J.J. - Hurrah for another update! -random high kick- I'm so excited for Christmas, so be expecting a random one-shot of some sort... Thanks again to those who reviewed, and to those who read The Chains That Bind Us as well.


Chapter Nine

The Moonlight Banquet Part One

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She couldn't believe it, but she was honestly feeling a set of nerves overtake her as the evening approached. She couldn't tell if they were fearful nerves, or excited nerves, but either way, she couldn't get her hand to stop shaking as she tried to brush it through her hair.

She felt excited because she was going out with Hiei, and the beautiful girl she had been so jealous over had turned out to be his sister. One that he obviously cared a great deal about, though. She sighed and set her brush down. Such a gentle care that was so out of character for him . . . She longed to be on the receiving end of that rare side of him.

But she was also fearful. She was a maid, and there was no use skirting around that obvious fact to save her feelings. She was a middle class citizen who had never had a need to dress formally, save for her prom night. What if she embarrassed Hiei? The thought made her sick with dread.

She wore her hair up, pinning a picture of a hair model to the mirror so she could copy the elegant hair-do almost exactly. She'd even done her make-up, though it wasn't near as good as Raphael's job. She considered wearing her blue dress again, but changed her mind because while it was indeed formal enough, it seemed a little too partyish for a banquet. She decided instead on the one dress she had owned before she'd come to Jaganshi Manor.

It was her 'every-woman's-little-black-dress'. It was elegant, and luckily still in great condition. She pulled it on, annoyed to find that it was just a tiny bit tighter than the last time she wore it. She also wished it covered up a little more, but she had been in college when she bought it, and had thus felt a little more confident in herself.

She wore the same shoes as last time, as well as the same jewelry, having nothing in that category that would have been up to class. She exited the bathroom and walked back to her room. It was only when she stepped across the carpet to close the drapes did she realize that she didn't have any coat or jacket suitable to wear with her dress.

She wanted to drive a nail into her head, just for being so damn poor, but she knew in reality she shouldn't be so hard on herself. If someone had told her before to purchase a leather, fur-lined coat because she'd be going out to dinner with Mr. Jaganshi, she would have laughed in their faces.

She was considering her options, which weren't many, when a knock sounded at her door. Her heart jumped into her throat. Hiei was here. I guess you pretend it's not cold, Botan dear. She quickly smoothed out any wrinkles in her dress before answering the door.

Her breath caught in her throat. She had never seen him look so powerful or magnificent.

He was dressed in a loosely formal tuxedo, the scarlet waistcoat gleaming in the lamplight from her walls. His cravat was folded impeccably and neatly pinned. Only the tips of his white dress shirt were visible against the black material. His waist was thin and his legs were muscled under the black superfine of the trousers, his wing tip boots glossy with care. The satin soft gold lining of his cloak flared with each step he took.

"Botan," he murmured, low and resonant and affected with a sensation she had never heard before. She felt a complex frisson of fear, meekness, desire and primal thrill shoot down her spine.

She found her feet carrying her to him of their own volition, her eyes roaming his lean, powerful form. She had never been this overwhelmed by him before. His presence was absolute magnetism and she was being drawn like a flimsy piece of metal. She'd only felt this way towards him on two accounts before. When he played that god-forsaken music, and in her dreams.

But now there was no music, and he could not be controlled by her subconscious thoughts. He was very much real, and likely very aware of her standing in front of him.

And she still felt this way.

He stretched out a hand encased in black leather, unfurling his fingers towards her. "Let's go."

She barely managed to nod as she stepped forward, slipping her hand into his own. Almost at once an electric like thrill shot through her arm to the pit of her stomach and beyond. It felt way too good to be decent and a quick blush entered her cheeks. She glanced at Hiei's face. Had he felt it as well? His completely neutral expression gave her every reason to believe that he hadn't, but barely, almost unnoticeably, he tightened his grip on her hand.

