InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Beat of a Butterfly's Wings ❯ Flowers and Filth ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: See first chapter - nothing's changed. (^_^)v

 

 

Chapter 3: Flowers and Filth

 

 

 

 

 

“Oi, Sesshoumaru!” Inuyasha barked into my ear.

 

“Would you refrain from shouting into my ear you insolent-“

 

“I wouldn't have to if you would listen in the first place,” he growled, shaking a finger in my face. “I've been trying to get your attention for the past,” he paused, checking his watch for effect, “Thirty seconds.”

 

I snorted, showing how much I thought of me wasting 30 seconds of his time. Translation: I didn't give a squat.

 

“I said your name at least 5 times,” he glared, crossing his arms over his chest.

 

“Well you have my attention now so get on with it,” I waved a hand at him irritably. He always has such bad timing, I thought, I'm not in the best of moods today… A little slip of a human woman had been wreaking havoc on my mind today… Dancing and skipping across my thoughts whenever she pleased, and she chose to do so quite often... And the result was me; distracted and irritable because I hated not being in control of things - especially my own thoughts.

 

Inuyasha's eyes flashed angrily and then taking a deep breath the fire was extinguished. “Tonight. The party. Father said to remind you about it. He also wanted to make sure that you have chosen a new suit; a lot of the major magazine and newspaper reporters are going to be there tonight so he said we should `dress to impress'.” He rolled his eyes, obviously as pleased as I was about the party.

 

“We are always dressed to impressed,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair and flicking off the ends as some of them stuck. “When have we not been?”

 

Inuyasha snorted, “Can't say I can think of a time that we weren't.”

 

“My point exactly.” I nodded smugly,

 

“I have a theory,” he said suddenly, a roguish light sparking in his eyes.

 

“Do I even want to know?” I groaned, that look being all too familiar.

 

“I have a suspicion,” he said with gusto, willfully ignoring my question, “that we would be quite a bit more impressive if we didn't always wear these damned business suits… Maybe something more like a pair of swim trunks?” he said mischievously.

 

“And have more women and little girls cutting our pictures out of magazines and pinning them on their walls and locker doors? You must be joking,” I scoffed, my face contorting in a mask of horror. “That's, that's just morbid Inuyasha, even for you.”

 

He just laughed, “Well, you know it's true though. We should try it out sometime,” he finished with a shrug.

 

“Over my dead body,” I turned icy eyes on him.

 

“Oh don't be so dramatic. It's not that bad having girls put our pictures on their walls and their locker doors. It's cute,” he waved a hand, obviously dismissing my comments as unimportant.

 

“Cute,” I choked. “Cute is puppy dogs and butterflies - not my photo as a clipping on who knows how many walls and locker doors. No Inuyasha, that's just embarrassing.”

 

“Are you telling me that there isn't one woman out there, one woman, that you wouldn't mind being a clipping on her wall?” he asked, eyes dubious.

 

“Of course there isn't,” I growled and as I blinked I saw a pair of eyes the color of the sea in sunshine, set in a kind face with a mane of hair as black as a raven's wing. Damn it all!

 

“

“

“

I picked up my cell, pushed the number 1 button on speed dial and called Kagome. After several rings she picked up sounding drowsy, “Hullo?”

 

“Hey, Kagome, It's me Sango,” I said cheerfully, “I was just calling to remind you about the party tonight!”

 

“Oh,” she said.

 

“Were you taking a nap?”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Ok, well hun, it's time to get up now. I'll be over at your place in 15 minutes to get ready, ok? So get up,” I finished using my iron `waking up Kagome' voice.

 

“M'k,” was her mumbled reply.

 

“'K, see you in 15 then, bye bye,” I hung up and leaned against the door of the train as it sped down the tracks, rattling past buildings covered with flashing signs and crowds of people going about their business.

 

“

“

“

 

Sango burst through my door 15 minutes after she hung up, arms full of a jumble of stuff. The one thing I recognized was her massive make-up case that was more like a briefcase. The other two items were on hangers and hidden by long bags of plastic so I hazarded a guess that they were our clothes for the evening. I could physically feel myself perk up as my curiosity stirred, drowsiness suddenly forgotten.

 

“Alright,” she said breathlessly as she carelessly threw her case on my couch and adjusted the clothes in her arms, smoothing out the places where they had bunched a bit in their journey from the station. “Let's do this!”

 

“Let me see first,” I laughed, “I'm dying here Sango!”

 

“If you insist,” she replied, eyes twinkling as she pulled the bag off the first one with a dramatic flourish.

 

`Oh my go-“ I gasped. Her only response was to smirk and put her fists on her hips, striking a very smug pose. She had every right to, too. It was a dress. A full-length, gorgeous, black Gucci halter-top dress was lying on my couch.

 

“Oh my gosh, Sango, you will look so gorgeous in this! Gah!” I squealed jumping up and down, simultaneously clapping my hands. “Is there a particular someone you are dressing up for tonight?” I teased, giving her a knowing look.

 

I didn't miss the blush that flashed on her cheeks before she shook her head. “Kagome, you hyper-active dolt,” she grumbled, chastising, “That is your dress.” With a rustle of plastic she uncovered the second dress. “And this is mine. And who in the world would I need or want to impress,” she growled giving me a warning look.

 

“Oh hush,” I laughed, ignoring her fierce glare, as I looked at her dress. “Oooh,” I gushed, “this one is gorgeous too. My gosh, Sango, tell me you are renting these.”

 

She laughed, quickly forgetting my previous comment. “Are you kidding,” she laughed, “Like I would buy a Gucci dress, let alone two. Soo don't have that kind of money. Now if money grew on trees and I had one of those trees, well then it would be a different story, now then wouldn't it?” She shrugged and continued, “A friend of mine gave me a deal on these for the evening as a `thank you' for a story I did a few months ago.” She picked up both dress, handing me mine. “Alright now, march!” she barked as she headed to my bathroom. Laughing I followed, careful to hold the dress so it didn't drag on the floor.

 

“

“

“

 

Three and a half hours later we were primped, preened, and ready to rule this mystery party - well Sango knew what it was, but I was still pretty much in the dark. I was in the dark with a candle; I knew it was a formal party and that was about it. But I was feeling particularly pampered and gorgeous for the moment so my mood was giddily optimistic. Whatever party it was I was going to thoroughly enjoy myself tonight. What could be better than going to a party with your friends and maybe looking fabulous while you were at?

 

“

“

“

 

“Where are you going tonight Dad,” Rin asked after the buzzer rang and the voice of the baby-sitter sounded over the intercom.

 

“I have to go to that annual business party tonight, remember sweetheart?” I sighed as I pushed the button to unlock the front gate.

 

“Oh, yeah, the one that you always hate so much?” she laughed, the edges around her big brown eyes crinkling in her amusement. “I think you may even hate it more than the others. Right?”

