The two entered the dining room, the capacity still filled to the doors. Except now the dance floor was littered with groups of people standing with their desserts in hand, chatting amongst their familiars. Luckily, their exit hadn't caused too much of an uproar besides his companions growling stomach. Well, besides the group of girls standing closest to them that apparently was waiting for the pair's return. Their pouts and glares were enough to tell Sesshoumaru they thought he was going to get rid of his 'date' or enemy in their terms. Sesshoumaru was very pleased that he could disappoint them. He chuckled lowly getting a curious glance from Kagome, which he ignored to her annoyance.

More towards the stage, Sesshoumaru caught the eyes of Hazuna and was beckoned over. He nodded slightly, but veered their path instead towards the dessert table that had been set up across the room, adjacent to the stage. Kagome pushed on ahead reaching the table first seeing as how she was still in front of him. Sesshoumaru having no desire at the moment for the sweets resting on the cream table cloth, quietly slipped away to where his associates were talking in reserved tones.

"Ah Sesshoumaru-san, I hope you're enjoying yourself this fine evening." Hazuna responded to Sesshoumaru's entrance

Hazuna greeted him respectfully and with a brightened tone that was reserved for his close friend's son. Hazuna always used a friendly and familiar voice when addressing Sesshoumaru. After all the man had known him since Sesshoumaru was six, but when Sesshoumaru inherited his father's company, a respectful 'san' attached to his name in that amiable greeting.

"Haruyama-san, Hamasaki-san." Sesshoumaru greeted stoically.

"Who wouldn't be enjoying themselves with such a lovely companion to spend it with…" Hazuna continued not hearing Sesshoumaru's salutation.

Sesshoumaru didn't make a reply to Hazuna's statement, only gave him a bored look.

"Well, the night is drawming late and I should be heading home. Konba'wa gentlemen." Hamasaki spoke softly, excusing himself from their semi-circle.

"Sayonara Hamasaki-san." Hazuna replied for Sesshoumaru and himself.

The man bowed upon his exit, receiving one in return, per custom.

"Well now, Sesshoumaru, where did you find such a beauty?" Hazuna leered curiously.

"She works as an intern for Hamasaki Corporations."

"Ah- a future scientist I see. Still, how was it that an intern met the president of Takarashi Corporations. You aren't one to mingle with your subordinates Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru once again didn't reply for his focus was somewhere else, a certain female talking to someone at the dessert table. Sesshoumaru repressed a scowl, possessiveness seizing him by the throat as he watched from afar. Inuyasha would not be welcome in the girl's presence. His eyes flashed, remembering the girl's haste leaving Soreirai, the sushi restaurant.

Sesshoumaru had gone to scope out Inuyasha's latest business escapade, unbeknownst of his half-brother. To his surprise, it was a quaint sushi restaurant that had a classy atmosphere that Sesshoumaru knew was the influence of Kikyo. He had also gone there to have a meeting with Haruyama Kouga to discuss his place in Sesshoumaru's company. The boy did need discipline, but his father had wanted his own son to run his company after he retired. However this thought bothered Kouga so he sought out Sesshoumaru. Apparently, the male didn't want hand outs from his father and thought that working for Sesshoumaru, he could be more successful. Sesshoumaru didn't refuse this because despite his odd idiocy at times and that infernal rock band he was so proud of, Kouga had graduated from Tokyo University, the science division, near the top of his class.

However, it was not long after Kouga's departure that he saw the woman from the park, Higurashi. His gaze followed hers to see that triumphant smirk on Kikyo's features as she fiddled with a ring onto her finger. And seeing as how Higurashi had reacted, Inuyasha and she had been an item at some time or another. Needless to say, his opinion of Kikyo didn't improve any, but this marriage would merge the companies permanently even if their relationship didn't last.

But it seems that Sesshoumaru was wrong. The two stood talking and smiling after a slightly rocky start. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. For once, he was jealous of something his half-brother had, but Inuyasha was stupid enough to let it go. Inuyasha's stupidity could be realized in so many ways. That restaurant was only one objection to that theory. It was doing quite well when Sesshoumaru last checked.