His eyes shifted to meet her gaze and she felt a soft fire erupt in her lower stomach. His eyes darkened in that same way that they had when she had first gotten her make over before he turned his head, pulling slightly on her arm. She followed him without hassle, allowing him to guide her outside to the limo.

Yusuke was leaning casually against it, waiting for them. She greeted him with a warm smile, glad to be distracted from Hiei. Yusuke's surprise was evident, but he smiled warmly all the same. "Botan. You look stunning."

"Thanks." She warmed.

He opened the door for them and flourished a hand towards the opening. Hiei released her hand, seemingly glad to be able to do so, and glanced towards the opened door. "Ladies first."

She gave the briefest of nods before climbing into the limo, situating herself against the plush leather. It was going to be a long night... It wasn't looking very promising, considering the stoic mood Hiei seemed to be in. Conversations with him were always one of two things: interesting or painful; interesting because the incorporate had a truly unique, if grim, outlook on life and a wicked, if easy-to-miss, sense of humor.

... painful because trying to start one of the aforementioned conversations was like pulling the teeth of a particularly ill-tempered alligator: impossible without the proper skills and so very masochistic.

Hiei however, lost in his own thoughts, was completely oblivious to the awkwardness the silence was creating. A test of wills indeed.

He had no will.

He would be lucky if he could survive through the night. He was thankful for the fact that once they got there, he would have to concentrate on locating the Toguro brothers. But as for right now, he had made sure to situate himself on the opposite end of the square area in the limo, distancing himself.

He had to resist the urge to simply glare at her in response to the current situation. She hadn't worn the blue dress. She'd worn a black one he hadn't known she owned. And he cursed her for it. The blue dress made her look brilliantly beautiful. The black one made her sexy and desirable.

He recalled the sight of her, standing in her doorway earlier, her arms folded over her waist, clad in a black dress, had stolen his breath. His eyes had roved her face, hungry for her features. Her smooth brow, her wide sweet William eyes, her rose-tinted cheeks, her sensually but sweetly curved mouth. The cascade of azure-hued locks, which she had worn down the day she'd worn the blue dress, she now wore up elegantly, revealing the enticing curve of her fragile throat.

He dared to glance at her again, pathetically eager just to look at her. Her eyes sliding closed, her lashes, dark and feathered upon her cheeks, her dusky pink lips parting with a sigh. Pursing his lips, he exhaled slowly and forced his thoughts elsewhere. He was startled from his reverie when Botan suddenly said, "So which limo is this?"

He glanced at her in question. "What?"

Her eyes roamed over the classy interior decorating surrounding them. "Well, I know you own twelve of them . . . I was just wondering which one this was."

He owned twelve limos? Well this was news to him. He'd hardly ever felt obligated to find out the exact number of limos he owned. He had far more important things to occupy his mind with. The divider window was rolled down and he tapped the side frame to get his chauffeur's attention. "Yusuke, which limo is this?"

Botan seemed surprised that he didn't know. Yusuke glanced back at them in the rearview mirror, raising an amused eyebrow. "Well, Mr. Jaganshi, this is your formal occasion limo, as it is the newest model and has the most worthy appearance."

"Ah." Hiei turned back to Botan nodding towards her as if to say, Well there you go.

Botan forced a small smile before turning to look out the window again, wondering how he managed to make nearly all of their conversations come to a stand still at some point or another, but she was far used to such mannerisms. Used to them enough that she hadn't felt too horribly offended when he'd purposely sat on the other side of the limo from her, either.

Attempting to ease the silent atmosphere a little, she tried again. "Do you have to deal with paparazzi, Hiei?"

"Not really. No one knows who I am by my face, so they don't bother taking pictures." His tone seemed bored, if not annoyed.

"Oh. That's nice, I guess."

He made a barely audible sound of agreement and nothing else.

She sighed and wanted to throw a rock at his head for being so impossible to talk to. She glanced above them and gasped aloud. "Oh, look! A sunroof!"