 

“I would have to say that I think you hit the nail on the head, dear,” I laughed as I leaned down to give her a kiss on both cheeks. “Now behave for Ms. Takeda and be sure that you are in bed by 9 alright?” I gave her a pat on the head and then stood tall, straightening my jacket. “How do I look?” I asked smiling.

 

“Very handsome,” she said solemnly looking at me. “Try to have a little fun Dad,” she smiled.

 

“I'll do my best,” I laughed dryly. “Although I don't know how much that will help,” I shrugged and she merely giggled.

 

“I love you Dad.”

 

“I love you too, Rin,” I smiled down at her, “Well I have to go now sweety or I'll be late so I'll come in and check on you when I get back, ok?”

 

“Ok, good night Dad, be safe,” she smiled that brilliant smile of hers that I loved so much.

 

“Good night Rin,” I smiled back as I turned to the door and simultaneously letting the sitter in, walked out, waving goodbye.

 

Thirty minutes later found me in bumper-to-bumper, Friday night, Downtown Tokyo traffic. For crying out loud, I could walk and get there faster than this, I grumbled. First parking place I find, I'm turning into it. Slowly the cars crawled down the street as the seconds turned into minutes and the danger of being late crept closer and closer. Not that I would mind being late but I can think of someone who would mind, I groaned and clenched and unclenched my hands on the steering wheel, careful not smash it.

 

Forty-five minutes later found me racing by foot, from a parking ramp, towards the tall skyscraper that was in front of the large, luxurious Hotel where the Banquet Party was being held. Every year the major businesses in Tokyo got together at this ridiculous party that was nothing more than a way to get more publicity for the company, a flexing of muscles, and for some individuals an excuse to get drunk and partake in more irresponsible or risqué activities. Those things, of course, were usually done outside of the Banquet Hall as basically every major and minor magazine and newspaper that had anything to do with business was invited to the party. Their attendance was key for the whole “company publicity” part, so the individuals who wanted to go wild usually took it to one of the Hotel rooms where they could get away from the eyes and cameras of the press.

 

Arriving in a very short time and wondering why I hadn't tried parking sooner, I ran a hand through my hair and then walked through the door that the valet held open for me as he bowed low. The lobby was elegantly decorated in the western style with a massive gilded chandelier and a large carved dark-wood table with carved lion paws for the bottom of the legs. On said table was a massive bouquet of flowers tastefully arranged and ranging from various types of orchids to lilies to sprigs of unique leaves and branches. A clerk ran out to greet me, bowing low, and saying, “If you would please follow me, sir.”

 

The Banquet Hall took up the entire 5th floor but was already getting crowded. This room was also lavishly decorated. Gold and crystal chandeliers hung in a row down the middle of the ceiling, long gold mirrors with elaborate designs hung on the walls at intervals and in between them there was occasionally an expensive replica of a famous classic European artist. The whole appearance of the room was slightly Baroque and in short, was quite an odd thing to find in the middle of Tokyo, I decided. I knew that in Tokyo places like this existed but, being as old I was, it was still always a bit of shock to see them.

 

The minute I walked through the door, escorted by the clerk, my father seemed to find me. With quick, long strides he headed in my direction as the clerk faded back out into the hallway. “Sesshoumaru,” he said in that booming voice of his and I wanted to wince as all eyes turned to focus on me. Instead I kept my cool, disinterested, bored look on my face and resigned myself to the terrible fate of a long evening at the year's most annoying party. An evening of pure torture as always…

 

“Son,” my father laughed as he drew up alongside me, throwing an arm around my shoulder in a companionable fashion, “I'm glad that you could make it on time; I was afraid you were going to be late,” he chuckled merrily. My father really had such a sunny disposition, so very odd for such a brilliantly successful businessman; over the years they usually got hard and bitter and…obsessive and greedy. Father on the other hand was still as fresh as a newbie even though he practically ran a small empire and had done so for years upon years. He loved business; it was so obvious that he did when he came into the office every morning with that irritating bounce in his step and that ludicrous grin on his face calling out in his booming bass, “Alright everyone, let's do our best again today!”

 

“I would only be late if I wanted to be fashionably late and by doing so get more attention from the press,” I replied glumly.

 

“Perhaps you should have,” he chuckled. “Not that you ever need to do anything to get the press's attention Sesshoumaru. They're already all staring at you as it is.” He gave my shoulder a squeeze, one of his ways of showing me that he was proud of me. If he had been anyone other than my father, years ago I would have decided that the only reason he had me in the company was as a physical icon, a model to draw interest, a body that made people take notice. I knew though that wasn't the reason why, he loved both Inuyasha and I, and he wanted to share with us his passion: business. He also loved the attention that we got because he saw it as a compliment to his two beloved boys, which he would always see us as, no matter how old we got. I tried not to snort at the thought.

 

We finally came to a stop at a circle of people that included Inuyasha dressed to the nines, just like everyone else at the party. I didn't miss however, the particular looks that the three of us were attracting. While that was normal it never ceased to be slightly disconcerting to me. I felt like a specimen in a museum or like something under a microscope.

 

I nodded in greeting to the group of people as we stopped at Inuyasha's side and quickly began scanning the occupants of the room, looking for anything that looked slightly interesting. Although standing next to Inuyasha usually at least guaranteed an interesting yet albeit irritating conversation I wasn't in the mood for that tonight. I wanted something more interesting. Suddenly a galling little sprite of a woman danced across my thoughts unbidden and I nearly growled out loud.

 

Finding nothing interesting I sighed, resigning myself to my fate. It's going to be a long night, I griped looking at my watch. Eight o'clock. It's only been a minute since I got here. Someone, I thought, begging, please just shoot me now and put me out of my misery…at least for a few minutes before my body fixes itself…

 

“

 

“

 

“

The place we arrived at 15 minutes later was positively the most gorgeous, ritzy Hotel that I think I had ever seen in my entire life. Its whole design was very European with an emphasis on the Baroque style and I couldn't help but gape, my mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water after we entered the lobby.

 

“Man,” Sango laughed, slipping out of her coat and handing it to the clerk, “I am so glad that we decided to take the train - did you see that traffic jam outside?” She shook her head laughing, “I wonder how many of the businessmen will be late because they tried to drive here.”

 

“Yeah,” I said distractedly, still staring at the beautiful surroundings.

 

“Even the rich get caught in traffic,” she chuckled and then turned to look at me. “Kagome,” she said dryly, “You look like the fish that my grandpa used to catch when we would go on vacation to Nikko and go fishing at Lake Chuzenji.”

 

I closed my gaping maw with a snap and physically gave myself a shake. “Sorry,” I muttered blushing slightly, “It's just so gorgeous. I feel like I've stepped into another world.”

 

Sango leaned over the table to smell the arrangement sitting in the middle. I scuttled across the marble floor to join her as she remarked, “Wait until you see the room the party is in.”

