"Allright everyone, if I could get your attention. We are now getting ready for the bidders to claim their prizes. Can all participants and winners make their way to the floor. As a reminder we will be allowing Lord Haruki to have the floor first then the group will follow." Sesshomaru came to a stop on the other side of the room from Kagome. His gaze never breaking from her, he could tell she was fighting not to make eye contact. Haruki's arm was around Kagome's waist now and he could see his fingers caressing her hip.

Kagome's heart rate was speeding up with every pass of his fingers and Sesshomaru's eyes burning into her. Her throat was growing drying. She honestly welcomed Haruki's advances on her person as a welcome distraction. Focusing on his caresses she continued to look anywhere but in Sesshomaru's direction. She wished the ground would just open and swallow her up or she had had the nerve to shoot him a scathing glare. Kagome was convinced Sesshomaru knew exactly what he was doing, weaving a web just for her to get trapped. Haruki's hand glided along her back to her elbow to bring his arm out for her to take once again. Blush swept across her cheeks and down her neck. She slowly brought her eyes up to meet his crystal blue eyes.

The lights began to dim slightly. "I'd like to welcome Lord Haruki of the Northern lands and Kagome Higurashi."

A soft spot light fixed on the pair and followed them to the center of the floor. Kagome had tunnel vision only seeing a few steps in front of her. All she could hear was the pounding of her heart. She didn't hear the notes of the song coming on, she just let him lead her. Haruki bent down his lips grazing her "Its ok, come back to me." Then he pulled away and her eyes focused on his sweet smile and she relaxed.

She leaned into him and chanced a glance out at the crowd and her eyes locked with Sesshomaru's. He stood unblinking with one hand in his pocket and one at his side. His fist balled tightly causing his claws to dig into his skin. She finally blinked breaking the contact and turned out of view. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes only to be met with what should be pale yellow strands but was silver. Afraid to breath she looked up to have honey gold eyes with magenta stripes staring down at her. She let out a shuddering breath. But as quickly as he was there, he was gone. When she blinked, she was back in Haruki's arms. She looked around as they turned on the floor and Sesshomaru was gone.

The air was stifling, Sesshomaru had to get out. He needed air, space and possibly a stiff drink. As soon as her eyes left his he made his way through the crowed to head towards the Bar. But luck was not on his side, Kagura, the one person he has been avoiding all night was there and clearly looking for him. Swiftly turning on his heals he made for the closest terrace. Once outside he greedily took in one lung full of air after another and closed the door behind him. The last thing he wanted right now was to be followed out here. With his eyes closed he raised his face to the night sky slowly exhaled. With the sounds from inside now muffled he felt himself relax and his mind start to ease. The sweet floral sent of the cherry blossoms wafted in the spring air giving him something to center himself to gather his thoughts. How could one woman and after so long still be ever so present in his mind. But it's not just any woman, it's her. He walked over to the ledge of the terrace and leaned down resting on his elbows looking out. He snorted to himself, what an utter fool he's been.

"I should have known id find you out here." he heard the light click of heels approach. "You disappeared in there." A small hand touched his shoulder before she settled beside him. There was no need to turn he knew who it was.

"It was too crowded in there."

"Hnn" she said in a mocking voice. "Well, you could always leave."

"Hn, but father would not be pleased."

"What ever happened to you do as you please. Plus, I think we've been here long enough." Dark tresses of hair mingled with silver as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Hnn." he leaned to rest his head on hers.

Sesshomaru opened his eyes and she blew away in the breeze like the petals from the trees. He looked over to see where once her head had been was now his father's hand.

"Sesshomaru? Are you ok?"

"Of course, what did you need?" he stood and straightened his tux.

"I was calling your name and you didn't answer... didn't really need anything just figured I'd hunt you down when I didn't see you."

"As you can see, I am fine. However, I am heading home for the evening. I have court Monday morning and want to go over everything again before then."

When he went to pass his father, Toga reached out and snatched his arm. "It's not too late you know." Sesshomaru looked blankly at him. "For her. You are not too late."

Sesshomaru snatched his arm away and sneered. "What foolishness are you speaking. I need no one, that is in the past where it will stay."

"She waited for you; she still is. There are things you do not know." Seeing his son was not going to budge he continued. "You are the one who's foolish. That out there" Toga gestured with his hand to the party inside. "It is not what you think. How could you not fight for your mate!" he was almost snarling.

"She is not my mate. How would y-"

Toga outright laughed. "Boy, she may not bare your mark but she is in every other way your mate. Your true mate. We all know your connection to one another is undeniable. Do not do this to yourself. She is not like us; in this way humans have an advantage. One day she will move on but us, we cannot once the bond is there." Sesshomaru sneered at his father. "You think it's bad now just being in her presence just wait till she's actually with him or when she's pupped by him."