Hiei glanced upwards as well, his expression indicating that this was the first time he'd noticed as well. Botan sent a hopeful look towards Yusuke. "May we open it?"

Yusuke chuckled at her politeness. "Of course. Just press the little button."

Hiei's eyebrows arched in disbelief. "Excuse me?" His glare silently dared her to try anything of the sort.

She easily ignored him, reaching up and pressing a finger to the button. A soft buzzing sound came and the window slowly opened, allowing the cool night air to rush over them. Botan's arms prickled with goose bumps. She laughed and took hold of the outside frame of the sunroof for balance as she slowly came to her feet.

Hiei bristled in agitation. "What are you doing?" he asked in a tone that suggested he was speaking to child.

Botan turned to him, crouched so she wouldn't hit her head on the ceiling. "I'm going to stick my head out of the sunroof," she said in the exact same tone. He frowned but she didn't wait for him to reply as she straightened, raising the upper half of her body above the limo. Yusuke wasn't driving fast, so the wind wasn't hard, but it caught her face with a pleasant coolness nonetheless. She laughed out loud.

"Botan," Hiei snapped from the seat, craning his neck so he could see her better. "Get back in here!"

"Why?" she replied breezily above him.

"Because you work for me and I am ordering you to."

She replied by bring her hands up to her mouth as an amplifier and shouting. "Hellooooo beautiful city!"

His eyes widened at her audacity before he left his seat to come by her side, crouching down so his own head wouldn't rise above the sun roof. He gripped her arm and glared up at her.

"What are you doing!"

"I'm greeting the world!" she sung.

"No," he hissed. "You're embarrassing me!"

She glanced down at him dubiously. "Lighten up. Learn to have a little fun."

Yusuke laughed from his position in the driver's seat, but a glare from Hiei silenced him. Hiei reddened in anger, glowering back up at Botan. "That is not fun. It's childish and stupid."

"How would you know?" she challenged. "You've never tried it."

"Nor do I care to."

"Come on," she teased with a sly grin. "Just for a minute. You'll love it!"

"Get down, now," he glared, challenging her to defy him.

"I don't think it would hurt anything, sir," Yusuke input humbly.

Hiei shot him a withering glance. "You keep your eyes on the road and shut up."

"Yes, sir," Yusuke said with mock respect and a terse frown, moving his eyes away from the rearview mirror.

"Botan–"

"Just try it," she interrupted calmly. She gazed down at him and he silently fumed, cursing her and the affect that look had on him.

He growled before slowly grounding out the words, "Fine. If it will get you to stop." He sighed irritably before hauling himself upwards through the sunroof. The wind caught his hair, blowing it around his face.

She glanced at him expectantly, trying to judge his expression as he looked at her. He narrowed his eyes, arching a less-than-amused eyebrow. He raised his voice to be heard above the wind and noises of the city. "This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever done."

Botan laughed. "I know! Isn't it great?" She sighed and leaned back into the wind. "The city is so beautiful."

Hiei scoffed. "It is if you don't see it everyday."

"You see it everyday?" she questioned, straightening herself again curiously.

He raised an eyebrow. "Where do you think I work? A farm?"

She blushed in embarrassment and glanced away, attempting a nervous chuckle to hide her clueless comment. He always seemed to make her feel stupider than she knew she really was. However, much to her surprise, Hiei didn't seem to want to gloat over her ignorance. He nudged her arm, bring her gaze back to him. He was looking over her shoulder, pointing above them.

"Turn around."

She turned. "See that building?" he said, stepping closer to her, arm stretched over her shoulder. Despite his nearness, which sent a flurry of shivers down her spine, she followed his arm to the building he was pointing at.

It was huge. It loomed over everything else with an ominous air of intimidation. It put the other tall-storied skyscrapers around it to shame, it's architectural design, sheer power and overall impressive appearance drawing immediate attention to itself. She was about to question what building it was when she saw silver plated words across the side reading, 'Weaponry Inc.'