 

I breathed in deeply through my noise and sighed happily at the heavenly scent that floated in the air around the magnificent flowers. Then I giddily began counting the number of different orchids the bouquet held. I loved flowers, but I didn't know much about the different types of orchids, especially not the rare ones. This bouquet was full of them; I counted at least ten types ranging in color from dove white to soft pinks to rich purples. And then of course there were the lilies, and oh they were lovely specimens. The beautiful double bloom Lily Elodie was one of my personal favorites and I was happy to see that it was one of the main flowers of the bouquet. The others ranged from the white Lily Santander to the creamy yellow Cherbourg and for splashes of color and interesting textures they had added an ample amount of the white, pink, and pink-red Guernsey Lilies as well as pink-purple Toad lilies - another one of my favorites. Oh, I thought happily, they even have the Lily Suncrest, that new type of hybrid. My gosh, it's positively stunning… I wonder where I could get one… I think I'll get on the Internet tonight and -

 

“Um, Kagome,” Sango coughed, “You might want to get your head and your hands out of the Hotel's bouquet,” she glanced nervously at the people standing behind the front desk. “They're starting to look angry.”

 

“

 

“

 

I breathed a sigh of relief when Kagome jumped away from the bouquet as if it had turned into a blazing bonfire. That girl and her fascination with flowers, I shook my head, I'll never understand it.

 

“Where the heck is Miroku,” I growled, tapping my heeled foot on the marble floor impatiently. “He's,” I checked the clock on my cell phone, “late,” I stated glumly.

 

“How late?” she asked coming up beside me and trying to peer over my shoulder to see my phone.

 

“Ten minutes,” I said pressing the number 2 button on speed dial. The phone rang once before he picked it up.

 

“Sorry!” was the first, breathless word that rushed out of his mouth as I started to open mine to yell at him.

 

I growled, “Where the heck are you? You got off work the same time I did and there is no way that you would have needed more time to get ready than us.”

 

“The suit that I rented - the store accidentally let it out to another customer so they had to arrange for me to get a different one. They rented one for me from a more expensive place so I really got a great deal but it put me behind schedule. I'm sorry,” he groaned. “I'll be there in three minutes. Can I talk to Kagome for a second,” he asked suddenly.

 

“Fine,” I growled, “I'll chew you out for being an idiot later.” I passed my phone to Kagome who looked like she was about to laugh. She has the luxury of being able to laugh; she's just here for fun. I'm here partly for fun, too, but I don't like being late when I'm supposed to be writing stories about this party... Miroku, I'm going to choke you when you get here.

 

“

 

“

I took the phone from Sango and tried not to break out into giggles. I could practically see the steam shooting out of her ears. “Yes, Miroku, what can I do you for?”

 

“When I get there, save me?” he begged. “Whatever you do, please don't let her kill me.”

 

“Ok, why should I do that?” I said coolly, relishing the temporary teasing power I held over my friend for once. Usually it was him teasing me, so I always loved it when it was the other way around.

 

“Because it wasn't my fault that the rental place gave my suit to the wrong shop and had to bring in a new one from another shop at the last minute,” he grumped.

 

“Why did you wait till the last minute to go pick it up though,” I asked, chuckling.

 

“Because the stupid shop told me I could come pick it up at 7 and that I could put it on there so they could make sure that I had everything on right,” he continued to grumble petulantly.

 

“Ok, fair enough,” I laughed. “I agree. Now, see you soon?”

 

“Two minutes,” I can see the Hotel now. Thanks Kagome, you're a live saver, and I mean that quite literally.”

 

“I know, what can I say,” I smirked. “See you in a few then.” I hung up the phone, snapping it closed and handing it back to Sango.

 

“Go easy on him when he gets here sweetheart, it really wasn't his fault,” I said, laying a hand on her rigid shoulder.

 

Her shoulders sagged, relaxing as she let out a deep breath of pent up air. “I know,” she paused shaking her head, “I just, well you know how I hate being late,” she shrugged. “I feel like I'm going to miss some big scoop while we are standing down here in the lobby waiting for him.”

 

“Well if you want to be angry at someone then be angry at the ridiculous rental shop that gave his suit to someone else,” I laughed. “Talk about crappy, crappy luck.”

 

She snorted then, “No kidding. I wonder how his more expensive replacement will look?” she grinned broadly.

 

“Oh and wouldn't you just love to see him in it, too!” I teased and laughed as her cheeks turned crimson and I knew she had been imagining him in a suit.

 

“Are you kidding,” she spluttered, voice high, cheeks red, “I couldn't give a rat's as-“

 

“I'm here, I'm here,” Miroku burst through the door shouting, chest heaving slightly. Obviously the poor man had been running.

 

“Besides,” Sango muttered under her breath, all traces of the blush gone, “It's not like I haven't seen him in a suit before.”

 

Yeah, yeah. You make your excuses you goof, I thought giddily. It's so obvious that you are attracted to each other. For crying out loud get on with it! I of course didn't miss the subtle looks that they gave each other, each one pretending not to care or notice how the other one looked. However, the attraction practically crackled in the air, at least from my position as a third party individual. It took all of my will power not to laugh and I suddenly saw a mental image of the two of them abruptly staring deeply into each other's eyes, running the length of the lobby, Sango throwing herself into his waiting arms, and then the two of them finally kissing passionately. Which I knew they both wanted to do, very badly… The kissing part anyway - maybe not so much the dramatic things before the kiss.

 

“Alright, let's go already,” Sango said, lips twitching as she tried not to smile, and turned on her lovely black heels, striding towards the elevator at the far side of the lobby.

 

I didn't miss the appreciate look Miroku gave her backside as she walked away from us. I didn't blame him.

 

In her fitted, red silk, floor-length, halter dress that tied behind the neck, and exposed her back until just above the point where it would have been inappropriate, she looked like a gorgeous black haired goddess. Her hair was pinned up in a massive, intricate bun with a few diamond pins for added effect and long three strand diamond earrings adorned her ears while a simple diamond and silver bracelet wrapped around her wrist. She looked positively stunning and Miroku obviously agreed with my assessment as he barely kept himself from drooling. I tried not to snort in my amusement. They are two cute, but seriously am I going to have to start playing cupid? They are circling each other and doing nothing and having been doing so for years - it's driving me insane. They should already be married or at least going out by now, I grumbled.

 

“

 

“

 

“

 

Eight thirteen, I thought glumly as I tried to make myself focus on the short, rotund, male reporter that was trying to carry on a conversation with me - his high voice and his overpowering cologne grating on my nerves. It's only been 14 minutes. It feels more like 3 hours at least…

 

“So what do you think about the new products that Hayashi released to the public yesterday?” he was asking in that high, squeaking voice that reminded me of nails on a chalkboard.

 

“Hayashi.” I questioned distractedly. Go away, just go away you miserable little man, I begged.

