes this time when he met that blue-eyed gaze. Those dark, expressive eyes of hers were searching his for something, an answer of some kind. Apparently she found it for she smiled. It wasn't mocking or humorous, but relaxed and gentle. He raised an eyebrow at her and somehow he knew this woman was calling a truce. Her aura, the way she held herself, changed drastically. It was almost like the smooth air of friendship. His sat up straighter, hardening his gaze, he didn't want friendship, he didn't need it, but then…what did he want? For once he didn't know, but he didn't want a truce.

It was his entertainment; he'd admit it made his long day enjoyable just to get a rise out of her. Her fiery spirit was different from the usual obedient, giggling girls he was drowning in. Normally Sesshoumaru would just ignore her, since her overly emotional personality was much more a burden than useful and he had already been stepping on eggshells trying to keep her tangled within his web of humorous torment. Kagome was a rarity certainly, but she was becoming exhausting. Why did he ask her to sit at his table again? To embarrass her, keep her off guard, but not for a friendship where he would inevitably become the crutch to lean on for support. They were group counseling for that, but even more frustrating was that he couldn't just set her aside because his daughter seemed to be attaching herself to the woman, slowly, but surely with every meeting.

Sesshoumaru stood suddenly. He glared down at Kagome and grabbed her hand, pulling her up with him. He jerked her to follow his fast pace, leaving the napkin to fall from her lap forgotten. Several eyes followed their exit, feminine eyes smiling victoriously at the blank expression smoldering on Sesshoumaru's features. All hints of emotion that was there previously had drained and disappeared. This knew this one was about to be left and were just waiting for the chance to take her place.

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

Shippou sat in the dark talking with his friends all sitting in a circle. Each small hand held a flashlight and all were giggling, except for a soft smile from Kohaku. Rin and Shippou's plan went off without a hitch. Shippou had just gotten off the phone. When Miroku had gotten to the ball, apparently he had been able to break away from Sango for a minute and give him the good news. Miroku had been on a natural high because Kagome had taught him how to dance and he performed perfectly. The man was on a cell phone in the bathroom probably judging by the sound of flushing in the background.

Shippou raised a glass of milk.

"To success- Merry Christmas!"

Kohaku and Rin lifted their holiday cups with his then drank. Then they continued eating their cookies celebrating. Shippou had planned the entire thing, but let his new friends in on the deal so that it wouldn't look suspicious. Once he heard from Rin about the ball, everything fell in place in his mind. Of course, that was simple and only the beginning. Shippou shared a collective smile, things were about to become interesting.

Not one of the room's participants could see the beginnings of a storm rising on the horizon. Thunderclouds buried the sky in a dismal cloak of heavy wisps just ready for a downpour.

I changed the fourth paragraph from the end, Sesshoumaru's last thoughts. I'm a little more satisfied than before, but any comments are welcome?

Thanks to operaghost for the input.