Of course, she thought to herself. The company's building would likely resemble the president that ran it. However, it was soon out of decent viewing sight, and she turned back to Hiei. "That's where you work?"

He smirked, a sort of proud, prestigious look across his features. "Home away from home," he muttered, almost bitterly. Before she could say anything, his gaze swept across the streets before them. "We're almost there," he said suddenly. "Come on." He pressured her shoulder back down into the limo. "I don't want us to arrive at the banquet looking like a highschool prom couple."

She giggled and allowed him to guide her back into the limo where she sat down again. Hiei closed the sunroof and, surprisingly, sat back down next to her. Botan smiled and sank more comfortably into the seat. In the now relaxed silence, she had to resist the urge to reach over and grab his hand.

Hiei bent forward a little, his fierce eyes looking out the window. "We're here," he announced. The limo began to slow only seconds after he spoke.

"I'm nervous," Botan said quickly, hoping he wouldn't think her weak for admitting such a thing and look at her presence as a burden.

He surprised her with a startled and interested glance back at her. After a moment, he turned back towards the window, saying softly, "Don't be."

No advice, no touching condolences, but his words still made her feel better. Seconds later, the limo lurched to a stop and Yusuke got out of the driver's seat. She caught her breath as he opened the door for them and Hiei stepped out. All alone in the inside of the limo, she considered staying there the rest of the night, safe from rich aristocrats and any judgements they might make over her small upbringing. But unfortunately, her employer had different ideas, sticking his head back in after her. "Are you just going to sit there all night?" He stretched out a hand for her just as he had done at their room. "Come on."

She swallowed and grasped his hand, stepping out of the limo. Her feet, much to her delight, contacted with red carpet, which managed to somewhat distract her from the same sensation she received upon taking Hiei's hand. On both sides of the carpet were line ropes that prevented any reporters or other onlookers from crossing over.

However, they didn't have to worry about any swarming fans. All they received were semi-interested looks and a couple of camera flashes. She breathed a sigh of relief, even more grateful when Hiei made fast time of getting to the entrance where the valet greeted them warmly.

"Ah, Monsieur Jaganshi," the goateed man spoke in a French accent. "So glad you changed your mind."

"So am I," he replied in sarcastic undertones that were hard to miss. Or, at least they weren't hard for her to miss... but the red-adorned valet seemed oblivious.

"Your table is in the AA section, sir." Hiei nodded his understanding before heading through the large double doors, pulling a bewildered maid along with him. They had sections?

A delighted gasp escaped as they entered into the lavish banquet hall. Now she could understand how they might need sections. Everything was large and elaborate. Well decorated tables were placed in groups in several different places, though she guessed there were more because she could see arches and hallways that led into various rooms. In one corner a small orchestra played classical tunes, next to it a rather extensive dance floor where several couples waltzed in elegant steps.

Everything was swathed in lace and crystalline, giving the room an enchanted aura. Proper, she supposed, for a Moonlight banquet. On another side of the room was a large bar, where many men were getting drinks for any attractive women they'd encountered (never mind the fact that they had brought dates) Most of the large throng of people were littered about the room, conversing with different people, a few already seated at their tables.

Looking around, she also noticed how fake everything seemed. Nearly everyone who was smiling wasn't really smiling. Barely anyone's smile reached their eyes…

People were all making an effort to dress in the most noticeable and sometimes downright weird ways to be the center of attention. The few people who had established their place at the top of this food chain were plain to see… and it was equally plain to see the people trying to suck up to them.

As she and Hiei began walking down the large staircase that led into the whole procession, she gave a silent prayer of thanks for the man she was accompanied with. For once, she was glad he was, quite literally, cold and aloof to everyone except Yukina. He wasn't the kind of person to willingly socialize with others, and that would save her from too many conversations that she'd been dreading.

She was right. He motioned towards the far side of the room. "There's where our table is," he said gruffly, seemingly with no intention of stopping along the way. "Let's go."