 

“Naraku Hayashi of Nejireta Technologies?” he asked incredulously. “You have heard of him of course,” he continued to scoff.

 

Before deigning to reply to the insolent, pudgy little man I brought my right hand elegantly up in front of my face and taking my thumb and my forefinger and putting them parallel in front of my eyes I took his head between those two fingers and squeezed. Gleefully, for a few seconds, I entertained myself with my imaginings of me squishing his annoying little head between my fingers, before I finally spoke up in a cold, disdainful tone, dropping my hand to my side. “Yes, I have heard of Mr. Hayashi. And I did know about the release of his new computer products yesterday. I also heard that Mac and PCs are both looking to approach him about incorporating his new chip into their next line of computers. But you see Mr.…” I paused to read his nametag, “Satou, that I hardly care. Now if you will excuse me,” I finished and without waiting for his permission turned on my heel and disappeared into the crowd as I attempted to make my way to the entrance without being caught. Only fifteen minutes and I'm already in need of a breather. Not going very well, I groused.

 

Ten feet from the closest entrance I felt a stirring at the far end of the room near the second entrance. Instinctively my eyes flew to the scene of the disturbance and I felt my breath stutter as my brain came to a screeching halt from disbelief.

 

A group of three had obviously just entered the room, a man and two women, and was very quickly at the center of attention. The particular woman that caught my attention, however, was at the head of the group, wearing a floor-length, skin-tight, black halter-top dress that exposed her entire back while a long slit ran up the left side of the skirt and exposed a long, slender leg. It shimmered in the light of the room and highlighted all of her curves in a way that left little to the imagination but managed to still be tasteful. Hair, black as ink, surrounded her face and cascaded past her shoulders in thick, soft curls, and a pair of silver and diamond earrings hung from her ears while a thick, round, silver bracelet hung beautifully on her delicate wrist. A pair of simple black stiletto heels adorned her dainty feet, adding to the entire `sexy yet elegant' appearance.

 

Wha-? was the first slightly coherent thought that my dumbfounded mind finally produced, followed by a Why is she here, which in turn was followed by a Thank God she is here! On the heels of my third coherent thought another thought followed, Damn it all, but she looks stunning. This thought, of course, caused me to remember that her group of three was the group that was causing the disturbance in the room. And that was when I noticed all the appreciative stares that often leaned toward the lecherous side of the staring spectrum. I quickly found that I did not like all of those nosy reporters and rich businessmen staring lecherously and hungrily at my little girl's beloved teacher. Not one bit.

 

Squaring my shoulders, I strode alongside the wall toward the second entrance, avoiding the annoyingly concentrated groups that occupied the rest of the room, my long legs eating up the distant in a short time. Just as I opened my mouth to say her name a tall, black haired man with dark, hungry eyes, and a wicked smile stepped smoothly out of the crowd and took her fragile, pale hand in his large, disgusting one. With great gentleness he brought her quivering hand up to his lips and purred, “Naraku Hayashi. May I ask, lovely lady, what your name is?”

 

I felt a furious growl growing, bubbling up inside my chest, fighting desperately for release.

 

“

 

“

 

“

 

As we walked into the room, Miroku as close to Sango as he could get without getting slapped in the face, I was even more awe-struck than I had been in the lobby. As it should be, I thought giddily, that would be sad if the lobby was better than their Banquet Hall, but this, this is like a palace… Or like something out of a movie. It's absolutely lovely, I sighed happily, keeping my mouth firmly clamped shut - no fish out of water reenactment for all the pretty people now - but my eyes wide as I soaked in the surroundings. The people in the room were almost as beautiful as the room itself if not almost as dazzling. Everyone was dressed to the nines, wearing suits, dresses, and accessories that you saw in Armani, Gucci, Prada, Coach, and Versace stores and catalogues. I was suddenly even more appreciate of the two gorgeous Gucci dresses that Sango had managed to get for the night. I wasn't usually one to care about designer clothes - as long as they looked good I was happy - but being thrown into a room of peacocks and jeweled song birds I found myself very happy that I was also dressed like a songbird instead of as a sparrow or something just as… unexceptional.

 

Even though sparrows have a little somethin' somethin' going on in their own way, I thought defensively as we continued walking into the room. I suddenly became painfully aware of the scrutiny we were receiving from the occupants of the Hall. The feeling of countless pairs of eyes running up and down my body was almost enough to make me faint from nerves. And just when, surprised and confused, I thought I felt a familiar overpowering presence nearing our position near the entrance a tall man with a pale face, long wavy black hair, and sinister, disconcerting eyes detached himself from the crowd like a snake crawling out from underneath a rock and the hair on the back of my neck bristled. With a liquid motion, like a shadow on a dark night, he came to stand in front of me and slightly to the side, his dark eyes focusing on me as he took my right hand in his massive one, and the hairs on the back of my neck to stood straight up, goose pimples prickled my skin and an unpleasant shiver ran down my bare back like ice water trickling down my skin. My stomach grew slightly nauseous as his lips pressed themselves against the back of my hand for far longer than they needed to be. And then looking up at me, that repulsive mouth of his smirking, he spoke, causing more shivers to shoot up and down the length of my spine, “Naraku Hayashi. May I ask, lovely lady, what your name is?” He was practically purring with his over-blown ego and bursting with self-confidence as he continued to hold my hand captive in his.

 

I think I'm going to be sick, I thought as I met his eyes and felt myself being pulled into the sick, swirling masses. I noted distantly that a strange hush had come over the previously boisterous crowd and I wished desperately that someone would save me so that I was spared the torture of being forced to tell this repulsive man my name, as the rules of being polite demanded. I dearly loathe those rules at the moment, I decided angrily. Damned rules.

 

He was waiting I realized, as was the rest of the room, and I frantically tried to quell the uneasy fluttering in my stomach. If only I could get my hand back, I whined. I want to take a shower, now. I feel…dirty, I thought shuddering.

 

Just as I was trying to pry my mouth open to give my name as the rules dictated I must, a familiar voice like the finest silk and velvet flowing over a dangerous edge of steel broke the deafening silence, “Naraku,” he said coming to stand next to the putrid man and I realized that I had felt a familiar presence earlier; his unmistakable aura. And he had never looked more beautiful, “Already accosting another girl? Only a week since you assaulted the last one, tsk, tsk. Your mother must be rolling in her grave.”

 

The hand holding mine twitched and clenched painfully tight around mine, causing an involuntary wince to appear on my face, as several veins jumped in his neck and forehead. “We all know,” he growled, a dangerous note in voice, once again reminding me of a poisonous snake, “that the case you speak of was in actuality a false accusation which I was cleared of in court two days ago.”