There were so many desserts! A dark chocolate cake with hot fudge and caramel drizzled across fresh strawberries. Then there was a three layer chocolate mousse. The bottom was a dark chocolate, then vanilla, and finally milk chocolate mousse with a quarter sized amount of home-made whipped cream per slice. There was an entire plate of pastries including éclairs, chocolate filled croissants, strawberry jelly-filled puffs, and of course plain croissants glazed on the top. Kagome's eyes greedily scanned the other cakes, mousses filling solid chocolate boxes, and random flavors of ice cream sitting in glass cups on one end of the table. The ice cream was sitting in an ice-filled container to keep the tasty treats from melting. Kagome's eyes, though, paid little attention to anything, but the cheesecakes. There was plain, some drizzled with different sauces on top, and then cherry or strawberry covered.

Bottom line- no expense was observed when these desserts were chosen. Each one was aesthetically arranged and carefully decorated. Kagome once worked at a bakery, she knew how hard and how time consuming it was to make these pastries. Kagome went for the one thing she came for, cheesecake. The one she decided on had chocolate and caramel dripped across the plate it was sitting on. There was a strawberry resting precariously on the cheesecake making her pick up her dessert with care.

"You always did have a weakness for cheesecake."

The voice spoke over her shoulder. Kagome didn't even bother to look, picking up a nearby fork from the basket where they were displayed for use. However after taking her first bite, still feeling the person's presence, she turned. Her eyes went wide as she regarded her ex. The one that used her, broke her, and threw her away. Kagome knew that the guy really didn't mean to cause her as much damage as he did and probably had no idea either because how would he? They weren't exactly on speaking terms and Inuyasha lived way across town from her. It was always a hassle to go visit him when they were dating because of that fact and also city traffic.

"Inuyasha…"

Kagome's voice was soft as she stood staring. Then she wanted to kick herself. Of course why wouldn't he be here? He took her as his date last year, but he had mysteriously disappeared for an hour leaving her worried. It was soon after that she saw him kissing he ex-girlfriend, Kikyo. Kagome had been stunned not only because of the obvious fact, he was cheating on her, but also that Kikyo was nearly identical to her!

Kagome cleared her throat, looking him over. He wore a black tuxedo minus the jacket that was absent from his shoulders. The shirt he wore, tucked in, was a wine red and shown brightly beneath his black regular work tie. The cuffs of his shirt were loosened from their cuff links, but still rolled down all the way. His long hair was loose and flowing down his shoulders. His hair and the rambunctious color of his shirt gave Inuyasha that wild appearance that always appealed to Kagome. Sadness tickled at her heart, but Kagome smiled. The tilt of her lips was small, but obvious to the one she was directing it at.

"How have you been Inuyasha-san?"

Inuyasha inwardly winced at the respective tone. Her voice was gentle, if not a tad sad, but he couldn't blame her. The last he saw her was when she was running away from him, crying. He had broken her heart that trusted so easily. Inuyasha obviously hadn't meant to and felt guilty to this day, one reason why he approached her tonight. He had been so hopeful seeing her bright smile a few minutes ago and she looked so beautiful, like always.

Kagome always tried to look her best and impress him, but Inuyasha would never forget that the prettiest he ever saw her was when he stopped by unexpectedly. Inuyasha could still remember the surprised blush as he looked her over. She was wearing dark blue sweat pants that were pulled up just below her knees and tied with the draw string at the bottom of the pants. Kagome that wore a plain white tee shirt that maybe a size too big, but still didn't hang passed her hips. Her hair was in a loose pony tail and Inuyasha had been speechless. No make up and Kagome was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

Inuyasha smiled, a rare true smile, "Good, how about you?"

His answer was another smile, this time bigger.

"I saw you dancing with Sesshoumaru."

"Hai…he's a very good dancer."

Kagome answered cautiously. It was well known that the brothers weren't on the best of terms. Kagome could only wonder why brought it up. There was anger in his tone that worried her. Even after all this time, Kagome couldn't stop caring about him.

"Inuyasha?"

"Do you have feelings for him?"

Kagome was seriously startled by that one. Silently thanking the gods that she hadn't fallen over at how casually he asked, like he was asking for a weather forecast. But there was a darkness in those amber pools of his that didn't look right on his normally relaxed features.

"Uh…nani?"

"Do you?"

"I-Iie."

Inuyasha leaned forward, narrowing his gaze studying her. Kagome leaned back with a disturbed look on her face that she would never have revealed would it be Sesshoumaru standing this close to her. Then again, would Kagome even move back away from him if he did? Kagome blushed because she knew that she wouldn't exactly resist his embrace should she find herself in it.

"Hmm…be careful."

Kagome pursed her lips at him, tilting her head to the side. He started to walk away.

"Because if he hurts you then I'll have to beat the crap out of him."