But the second their feet were off the bottom step, Botan realized how utterly foolish she had been. Had she honestly believed that his intense magnetism was only present in his own home? It didn't matter if he wasn't drawn to others— others were drawn to him. He had that powerful radiation around him that automatically condemned him to be the center of attention. More than a few eyes had turned to them, and many looked like they'd like a word with the business president, but two girls beat them to it.

"Hiei!" Two very feminine voices squealed. Botan's hand was simultaneously pulled from Hiei's and she was forced back a step. She stared in surprise as the two girls latched onto his shoulders, but was less than surprised by the annoyed look that passed through Hiei's eyes. One girl had a brilliant greenish hair color and was taller (likely a model), and the other had auburn hair and a face that Botan thought held a starking resemblance to a cat. Both were extravagantly dressed.

"Botan," he said, and she felt proud he addressed her first instead of them. "This is Koto, and this is Juri." He motioned first to cat-girl, and then to green-model. "Ladies, this is my date, Botan."

Botan managed a bright smile. "Nice to meet you."

"You too," Koto said in a forced polite tone, but she quickly brought her attention back to Hiei, ignoring the blue-haired maid. She placed a hand on his chest. "It's nice to see you here, you never want to come to these things."

"Yeah," Juri pouted. "Party pooper." She rested her chin on his shoulder, something she had to stoop down for, being taller than Hiei.

Botan felt herself warm with a familiar pang of jealousy. Hiei began to say something, but Koto cut him off, tracing a sly finger along his jaw line. "Save a dance for me, pumpkin?"

Botan stared in disgust. Pumpkin?

"Me too," Juri purred close to his ear.

Hiei smirked with a calmness Botan was having difficulty displaying herself. He easily removed himself from their holds and stepped to Botan's side. He wrapped a possessive arm around her waist and pulled her close to him which set her pulse into a frenzied race. Her eyes widened, but she tried to control the blush that threatened to erupt against her cheeks, for the sake of looking like this was a natural occurrence.

"You'd have to ask my date," he replied calmly.

The two fashion-induced half-brains actually had the gall to look at her in expectancy.

Botan got a good deal of satisfaction tilting her chin up in importance, gracing them with a cool look. "No."

Both of their faces fell in unified shock and disappointment. She turned, smirking at Hiei. His lips curled upwards slightly, gazing at her with humored approval in his eyes. She was ashamed to admit it, but an absurd sense of pride swelled through her knowing he approved of her actions.

"Shall we?"

Ignoring Koto and Juri, they walked away from them. After a few steps, Hiei seemed to remember his arm around her waist and he quickly untangled himself. He wouldn't look at her, his movements stiff and awkward. She averted her own gaze, cheeks turning scarlet.

Fortunately, they were spared a rather cumbersome moment when two men approached them. "Hiei Jaganshi," the first one growled in a very heavy Scottish accent. He had bright red hair that was long, tied in a haphazard ponytail. His companion, much more subdued, had ice blue eyes, and equally colored hair.

Botan couldn't quite place it, but in both of their eyes was that same inner stillness that Hiei possessed in his own garnet ones. It was different in a way, for all three of them, and yet the same. She hadn't seen it in anyone but Hiei, but now she was greatly curious about why it would strike such a familiarity in her.

Hiei actually looked somewhat glad to see them, producing a sluggish half-grin. "Jin, Touya."

The Scotland laughed, boisterously slapping Hiei on the shoulder. "Thought ya weren't comin'?" He grinned, glancing around. "Yer bloody chauffeur i'n't around, is 'e?"

"Outside," Hiei informed him. Jin grinned and with a short expression of gratitude, headed outside.

Touya smiled in greeting, but his expression quickly grew grave as he placed a hand on Hiei's shoulder. He leaned in, speaking in a low whisper, "They're here. We just saw Karasu."

Hiei's face hardened darkly. He nodded at Touya. "I see..." He paused before adding, "Thank you."