 

“And how many lawyers and judges did you have to pay off to get that verdict to pass,” Sesshoumaru asked coolly, eyes as deadly cold as an Artic storm. “Now, if you would so kindly release her hand, you are cutting of the circulation,” he said, that dangerous edge coming back full force in his voice and even the abominably putrid creature that held my hand in his clutches could not deny him his request. With a growl he released my hand and as he left, looking over his shoulder, he sent Sesshoumaru a look of pure loathing that was reflected right back at him by eyes the color of the Sun.

 

“

 

“

 

“

Both Sango and I watched in stupefied shock as Naraku Hayashi seemed to materialize out of the mass of bodies and captured Kagome's poor, innocent hand in his large, believed to be very naughty, hand. Everyone in the media world knew all about the rumors and strange incidences that seemed to surround the owner of Nejireta Technologies, and all of them were nothing short of disgusting, strange, and disturbing. The man oozed malevolence and was nothing short of revolting to anyone that had a clue and/or wasn't blinded by the wealth and power the man held.

 

Horrified to the point of immobility we watched as he took the hand he held and kissed it with his dirty lips and asked for her name. A part of my brain started screaming, No, no, Kagome! Don't give him your name, this is one of those times where you can be impolite! Knowing though, that our dear, sweet, little Kagome was probably ignorant about this man and would undoubtedly choose this time and place to be polite, I attempted to kick myself into action. Just as I finally managed to take a step toward her another tall man, this one also all too familiar but in a very positive way, came to stand next to Naraku and said in a voice like steel and ice, “Naraku, already accosting another girl? Only a week since you assaulted the last one, tsk, tsk. Your mother must be rolling in her grave.”

 

I nearly fainted. I'm not too proud to admit it. The push and pull of power roiling and lashing between those two was enough to make even the bravest of men want to crawl in a hole and hide. They were like polar opposites, both incredibly powerful, and opposites sides of the balance, one dark and sinister; the other ice and light.

 

The conversation and the exchanging of looks that followed would have been a great news clip that anyone would have given an arm and a leg for, but nobody wanted to give up their life for the chance to entangle themselves with such volatile, powerful men by filming their confrontation. The tension in the room was pulling tighter and tighter and was nearing the breaking point when Sesshoumaru finally spoke in a voice that even the likes of Naraku could not disobey; with a growl he left the open space the crowd had created and surrounded by his black aura melted into the mass of people. Not without, of course, sending Sesshoumaru one final hate filled look which, I noted a little giddily, Sesshoumaru threw back at him tenfold. The man was truly an impressive sight to behold.

 

A heard a loud sigh of relief from beside my arm and looked down to see Sango looking exhausted. “That,” she said, voice flat, “was something else.”

 

“And that comment my dear,” I replied, taking advantage of the opportunity I was being given and slipped my arm through Sango's to lend her support, “is the understatement of the year.”

 

“Oh yes, but you see,” she said, either unaware of, or disinterested, in the arm that was suddenly looped through hers, “I think that it's understatement-ness makes it all the more profound.”

 

“Understatement-ness?” I scoffed. “Sango, you can't just start making up new words like that.”

 

“Who says,” she huffed. “Wait a minute, what are we doing here even discussing this? We should be checking on Kagome.”

 

Guiltily I started from the enjoyable banter with Sango to turn my attentions back to Kagome… Who despite everything looked quite all right, in fact if I had to make an educated guess from the scene in front of me I would say that she was more than all right.

 

“Oh,” Sango asked. “Never mind,” she giggled. “It seems like part of our surprise has found Kagome and is keeping her company: success!” she smiled broadly and I had to resist the urge to slip my arm around her waist. When she smiled like that… Or laughed… Or cried… Or sighed… Ok, ok, so when she breathed or did anything else I wanted to hold her close or kiss her or something, anything. It had always been difficult but since we had started working together at Tokyo Beat several months ago it had become insanely difficult and I sometimes felt like I was going to go insane. And what was worse was that when I had walked into the lobby of the hotel just a few minutes earlier I had realized a truly horrible or wonderful thing depending on how you looked at it: I had fallen in love with Sango.

 

“

 

“

 

“

After I had finished sending Naraku my best, “I will kill you faster than you can blink if you cross my path ever again,” glare I turned my attention back to the little woman that had been trampling through my thoughts all day like a careless child tromps through a field of wild flowers. I was suddenly reminded of my earlier aggravation that she was responsible for. It flashed across my thoughts for all of a tenth of a split second before it was brushed aside like useless garbage. All that mattered was that she was here, was no longer being touched by that disgusting bastard Naraku, and had saved me from a night of torture and boredom.

 

Wait a minute, what is she doing here? I thought; confused as I again realized how odd the current situation really was. She's the last person that I ever would have expected to see here.

 

I was about to say as much when with sparkling eyes, she opened that beautiful mouth of hers and said in her sweet voice, “Thank you so much, Sesshoumaru.” She placed one of her small hands on my arm and leaned against it for support. It was then I noticed she was shaking ever so slightly.

 

“Are you all right?” I asked, an immediate wave of worry sweeping over me for the second time in a matter of minutes. “You're shaking.”

 

She laughed nervously as she tried visibly to steel herself. “You have no idea how glad I was to see you then. Not to say that I'm not always glad to see you, but well, this time I was exceptionally glad,” she said and looked up me smiling, albeit still a bit shakily. I felt an immediate, strong urge to wrap my arms around her fragile frame to stop her shaking. I of course, brutally squashed said urge, stamping it with my “Ridiculous thought” stamp and throwing into the garbage bin that seemed to be unusually full after a day of thinking almost non-stop about the woman who now leaned against my arm. Insufferable, traitorous thoughts, I growled sourly.

 

“So what are you doing here?” she asked as she looked up at me, eyes recovering more of their typical curious light.

 

I couldn't help it. I laughed. Loudly.

 

At her puzzled look I realized that she hadn't been joking. “Oh,” I stuttered, buying time, “I, um, had to be here.” I shrugged as if that was a good enough explanation.

 

“Ookay, but why do you have to be here?” she asked with a frown, “What is this a party for anyway? Is it a business party? Because that would make a whole lot of sense.”

 

“You didn't see all of the signs in the Lobby that said `Annual Tokyo Elite Business Party'?” I asked, quirking an eyebrow dubiously.

 

She had the sense to blush a little then before she muttered so quietly that in the noisy din of the Hall I could barely hear, “I didn't see them because I was busy looking at the bouquet in the middle of the lobby.”

 

“Oh really? It was a very nice bouquet, wasn't it?” I laughed suddenly and leaning down close to her face I inhaled deeply and asked, “Is that perhaps why you smell strongly of orchids and lilies of various types and colors?”

 

She turned that lovely red that I had seen the previous night and it took all my will power not to grin like an idiot. She was too adorable when she turned red like that.

 

“No comment, then?” I asked when she continued to say nothing after staring at me wide eyed for a few seconds, cheeks still flaming. “So then, my turn Kagome, what are you doing here at this party capturing everyone's attention?”