Sesshomaru's eyes bleed red and before he knew it, he lunged at Toga, grabbing him by the neck and baring his teeth at him. "MINE." he growled in a guttural tone. It was as if his body was moving on its own accord.

Toga clasped his hand around Sesshomaru's wrist. "This is what I am talking about. If you keep not doing anything that is exactly what's going to happen. Look at yourself, your instincts are screaming at you."

Trying to calm done he released his father. What in the world was coming over him, to lash out like a mere pup. "And how would you know this. She looks pretty comfortable in there and you father have always done as you please." He spat the last part. "So how could you know, plus he is now Lord of the Northern lands and has a duty just I do."

"You know nothing pup. I know how your mother paints me but, I tried to stay away from Izayoi. I met her years before we got together. I stayed away from her even after me and your mother went our sperate ways till I found out she was set to marry another." Togas eye brows pinched together as if the memory was still painful. "This isn't about me; I've talked with Lord Akio and Haruki is serious about Kagome. He has had his sights set on her for well over a year now."

"Teh, he has his heir of course me has more leeway. As I said he still as a duty. All he has to do is acquire a mate."

"Is that what you think? Your mother has ingrained her twisted views into you. After all those years of being with Kagome I can't believe that came out of your mouth. Her humanity does not matter. Shes not just some normal human but even if she was it shouldn't matter."

"Hnn, funny coming from you father. You did your duty and got to eat your cake too." he sneered.

"Your remarks do not bother me son. But I will let you know that her species truly does not matter to Haruki, his farther or the northern clan."

"Pry tell how you know this." Sesshomaru had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. This banter, no this night had gone on long enough.

"Why from his father. I have seen her interactions with him and his wife tonight as well, they are in love with her. And, before the announcement he told me that Haruki was serious. That he actually has had an interest in her for years and would not have married if it wasn't for you... And Kagome's love and devotion to you. So, you see my son she was always his first choice. It never mattered to him."

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed mulling over this information. Years, he's known her for years? When, how... He then recalled his father saying there was things he didn't know. Well, there was things his father and other didn't know as well. Its apparent Kagome never enlightened anyone on the circumstances that brought them to where they are now. "Hnn, well things are not as simple as you think Father. So, think what you will but I believe it is time I call it a night. I have done my duty of showing up, Goodbye Father."

Without a backwards glance Sesshomaru walked past his father disappearing into the ocean of people. Toga did not dear to stop him either. He did what he came to do, to talk. He released a long slow sigh and rolled his shoulders in an attempted to relax. It did not take him long to locate his mate. As he approached, he visibly relaxed at seeing her sweet smile. Izayoi glanced up "Hello dear, did you find him?"

"Yes." He leaned down to kiss her temple.

"Anddddd?"

"We talked, well I mostly talked, I think. But I gave him some things to think about. I just know it; I could tell by the look on his face."

"And where is he at now?"

"On his way home or at least he left here."

"Good." Izayoi glanced back out by the dance floor. "Yes good. I hope that it was enough and that it was not too late."

Toga caught what she was looking at and tightened his grip on her waist. "Kami, I hope so."

As Kagome was whirled around the floor for yet another dance, she could not help but think what an utter mistake it was coming tonight. Here she is in one man's arms yet thinking of another. She thought she was ready. She thought enough time had passed for his hold over her was over. But just the sight of him brought back whispering memories and she was insnared again. She found herself asking "would it always be this way?" her mind was in a whirl wind quickly spiraling and souring her mood. Kagome shook her head and steeled herself at this train of thought, what good would it do. She had changed during her time away; she was stronger and would not let her self-fall down this path again. She needed to look forward. She knew what she wanted, what she wanted to build in this life and it was up to herself to make it happen.

Sensing her fluctuation in scent Haruki's hold on her tightened brining her back to reality. Kagome looked up to Haruki and smiled. He smiled sweetly back, like he always did. This man's who's arms she was in was like a breath of fresh air, like the light in which he represents. Yet why did she continue to deny herself and hold herself back from him. He so readily gave his time, attention and even affection to her; he gave his whole self. Kagome found herself grateful but confounded at why out of everyone, he wanted her. But she had to take the next step; it was time. She asked herself, could she do that with Haruki? Seeming to have found her answer when they came to a stop she leaned up and gave him a chaste kiss on the corner of his mouth.

"Thank you." she whispered for only his ears. It was a feather light graze of her lips but it caught him off guard. Haruki stilled, but then a smile bloomed across his face.

"Always." It was only one word but meant a million things. Haruki hoped his eyes conveyed all the promises yet spoken. His heart was beating wildly and he wanted to shout for all to hear "Finally!" but he held himself back allowing hope to fill him.