The blue-eyed man drew back, smiling in a bored way. "My pleasure." He spoke in normal volumes now. "I'll see you later." He winked towards Botan. "My lady." And then he left, instantly lost in the crowds.

She glanced at Hiei. "What was–"

"Let's go," he cut her off, and Botan knew better than to pursue the subject further. Obviously something important or secretive, and Botan had to wonder if the reason he had suddenly decided to go the banquet was more important then she thought.

She wished they would reach their table with no more interruptions, but she was wishing on a false hope. It seemed that despite being a socially-challenged bastard, Hiei was quite popular. He was definitely one of those on the top of the food chain, which meant a lot of people felt the need to 'suck up'. And of course, everyone who talked to them was interested in his date. The strange blue-haired beauty that no one had any idea who she was. They wanted to know how she was rich, in other words...

Despite being under scrutiny, she managed to hold up well enough, answering all the questions that were fired at her and laughing politely at a few of their jokes. Fortunately, she couldn't be topic of conversation all night, especially among such vain narcissists. Eventually the subjects changed…

Nonetheless, it took them a whole twenty-five minutes to reach their table, and when they finally did, she was in a far less pleasant mood then when they had arrived. She plopped into one of the chairs, sick of being on her feet.

"The worst is over," Hiei said, placing himself carefully into of the chairs, exhibiting a grace that she had definitely not shown seating herself. He didn't look tired or haggard in the least.

"Good," she grumbled, placing her chin in her hand.

He chuckled. "At least now we don't have to wait long to eat. Dinner is going to be served in a few minutes."

"Really?" She tried not to sound excited, but her rumbling stomach gave her away anyway. She was hungry. She usually never ate this late, but she had put off eating her normal six o'clock dinner so she wouldn't spoil her appetite.

"Really, really."

She ignored his mocking tone at the prospect of food in her belly. Feeling her bad mood leaving, she glanced down at her plate and silverware. Her many, many silverware. She blinked. "Uh... Hiei?"

"What?"

"I have six forks."

He tilted his head slightly, regarding her in amusement. "Yes... so do I."

She looked back up at him in despair. "I only know how to use one."

He barely suppressed a chuckle with a small cough before answering, "I'm fairly certain that you use all forks the same way."

"I know that." She glared in exasperation. "But–"

She stopped as two waiters placed plates in front of them, covered in a luscious looking salad. Once they left, Hiei decided to show a little pity. He smirked and picked up his own fork. "You're only eating with me, and I don't care how you eat."

She sighed and picked up a random fork, stabbing at her lettuce. She felt a little better, knowing her appetite wouldn't be hindered, but she couldn't help but feel that Koto and Juri probably knew which fork to use. They'd lived in the cushions of lots of money before.

They ate in silence, but Hiei seemed unsettled. He would occasionally swallow a few bites, but he was for the most part completely distracted from his meal, eyes continually searching around the room. He stopped eating altogether when he was about halfway finished.

Botan's stomach growled in protest, but she stopped as well. She didn't want to look like a pig, and she felt like she would if she ate more than her date. Plus, she was at least cultured enough to know that this was only the first course. Bored, and stomach still not satisfied, she looked around the room. Many people were eating, but some had left their plates to dance and converse amongst others.

Exactly how long was it until the next course? The pessimistic side of her told her it probably wouldn't be for at least another ten to fifteen minutes.

She thought of a way to occupy herself, but she didn't know how open a key factor to such a plan would be. She cleared her throat slightly. "Hiei?"

He snapped his gaze to her, momentarily shaken out of his searching trance. He didn't offer any words, so she took this as incentive to keep talking. "Um..." She had tried so hard to hold his eyes, but she couldn't help dropping her own in embarrassment. "Would... would you like to dance?"

His eyes widened and his hand, which had been fiddling with his napkin, froze. The silence stretched on almost painfully. Botan bit her lip. She couldn't decide if he looked more shocked, or horrified. Finally, he managed to say, however softly. "I don't think so..."

Disappointment washed over her, but she also felt a little angry at him. "Why not?"