 

The blush disappearing rapidly to my disappointment she said with a shy smile, “Well, my friends Miroku and Sango - the ones I came in here with - work at Tokyo Beat and invited me to come as a surprise… Although I'm not exactly sure why.” She laughed and with a shrug continued, “But I'm more than happy for the chance to dress up and see a place as beautiful as this, even though I don't get the point of inviting me to a businessmen and women's party.”

 

“Well whatever their thinking was,” I smiled down at her, “you have no idea how glad I am to see you.”

 

“Huh,” she said unintelligently, eyes confused.

 

“Every year I die of boredom from these outlandish parties that are nothing more than publicity stunts and trying to get a glimpse at the competition. It's usually packed with people that I could maybe stand to be with for a maximum of five minutes, not 3 hours or more,” I explained patiently.

 

The lights still didn't come on, “Ok, that does sound awful. But why exactly are you happy to see me?”

 

Shite, I thought frantically, I didn't think I would have to actually spell it out for her… That will be painfully embarrassing… Why in the world is she being so dense? Maybe it's from the trauma of being attacked by Naraku, the dirty sleez. Yes, that must be it, I decided. Unfortunately that does not solve the predicament that I'm in.

 

My father, thankfully, saved me from embarrassing myself by being truthful to the dear woman. “Sesshoumaru,” he boomed as he split the crowd to reach us, “what was that all about with Hayashi?”

 

“He was treating Ms. Higurashi in an inappropriate manner,” I explained coolly, turning to face him. “I was merely letting him know that he was being inappropriate.”

 

“Ah, I see,” he paused and turned to look down at her from his considerable height, “And your relation to Ms. Higurashi is?”

 

“I'm Rin's teacher,” she spoke up startling both of us with her quick answer. She smiled apologetically, bowing slightly and added formally, “I'm terribly sorry if I was an inconvenience, but I truly do appreciate his help as I was most uncomfortable around that man.”

 

My father, for once, looked a bit shell shocked, if I did say so myself.

 

Unfortunately, Higurashi obviously felt like she was intruding or something… or maybe she was just embarrassed by everything that had happened since she had stepped through the doorway. Whatever it was, she quickly withdrew her hand from my arm - and I noticed with no small amount of aggravation that I wanted that hand to come back, now - and bowing once again said, “Excuse me, I should leave you two alone,” and with that she slipped away.

 

Before I could stop myself I sent my father a glare. He may have saved me from embarrassing myself but he had just made my ray of hope run off. This won't do, I growled, for the first time in all the years I've attended this snoozefest I have the chance of enjoying myself. I'm most certainly not going to let that chance just waltz away… Despite the fact that while said chance is waltzing away it is giving me a wonderful view of it's glorious backside. I growled in frustration at the treacherous train of thought.

 

“

 

“

 

“

I hurried away as fast I could from Sesshoumaru and his father, mentally berating myself for causing Sesshoumaru so much trouble. He had saved me, yes, but had probably gotten himself into trouble for it. I should have just stood up for myself, I thought angrily as I searched for Miroku and Sango amongst the crowd. Where the heck are those two? Gah! This is such a mob, I grumped before continuing my previous train of thought, I should have just told that creepy, creepy man to `go stick where the sun don't shine' but no. No, I had to go and be a chicken. A mental image of the man suddenly flashed in front of my mind's eye and I felt the hair on my neck rise and the goose pimples prick my skin once again. Or maybe I had a good reason to be a chicken, I finally concluded, there is just something very wrong about that man. He's more than just repulsive, he… he seems to ooze with malevolence… If I never see him again after tonight I will be more than eternally grateful, I thought, speaking my thoughts to the heavens.

 

That settled I continued my search for Miroku and Sango who I soon found at the bar. Of course, I thought trying not to giggle, they both need a drink to drown their mutual attraction so they can act like they don't like each other. The dolts.

 

Coming up behind them silently, stopping just a hairsbreadth behind both of their shoulders I asked loudly, “So why exactly did you guys invite me to the `Annual Tokyo Elite Business Party'?”

 

With a yelp Sango nearly dropped her martini as she gave a violent start and Miroku was little better, choking on his Long Island Ice Tea and coincidently spraying it all over a waitress as she walked past. “Gah!” Sango gasped, “Don't' scare me like that `Gome! What're you trying to do, kill us both?!”

 

I just doubled over in laughter, unable to help myself. As I wheezed, I heard the steady thump - thump of Sango's hand hitting Miroku's back as he continued to choke a bit. “My apologies,” I finally managed to gasp, “It's just... haha! So much fun to do that to you two!” A loud laugh burst from my lips one more time before I finally got a small amount of control over myself.

 

“Well, I seem to remember,” Miroku coughed, “That you never like it when I sneak up on you.”

 

“That,” Sango said dryly, “would be because you used to have a very bad habit when we were in college, if I remember correctly… Who wouldn't be afraid of you sneaking up on them?”

 

Miroku blushed, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing again. “So, could you please answer my previous question,” I finally managed to ask, barely resisting the urge to tease Miroku unmercifully. The only reason I did resist it was because I was dying to find out why my two best friends had brought me with them to a party for businessmen/woman and the press.

 

“What if we said no,” Miroku asked, coughing one last time to clear his throat, and finally straightening to take a quick sip from his drink.

 

“Then I would be most put out with you,” I growled threateningly.

 

“I think I could live with that,” he grinned broadly. “No more heart attacks, right, Sango?”

 

“Yeah, that sounds nice,” she agreed pulling the toothpick with its olive out of the glass and plopping it in her mouth. I didn't miss the way Miroku was suddenly very focused on that mouth and how his eyes grew slightly unfocused. As soon as he brought himself out of his stupor I gave him a subtle look that said very clearly, “I saw you. Now tell me if you want me to keep my mouth shut.”

 

He gulped and then with the sigh of a martyr finally said, “We thought it would be a fun opportunity for you to see Sesshoumaru Taisho away from work.”

 

“What?!” I spluttered in a loud voice that caused several people to turn and stare. Calming myself, and lowering my voice I repeated in a hiss, “What?!”

 

“Hey now,” Sango shook a finger in my face, “before you go ballistic remember what you told us in the car after your first day at work?”

 

My jaw clicked shut as my thoughts stopped dead in their tracks, met with this unexpected challenge. “Um…”

 

She rolled her eyes and hissed under her breath, “You said that he was `stunning' and that you were `actually looking forward to parent/teacher's conferences'.”

 

`So,” Miroku smirked, “When we got the assignment to come to this party we decided that it was the perfect opportunity to give you the chance to get gussied up, have fun in a gorgeous setting, and maybe if we were really lucky, get to spend a little time with Mr. Stunning.”

 

I opened my mouth, decided that his words deserved some sort of tart reply, but nothing came to mind and it closed shut with another audible click. After two more times of opening and closing my mouth I realized I was looking like a fish again and finally settled for a not so impressive reply, “You, you two…” I said, my voice somewhere between a hissed growl and a whine, “Are far to scheming and meddling for your own good.”