A gruff smile was sent over his shoulder that left Kagome warm, but this time it wasn't the usual longing. Suddenly Kagome put her cheesecake on the table and ran after the retreating male. She might regret this, may only cause herself future torment and frustration, but something inside her pushed her forward.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome grabbed his arm.

"Hai?"

"Be happy…in everything that you do. Onegai, don't be a stranger."

Inuyasha looked at her abashed. He was confused, but very glad that he was allowed back into her life. Inuyasha gave her hand a squeeze that rested on his arm. His lips quirked and Kagome beamed in return.

"Arigatou." He whispered.

"Oh!" Kagome's face brightened, if possible, "I went to your restaurant!"

"You did? When? Did you like it?"

His childish curiosity made her laugh, but even more so was the hopeful look on his features.

"Do you remember Kuyushi's?"

"The place you went to everyday and would eat even more than me?"

"Mou! It wasn't…that much…"

The two shared a laugh, remembering the good times of the past.

"Well, the Soreirai, your place, is my replacement."

"Huh, guess I'll have to deal with you a lot then."

"Mochiron!"

Kagome caught onto to the joke. Inuyasha rarely admitted that he liked being around her, but the truth was that he did. And they both knew it. Kagome sighed and let him go.

"Kikyo's looking for you."

She pointed across the room. There the woman was in a plain, fitted black dress. The skirt stopped at mid- thigh and then a train fell from a bow in the back to the floor. A black beaded clutch was held in one hand. Her long hair pulled up into the most fashionable way, no doubt done at a salon. She looked over at them and Inuyasha groaned at the anger he saw flash in her eyes momentarily.

"Inuyasha, you don't have to choose. You can have us both."

"Kagome...?"

Kagome grinned, "Just remember which one you're dating, okay?"

Inuyasha chuckled and walked away after his fiancée. Kagome watched, before remembering her forgotten dessert. However upon turning, she found it in another's hand, a few bites missing.

"Sesshoumaru…"

Kagome marched over and tried to swipe her dessert from his hands. The man just lifted it away from her making Kagome push herself against his side instead when she tried to reach it. Kagome did manage to grab the fork before it fell on the floor. Kagome backed away from Sesshoumaru and with an immature blush realized that his lips had touched her fork. The plate entered her view, but when Kagome went to take it Sesshoumaru's hand moved a touch backwards towards him. Kagome glared at the tiny upturn of his lips. Kagome sighed, but moved closer towards him. She placed her fork into the soft, creamy dessert and she licked her lips just thinking about how good it would taste.

The utensil popped into her mouth delivering the creamy goodness. Kagome savored the sweetness on her tongue. She did have a weakness for cheesecake, someday it would make her heavy seeing as how there was like twenty grams of fat or something, but at least she would be happy! Kagome giggled, swallowing her treat. Then she stuck the fork back in, but angled it upwards towards Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru looked at her. Kagome's eyes were wide and staring up at him. Her other hand had moved underneath the one holding fork to ensure that none of the cake fell on the floor. Sesshoumaru dipped his head down, opening his mouth, and slipping the morsel off the fork. Normally, he wouldn't have done something so degrading, but in one hand he held the plate and the other a glass of champagne. The pair had stepped away from the table when she had made her attempt to steal her cake back. It didn't matter; she was going to get thirsty sometime. Perhaps now judging how she was looking at the table and not finding what she wanted.

Kagome looked around, searching for a drink. Apparently Sesshoumaru read her thoughts, another irritating quality of his, because he moved his hand with the glass of champagne closer. Kagome took a step and when he lifted it to her mouth without relinquishing his hold on the glass; she knew he was doing the same thing that she did to him with the cake. So, Kagome played along, but laid her finger tips on the back of his knuckles. Kagome took a sip and turned her eyes up at Sesshoumaru. She stared at him as she drank until applying a soft pressure on his hand telling him that she was finished.

Kagome and Sesshoumaru were soon preparing to leave seeing as how most were already filing out as they finished their dessert. Well, Kagome's cake that Sesshoumaru just decided he had a claim to. Kagome searched the room, but saw no sign of Sango or Miroku.

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

Sango sat at one of the tables across the room. She watched the two from afar and held a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter. Miroku hung his head over her shoulder, so he could speak quietly with his dear Sango. He was once standing against the wall behind her chair.

"They are ridiculous. They obviously like each other!"

"They're stubborn."

"Hai!" Sango growled and sat back in her seat.

"Perhaps…we should do something?"

