On the other side of the room the girls successfully retrieved glasses of champagne. "Well Haruki is persistent as ever is he not?"

"Is it that obvious? I mean he has such an outgoing personality you know like Toga... I've struggled with if this just how he is or something real?"

"Oddly he does remind me of Toga, a lot actually Hahaha. But no, he is the definition of a love sick puppy. Practically drooling over you. That's a Inu man for you though." Both women smiled at that but Kagome's quickly faded at Kikyo's next comment. "Doesn't surprise me you could be questioning it, with being with someone like Sesshomaru for so long."

Kagome's brows pulled together; she kept her eyes downcast to her glass. "Hes not always like that you know... he was different with me and especially when we were alone. Well use to be at one point. ANYWAYS..." She exhales then whispers "he is watching me? You know Haruki?"

Kikyo knew when to drop a subject and this was one of those moments. She leaned in "yes he is."

"I knew it! I've felt eyes on me all night. It's like he just daring me to look at him."

Grinning out from behind her glass "because he is. It's their little game of cat and mouse they play. Brings back memories of me and InuYasha." Kagome didn't get a change to respond when Toga's voice came over the speakers drawing everyone's attention to the stage. Kagome had lost track of time; she handed her glass to Kikyo and made her way to the stage.

"I'd like to start with thanking everyone one of you for coming here tonight. We also have a few announcements tonight. So, let's get these out of the way before I start shaking all you good people down for your hard-earned money for our chosen causes tonight. As with every other year this one is no different. We are raising money for the Human, Demon and Hanyou orphanages. We live by the belief all children deserve a fair chance in life and hope for our races to grow more inclusive of one another over time. With the money raised tonight and on other occasions we hope to continue to better the lives of the less fortunate, to hope to make an impact in anyways we can. I know you all have heard me preach on this matter so we shall move on to our announcements." Toga took a brief pause while applause trickled across the room.

Turning to look off to the side of the stage Toga began again. "I'd like to ask Kagome, Haruki and Lord Akio of the Norther lands to join me for our next set of announcements." Toga walked over to help Kagome make her final step on the right side while the two males entered on the left. "Before I hand over the mic to Lord Akio for the more formal matters. I'd like to share the more personal announcement." Sesshomaru's heart started to race with every word his father spoke. He could see Haruki blatantly staring at Kagome with a grin while she fought not to notice. He knew this would come one day but he willed with every fiber of his being that this wasn't what he thought was about to happen. "As many of you know this is the lovely Kagome Higurashi. She has been working in England at one of our London firms but has finally decided to return home to us again. While she was there, she did many great things to expand our grasp there while also pursuing personal matters she holds near and dear to her heart. One bringing the equality and redefinition of the modern woman in today's society. She partook in a fashion social statement project called "The Working Woman" by our very own Haruki" Toga gestured in his direction. "To say we are proud of her and him is an understatement. I speak for the house of the moon as a whole, we are proud to call Kagome part of our pack and that we are allies to the norther lands. And as much as I am sure our London firm will miss her; I want to remind them we are her first." Toga winked and chuckled. "Welcome home Kagome. Now I'll let Akio take over."

"Thank you, Toga. I am a man of few words in comparison to my dear old friend Toga so I shall keep this short and simple. I have had the honor of leading the Northern lands for many many years but just as the sun rises it also set and so it is now time for me to step down for a new dawn to rise." Haruki stepped forward head held high and shoulder squared. "I am more than proud to announce that Haruki heir to the house of the rising dawn is now the acting Lord of the Northern lands." cheers and applause went around the room but Haruki's eyes quickly went to Kagome's to see her reaction. To say she was stunned would be an understatement. Her eyes were wide as saucers and her hand flew to her mouth with a surprised and excited gasp. Sesshomaru could see the wide smile spread across his face at her reaction. Kagome smiled and mouth "no way!". For if only a moment, Sesshomaru relaxed. It was not what he had initially feared. But that was short lived.

Haruki stepped to her and said in a low voice "I wanted you to be surprised. It was worth it." Kagome threw her arms around his neck hugging him fiercely which he welcomed readily.

Pulling away "Congrats." and placed a small peck on his cheek just under his golden and sky-blue stripes.

Toga's voice broke him of his stupor. "Now, normally we start with auctioning off the first dance of 10 willing unattached participants but given the announcements of Lord Haruki we will go first with the tradition to allow him to claim his first dance. Now if all the el-"

Haruki's eyes never leaving Kagome. "There will be no need I have already chosen... that is, if she will have me." All eyes honed in on Kagome.

"M-me?"

"Yes." He stepped even closer.

"I'd be honored."

Togas smile tightened and her turned back to the crowed stiffly. He immediately saw his mate had her attention was on Sesshomaru. His jaw was clenched and his posture stiff. What a fool his son has been, he made his bad and now he will have to lay in it. "Ok then. Lord Haruki of the Northern lands has claimed his first dance with Lady Kagome. Once the auction for the participants is done, we will start our first dances allowing Lord Haruki to take the lead. Now let's get this show on the road and have some fun."

From a short distance away InuYasha could see how tense Sesshomaru was and his tightly held yokai began to slip and flick slightly around. Others did not seem to notice but only because they were not paying attention and he is a master of control. This did not look well, for him to even slip a little was evidence enough. InuYasha shook his head, gripping Kikyos hand a little tighter. "Seriously what was dad thinking..."

In a hushed voice "he was thinking this might be a wakeup call. But I agree, definitely a gamble. At least you warned him she would be here. Because could you imagine his reaction to being surprised to see her and watching another male drooling over her."

"No kidding we definitely don't need another Koga incidence. He was possessive then and that was only high school. What do you think could be going through his head? I mean he has to know what Haruki is up too."