 

Sango's response was to laugh. “You seemed to be pretty happy to see him a few minutes ago.”

 

“Who wouldn't be happy to see Sesshoumaru, especially while they were being manhandled by a walking, talking pile of vile, nuclear waste? Who wouldn't be happy to see him period? That however is not the point!” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Because I came to this party, had the rotten bad luck of getting manhandled by aforementioned pile of nuclear waste, I managed to get Sesshoumaru into trouble,” I finished with a groan.

 

“Are you saying you wished you hadn't come,” Sango asked, looking disappointed and I couldn't find it in myself to stay upset.

 

“No,” I sighed, shoulders sagging as I picked up a hand full of the soft skirt in my hand and gazed at the dress appreciatively. “I don't, I'm sorry. I guess I'm just a little frazzled after my run in with the epitome of male coodies.” I paused and looked up at both of them smiling, “Thank you for inviting me to come with you. And thank you, Sango, for commandeering this gorgeous dress,” I winked at her, “So, let's just have fun for the rest of the night!”

 

“There's our girl,” Miroku smiled and patted my arm playfully, “Now let's get you a drink at the bar.”

 

“

 

“

 

“

As soon as I was able to break away from my father I began the endeavor of trying to find her scent in a room of people who were all wearing perfume and cologne, and more often than not, too much of it. I had to really concentrate to find it and when I did I caught sight of her on the far side of the room by the bar. I had covered half the distant between us when a playful voice said, “Hey Sesshoumaru, I see you seem to actually be having an entertaining evening here for once.”

 

“Well it would certainly be a pleasant change Inuyasha,” I grumbled.

 

“So who is the babe that you and Hayashi were having a power struggle over?” he asked, playing nonchalant, disinterested. The twerp.

 

I snorted haughtily, “I don't know if you could call verbal sparring with that twisted weakling a `power struggle'.”

 

Inuyasha laughed, “Fine whatever you say, Sesshoumaru, but you can't change the subject before you answer my question. Who was the hotty?”

 

“Please,” I said sighing and reaching a hand up to pinch the bridge of my nose as I tried to stop my encroaching headache, “Refrain from addressing her as `the hotty' and `the babe' or any other ridiculous term you can come up with in that sad little mind of yours.”

 

The infuriating sibling of mine merely smirked and said, “Fine, then tell me who she is and why exactly I shouldn't call her by those types of terms?”

 

I rolled my eyes, eager to be done with the conversation, “She is Rin's teacher.”

 

“Say what?” he asked, eyebrows shooting up to hide behind his white bangs.

 

“You heard me,” I replied giving him a condescending look.

 

“No offense, but what the heck is a 3rd grade teacher, let alone the infamous `Higurashi-sensei', doing at this party?” he asked incredulously and I actually let myself relish for a moment his shock. I love surprising people.

 

“She is here as the guest of two of her friends, who apparently work at Tokyo Beat,” I shrugged nonchalantly before I pinned him with a bored look and said, “Now if you will excuse me. I am going to have a good time at this party for once.” Thinking for a split second I quickly added, “And don't even think about making any wisecracks Inuyasha. I only wish to spend time with her at this party because she is the only person, out of this whole mass of people, who I know is worth speaking to. That is it. Nothing else.”

 

I quickly pulled away from him then and tried to ignore the smirk that was so blatant on his face. But I really didn't care, she was here and I was going to enjoy her company for the evening and that was final.

 

I finally broke through the edge of the crowd and was only a few feet from her when she turned her head as if she was searching for something. Scanning the area her eyes quickly caught mine and to my surprise she actually winced.

 

If I was a man with a weaker disposition I would have been so confused and shocked by her pained expression that I would have quickly retreated, rather than stick around to uncover the reason behind such a face. I never did have much of a weak disposition in any area, however.

 

“And why are you twisting your face in such a manner Kagome,” I asked coming to stand less than a foot and a half from her.

 

Frowning darkly she looked up at me and mumbled, “I inconvenienced you a lot tonight. I feel terrible.”

 

Ah, so that's why you ran off earlier.

 

“Inconvenienced,” I laughed, “Did you not hear me earlier when I told you that I'm incredibly glad that you came and that you've saved me from a night of boredom? You haven't inconvenienced me in the slightest. Now quit making that ludicrous face,” I chuckled and gently flicked her nose.

 

Her eyes widened slightly at the playful affront to her person and then with a brilliant grin, the one that never failed to made my head spin when I saw it, she shot her hand out toward my face and flicked my nose quite a bit harder. As soon she did, she backed away as fast as she could - in a tight-fitting, floor length dress, heels, while holding a nearly full cocktail - which was in other words, not very fast. I laughed and allowed her, her little game, following after her slowly until she came to a sudden stop, her back hitting the unyielding, solidness of the bar. Grinning wolfishly as I stopped less than a foot from her, causing her to reflectively bend back over the counter a little bit even though her eyes twinkled with amusement, I reached out and put my hand around her drink, our hands touching, causing a shiver to run up my spine unbidden.

 

“Payment,” I said cockily, using every ounce of my will power to keep the uneasiness and uncertainty out of my voice. The effect she had on me when our skin touched, the effect that she had on period, was nothing short of disconcerting and I still wasn't sure how I felt about it. It certainly took all of my usual confidence, made me feel awkward, unsure, vulnerable, and out of my depth; something that I wasn't used to feeling - at all. Why does this little women make me feel so callow, so adolescent, at times, I mused before she interrupted my thoughts.

 

“Payment?” she asked.

 

Oh right. You idiot. You were supposed to take her drink from her when you put your hand around her glass - not stand here holding the glass with her. You dolt.

 

Quickly, pretending like I hadn't just been holding the glass with her for the past minute or so I pulled on the glass, taking it from her hand and forcing my lips into a smirk I said, “Yes, payment for attacking my nose so disrespectfully.”

 

She snorted and crossed her arms over her chest, “Well you challenged me so that's your own fault, but if you'd like a taste, you could've just asked for it.”

 

“Why should I have to ask?” I teased before I brought the cup up, preparing to take a drink. As I did I saw a faint lipstick mark and an outrageously absurd little voice in my head cried, Indirect kissing~! I quickly stomped the embarrassing idea with a very large mental boot.

 

“Because,” she frowned, “Asking is the polite thing to do. I thought you were the type of man who knew his manners Sesshoumaru.” She gave me mournful look and shaking her head added, “I can't lie... I'm terribly disappointed in you.”

 

Ignoring her comment I asked after I had taken a long drag from the glass, “What is this thing anyway? It's like dessert.”

 

“Hey now,” she shook her finger at me while she snatched her drink back with her other hand. “You are the one that took it - rudely I might add - so no dissing the drink, Mr. Tough Guy.” She raised her eyebrows, and did her best to glower at me threateningly, but the effect was sadly lost due to the smile that was tugging at the corners of her mouth.