"Something else? Hai…it could certainly prove to be interesting. Besides she wasn't mad like I thought she would be."

Sango moved her head to look at him. Miroku saw her mischievous smile and a glint was seen in her violet eyes. A hand sidled down unbeknownst to the beautiful woman sitting so close. Sango's back straightened and she swung her purse hitting Miroku with a 'fwap.' Miroku wasn't even dazed, but he saw Sango standing a couple feet away laughing at him and trying to hide it.

"Come on, let's go lecher."

Miroku followed the woman with a charming smile, heading towards the exit to get their coats.

"Um…Sesshoumaru? Could you give me a ride?"

Sesshoumaru looked at her pointedly before nodding. Not that he expected her to have a ride home; he saw Miroku sneek out a few minutes ago. And Kouga was not a suitable escort, who would probably be her next choice seeing as how Inuyasha left soon after speaking with her. It would seem the two were on better terms, which elicited a twinge of jealousy in Sesshoumaru's mind. But remembering that Kagome was uneasy around the male, Sesshoumaru settled and sighed at how childish this slip of a girl was making him out to be. However Kagome took his arm, blissfully unaware of his thoughts, and together they walked with her two strides to his one.

"Ah Sesshoumaru-san. Surely you won't forget my Christmas tradition."

Hazuna intercepted them, a large smile on his face and cunning flashed in his blue eyes. Kagome looked ahead and frowned at the line leading outside. Then she saw it. Each pair would pause to share a kiss below the mistletoe hanging above the door.

-That wasn't there when we came in…-

Sesshoumaru looked at Hazuna suspiciously, this was a tradition that Haruyama usually used, but every year Sesshoumaru preferred not to bring someone so it never applied before. Sesshoumaru mentally sighed, he had forgotten this, but seeing the attractive blush on Kagome's face Sesshoumaru knew he could use this to his advantage.

Kagome chewed her lip nervously. She would admit the attraction she obviously had with Sesshoumaru, but no matter who it was, she wasn't one to show such intimate affection in public. The balcony had been different, it was secluded. There weren't dozens of eyes staring at her. Kagome would hold hands and hug, but kissing was a personal affair. She didn't like watching others do it, like when walking on her way to class, couples littered the corners. Kagome swallowed hard, it was their 'turn'. Kagome shook her head, she was being stupid. This was no big thing; she would just do what she was going to do anyways on the balcony. Kagome wasn't a child anymore, she could do this. Kagome smiled at her own stupidity.

Kagome turned towards Sesshoumaru, tilting her head to one side. She stepped closer, one hand laid on his bicep and the other on his opposite shoulder. Kagome leaned forward, taking control as she said she would. Sesshoumaru placed a steadying hand behind her back because Kagome had to, once again, rise on her tip toes to reach him. Her touch was close-lipped and was gone before Sesshoumaru even felt the slight pressure. Her lips were like silk, much smoother than his imagination could have created in his mind. Her eyes closed, the thick, dark lashes fluttering against her skin. His however never left her face, remaining open instead.

Kagome took a small step away, her strides shortened by the kimono she was wearing and also by the hand that still rested at the small of her back. Kagome smiled moving her hand around her back to touch his. She gently removed it, holding the large palm in her own, before moving it to the front of her body. The attendant at the door helped her to slip her overcoat back onto her shoulders. Sesshoumaru was handed his trench coat as well, but his attention was once again stolen. Kagome smiled then took his proffered elbow, entwining their two limbs together, and was escorted out to the awaiting Ferrari.

Tell me if this was too OOC for Sesshoumaru. I had to rewrite several parts because of that and I'm still not sure about it. Let me know please. I kind of wanted Inuyasha and Kagome to have some sort of connection, but it won't be romantic. (duh)

Words to know:

Soreirai- ever since, from that time

Mochiron- of course

NOTE FOR READERS ON FANFICTION: heh, did that get your attention? Anyways, my stock of chapters is running out for you. I have up to ch39 now. I'll update in threes to that chapter, I would have done them all at once, but you get an alert for each one and I don't want to fill up your inboxes too much. Just so you are aware. My update schedule for the two other sites I post on is a new chapter every mon, wed, and fri. Then I get the weekend to edit (for I have no beta as of yet .) and make any changes.

If you are following BLOM: I have 3,000 some odd words right now. Last night, Jan 8, I was a busy little beaver writing 1,000 for DILB and 1,500 for BLOM. I was so proud of myself. Ch15 will be out by the weekend hopefully. (FINALLY!)