"I don't know... if I was him, it would be anger, lots of regret and probably loneliness. I honestly feel sorry for him."

"Keh. As if, he did it to himself and to her. I wonder if I should, I don't know distract him or something."

"Love, just leave him alone."

"To bad Rin isn't here or else she's be the perfect distraction. He would be busy scaring off all the males. Haha"

"Laugh now all you want buddy. Just wait till your daughters are her age." Kikyo winked at him as she watched realization and then a grimace flash across his face.

"I don't need the reminder."

Kagome and Haruki hastily exit the stage. She had a mountain of emotion rolling round inside of her. She was excited, happy, nervous and also had an odd nagging feeling in the back of her mind. Can she really do this? Go out in front of everyone with him... in front of him. Who was his first dance with when he was announced? The thought that it could have been them passed in her mind; Kagome shook her head. NO, she had to push these thoughts aside. Shoving her thoughts aside she brought her attention back to the man at her side, Haruki. He was a beautiful, kind and intelligent man. A man who was charismatic much like herself and who appeared to want her and only her as far as she could tell.

"Where is Hiro? I was surprised he wasn't on stage with you."

"He's a little shy in front of big crowds. Hes currently with my mother just over there." he gestured towards a table where Hiro and Shippo was still happily playing. From the looks of it they were coloring. They were approaching Kikyo and InuYasha when he leaned down and whispered in her ear "I'll be back in just a moment."

"Okay." she smiled back.

"Geez miss big shot over here. From Dads ramblings up there, we should be glad you grace us with your presence." Kagome began to splutter at the absurdity of the words coming out of InuYasha mouth. "Gotcha." He winked at her. He received a dead pan look from both women.

"Your dad is so embarrassing. He knows I hate being put on the spot. Hes always been next level."

Kikyo Scoffed "that's an understatement, the man cried at our wedding barely making it through his speech."

"Bahaha yeah that he did. All for his little baby boooyyyy" Kagome crooned

"Oh, shut up you two." InuYasha grumbled. "Where's he going off to anyways?"

"No idea he said he would be right back."

"Looks like he talking to the band. Maybe requesting a special song for you two." Kikyo wiggled her eye brows.

Changing the subject "I wish Rin wasn't sick and was able to come, I know she is so bummed."

"Oh, the little princess most definitely is. She tried to sneak out twice. That's why I was late getting here." All the sudden InuYasha received a smack upside the head. Turning around to see who the culprit was "what the fu-" only to came face to face with his mother.

"Watch your mouth and it isn't kind to talk about your sister like that."

"Yes mom, sorry."

"So, Kagome, about your gathering. If there a certain time the whole family should be there? Do you need any help?"

"Uhh, the whole family?" She glanced nervously at Sesshomaru. "I mean, no I don't need any help. Maybe come at 6ish. Nothing really formal just whenever people can get there."

"Well, if you change your mind dear just let me know. I know Rin already plans to come over earlier in the day so you two can get ready together and what not." Izayoi smiled warmly but something caught her attention behind Kagome. "Toga honey! Wait for me." she kissed Kagome on the cheek and walked away to her waiting mate.

InuYasha phone began to ring. Fishing it out of his pocket seeing who it was a smile bloomed across his face. "Babe it's the kids, probably wanting to say goodnight."

Kagome and Sesshomaru sat awkwardly not talking. InuYasha and Kikyo was huddled together on the phone face timing their little ones. With all the noise the two excused them self's momentarily leaving the two alone. Sesshomaru cleared his throat. "I know what Izayoi was implying and do not worry I won't come." he continued to look off into the distance.

"No, no... it's fine you can come. I just didn't extend an invitation because we haven't really been on talking terms. I just figured you wouldn't want too. But if you want you can. You know the more the marrier is always my moto." Kagome looked up at him and smiled.

Sesshomaru looked down at her and almost smirked. "Hnn." He raised a playful eye brow knowing good and well the response would ruffle her feathers. It always has and it did. She glared at him before smiling even bigger. He soaked it in, a smile just for him.

"So, who did you dance with when you were announced last year? Kagura or maybe Rin? It's so nerve wracking. I hate having all eyes on me."

Sesshomaru sneered at the mention of the wench. "I did not participate in that activity." he shrugged his shoulders.

Kagome noticed his reaction and tried to stifle a giggle but failed miserably. Clearing her throat "why am I not surprised. You do, do as you please." she grinned.

He knew she brought up Kagura on purpose just to poke fun. This woman was trying as ever. "Hnn, that I do." hearing her voice and feeling her soothing aura relaxed him. He could tell she was beginning to relax as well. He inched closer "I noticed your hair seems different. Your bangs they are different."

She looked down twisting her fingers together. "Yeah... I grew them out with the rest of my hair. Figured I needed a change." She looked over at him "You still look the same like always."

"Looks can be deceiving. "He replied cryptically.

"That it can be..." she had a tight wistful smirk but it quickly morphed into a smile. Sesshomaru looked over and saw Haruki making his way back over.

"My Lady, I believe it is time for our dance." He bent down and grabbed her hand. Not taking his eyes off of her he brought it to his lips. He straightened and looped her arm in his. "Sesshomaru, where is your...lovely lady. I am sure she would love a spin around the floor."

Sesshomaru's face iced over and he stood rigidly. "Hn."

With one last look from under her eye lashes. "Goodbye Sesshomaru." he received a soft smile before being whisked away. At a leisurely pace he followed them. Not entirely sure why but he just wasn't ready to let his eyes off of her. It was like his body was moving of its own volition. As they neared the floor Sesshomaru ventured off. Walking through the crowd of people circling the dance floor like a predator stalking its prey. And Haruki knew this. He knew he was watching and his bestial side reveled in it. Let him watch it purred and a grin spread across his face.