 

“I wasn't make fun of it,” I smirked, “I was merely curious. I've never drunk anything like it before,” I shrugged nonchalantly.

 

“It's a Casablanca if you must know,” she sniffed, throwing her nose in the air. “It's a concoction of white rum, Malibu pineapple juice, and milk. I think it's delicious,” she declared loudly as she brought it to her lips and took a large gulp. Seeing such a petite, innocent little women throw back a cocktail like a drinking veteran, I nearly laughed.

 

I was trying to come up with some brilliant remark when the noise of music starting suddenly blossomed over the loud chatter of the crowd. Her eyes widened in question while she took another long drink from her cocktail. Looking at my watch I realized that it was already 8:30.

 

“All right ladies and gentlemen,” the loud blaring voice of Mr. Tochigi, the president of Sounaku & Co., announced from the front of the Hall where he stood on the raised platform behind a mike. “It's time for the annual dance so, find a partner, let loose, and keep enjoying the evening!”

 

This was always the part of the night that I hated the most. The dance. It was just an even better way for men to get closer to women, and in my case, vice versa. At these parties, before I was married and after I was divorced, I usually spent the rest of the night being chased and hunted by all sorts of females because I never had a partner with me. And if you didn't have a partner, you were fair game.

 

Well, I thought happily, this year id going to be different.

 

“There's a dance?” she asked, setting her drink down on the bar as she watched the masses shifting as they prepared and searched for potential partners. I had already seen several women giving me the eye. I had to move fast.

 

“Yes, every year,” I chuckled, “It's usually my least favorite part of the evening.”

 

“Oh,” she wiggled her eyebrows teasingly, “Are you one of those men who are too good to dance, Mr. Taisho?”

 

“I'm insulted,” I sniffed. “I merely don't like being attacked on all sides by every type of predatory female imaginable.”

 

“Oh dear, that does sound…awful,” she laughed. “So do you usually run and hide in the restroom during this part of the evening.”

 

“I don't have that option as the `image and representation of the company',” I laughed. “So,” I looked casually over my shoulder to find several women nearly ready to pounce, and quickly held out my hand, “would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

 

“I would be more than happy to rescue you, Sesshoumaru,” she placed her small hand in mine, and the room suddenly felt a little hot and cramped. Her eyes sparkled with mirth as she continued, “You rescued me tonight after all; from a watching, talking, slimy snake, no less. The least I can do is rescue you from a few vultures of the feminine persuasion.”

 

Laughing at her appropriate nickname for Naraku I quickly led her out onto the floor, not failing, of course, to miss the angry, disappointed looks that crossed the vultures' faces. Sorry ladies, I thought merrily as I pulled Kagome close, wrapping an arm around her back respectively, but not in a strictly “we're just friends” manner, this is the only woman that I will be dancing with tonight. Rotten luck. As I held her close I didn't miss the shiver that ran up her spine or the blush that stained her cheeks for a split second.

 

Apparently I have some sort of an effect on you as well, I thought elatedly. I'll have to keep that in mind for future reference.

 

“

“

“

“Well,” Sango chirped happily as we finished our drinks, “That certainly went well.” With a laugh she turned to me, her eyes alive with happiness, and I felt my heart rate speed up for a second, “I think our idea has gotten better results than we could have ever imagined. Our little Kagome is actually dancing with him.”

 

“Yes, she is,” I smiled at the woman that had stolen my heart, “And I say that we take a page out of their book and follow suit. Sango, will you please honor me by dancing with me? Just a few times before we have to get down to business,” I added quickly,

 

Her eyes widened and with a devastating feeling my heart fell with a crash into my gut as I expected her to refuse. “Dance?” she asked, still looking dumb-founded.

 

`Look,” I said quietly, looking away to hide the emotions that I was sure were all too evident on my face, “If you don't want to, you can just say it.”

 

“Huh?” she said slowly, and then gasping she grabbed my hand with hers, “No, no, that's not what I meant!” she cried. Then quietly she added, “I - I would love to dance with you, Miroku.”

 

At her gentle voice I turned my head to look at her and was immediately caught in the gaze of those beautiful, warm, brown eyes that I loved so much. She was blushing slightly and I had to use every bit of my self-control to keep myself from placing a hand on her cheek.

 

“Well, then,” I smiled cockily, trying to hide my raw emotions from her as I pulled her towards the floor, “Why didn't you say so sooner.”

 

“

“

“

 

“Kanna,” I hissed as I came to stand behind one of the two secretaries that I had brought to the party, “I want you to find out who that woman is.”

 

“The one that you and Sesshoumaru were glaring at each other over?” she questioned, voice flat as usual.

 

“Yes,” I growled, clenching my fist furiously at the memory of that infuriating dog demon and his disrespectful words. “The one that he hasn't left alone all evening,” I glared across the room and caught sight of them as they stepped onto the dance floor, again. It was already 11:30 and the stupid dog hadn't left her alone even once since he had found her at the bar several hours earlier.

 

She followed my line of sight and found the pair immediately. “She seems to have caught his interest,” she said slowly, watching them almost thoughtfully, “Are you sure you want to tangle with the Taishos, Naraku?” She turned her expressionless eyes on me, and if I had been anyone else I might have been unnerved.

 

“I'm hardly worried about Taisho or either of his disgusting offspring,” I growled. “Just find out who she is, where she lives, what she does for work; everything. And what connection she has with Sesshoumaru.”

 

“Fine,” she shrugged, “That can be achieved easily enough. Just try to be more careful this time. You got sloppy last week… Or do you enjoy going to court?”

 

I shot out a hand, faster than she could blink, and held her fragile neck in my large hand, squeezing her windpipe as I glared down at her in warning. “Speak to me like that again and I'll make sure you never speak again,” I growled, lip curling in rage.

 

She nodded, eyes wide, and I released her, watching as she leaned heavily against the wall, gasping for breath and coughing. “Just do it. And do it fast. I want it all on my desk by Monday.”

 

I turned away from her, a clear dismissal, and boiling angrily stared at the woman that had caught my interest while I tried to ignore the man that was holding her in his arms. I let my eyes run up and down her delicious curves as she twirled gracefully across the floor in that black dress, that sexy black dress that was just screaming to me, “Take me off.” I smirked, as I thought about how I would love to run my hand up that long, slender leg exposed by the long slit, and then I thought about what I would do with that dress once it got in my way. It wouldn't be much of a dress for very long, I thought chuckling, as I continued to stare at her hungrily.

 

 

“ “ “ End Chapter “ “ “

 

Finally done! Sorry it took so long. Homework has been crazy this week - in fact I should have been doing it instead of finishing this but, oh well, that's why the weekend has two days, right?

^ ^

m(= '-` =)m

 

Anyway, thanks again for all of the reviews - and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!