A/N: Just wanted to clear up a few things before going into this next bit, since there seems to be a bit of confusion. If it seems like I started in the middle, without much background, it's because I did, and it was intentional. This story is going to get built like a puzzle, with pieces falling into place, not necessarily in chronological order. Don't worry though— that's why I'm date/time/place-stamping everything. You'll get to see more background as things go forward, through the memories of the characters. Life isn't an organized, linear sort of thing most of the time, so this story isn't either. Also, there may be a bit of OOCness, but that has mostly to do with how I see the characters having developed after the age they'd be in the series and the various experiences and interactions they've had since, which have shaped their characters. Anyway, thank you so much to those who have reviewed so far! I really appreciate you reading. Hope you enjoy this next little bit!

December 29th, Happy Hour, The Monk's Vice Pub & Bar

"You should go," Sango insisted.

"I don't know if it's appropriate..." Kagome mumbled into her beer. "Besides, you and Miroku and I were all going to go downtown to celebrate—"

"Come on, d'you really want to be a third wheel? You know how he gets, especially when he's drunk."

Kagome snorted. "As if you object to it," she shot back. "Ever since you two actually started dating, you've turned into at least as big a letch as he is."

Sango stuck her tongue out at that. "Shut up." She glanced at her beau at the other end of the bar. "Don't tell me you wouldn't want to tap that given half a chance."

"Whatever. He's not my type."

"Tch, he's not one of your long-haired pretty-boys you like to get with, is what you're saying."

"Maybe. But seriously, Sango..."

The woman in question rolled her eyes. "Look. Kouga's in Russia, and Miroku filled me in on that guy you met here at the bar a few weeks ago. He didn't sound like a creep, and you'd be going to a place full of people anyway. Just go and have a good time, okay? You deserve it."

"Right. And also because you wanna drag Miroku off to the fancy hotel bathroom just after midnight."

"Hey, now—"

"Don't even try. Kikyou told me all about how she caught you guys in her roommate's bedroom at their party last year."

Sango eyes took on a mischievous glint. "Heh, she wasn't too happy that I'd used a pair of her nylons to tie Miroku to the bedpost either..."

"You didn't!" Kagome hadn't heard that part of the story.

"Did. The look on her face was priceless." Sango grinned. "I bought her two new pairs to make up for it though. I would've used my own stockings, but I wasn't wearing any that night, since it was weirdly warm out."

Kagome just shook her head. "You're insane."

"Just a little."

"Makes me think twice about taking your advice on going to this guy's party."

"Just go, you idiot. You'll have fun."

"Maybe."