He straightened defensively, narrowing his eyes slightly. "I don't dance."

She sighed and glanced away, sinking slightly in her chair. Rather humiliated, she chose not to acknowledge him at all, even though she could feel his gaze on her. The gaze that made her feel like she was going to explode from the heat.

"Now, now, Hiei, that's no way to treat your lovely date."

Both she and Hiei looked up at the new voice. It was malicious and slick with deception. The owner of the voice was a tall, lean man. He had gleaming black hair that fell to his waist, but it in no way looked unkept. His oddest feature being the mask that covered his nose and mouth. Behind him were two other men– one taller than him, and one shorter. The taller man was huge, one solid mass of muscle, sunglasses hiding his eyes even indoors. The shorter man was sickly pale, with stringy gray hair that fell to his shoulders.

But the most striking thing about all three of them, was the fact that they possessed that same gleam in their eyes. That inner stillness, like a large power that was caged inside, controlled, but at the wrong moment, could be released. It was different with them though... it seemed evil. With Hiei, it was powerful and calculating... like a cobra. With Jin it was like a lion, Touya like hawk. But with them... like a poisonous serpent, or other such animal, like a crow or spider.

More of Hiei's admirers, no doubt. She glanced over at her date, wondering if this was someone he liked, like Jin and Touya, or just another annoying pest. She felt her breath catch in her throat. He had tensed to a frightening degree, and if she hadn't known better, she'd have said she could feel heat rolling off of him. His face was set in only a cool glare, but his eyes were smouldering. Immediately, one thought passed through her mind of it's own volition: He wants to kill them.

Just by looking at him, she felt a small fear grow inside of her. What was going on?

The shortest man chuckled, an altogether evil sound. "Calm yourself, Hiei, or you'll set something on fire."

At her side, she saw Hiei's fists clench so hard his knuckles turned white. Confusion grew in her. Set something on fire? What were they talking about? But it became apparent she wasn't going to get to ask Hiei about it any time soon because the three men casually took seats at their table. The one with the mask set on her right side.

For the first time, Hiei spoke. "Karasu. Toguro..." His voice was eerily calm. It scared her more than it would have if he had shouted in rage. But this new revelation hit her in surprise. Toguro? As in Toguro brothers? One word flashed across her mind.

Demons.

It made sense, and every instinct inside her seemed to scream that she was right. It was that gleam, that inner power– it was their demonic power. But... but that meant that Jin and Touya were demons as well. It meant that Hiei was a demon. And that thought would not bare thinking about.

The man (or should she say demon) now identified as Karasu smiled at her. She could barely tell behind the mask. "Hiei, don't be rude. Please introduce us to your beautiful date."

She smiled slightly at the compliment. She knew Hiei wasn't fond of many people so his obvious dislike for them wasn't anything to judge by, and she had to make judgements for herself. She had no reason to personally hate them, and she knew things were just tense between Hiei because he had taken over their business. She would at least give them a chance.

Naturally, Hiei had no intention of doing any such thing. He let out a low, protective growl. After a moment, he managed to ground out, "Her name is Botan."

She offered a small smile. "It's nice to meet you."

Hiei snorted derisively at her side. But the three men smiled graciously at her. "The pleasure is ours," one of the Toguros, the bigger one, said.

No one got the chance to say anything further, because the main course of the meal was being brought out of the kitchens. The waiter came shortly and set a covered plate in front of her, then removed the silver cover with a flourish, revealing a dish of steamed, flaky salmon, small red potatoes glistening with butter and spices and a pile of brightly colored sauteed asparagus. She leaned over and inhaled and nearly moaned at the wonderful smell.

From her right, Karasu chuckled at her obvious delight in the food. "I take it your hungry, Botan?"

"I'm afraid that I'm completely famished," she said politely before turning back to her food. She eagerly cut into the fish, which fell apart at the first touch of her fork, and ate a small piece. This time, she wasn't able to restrain her eyes sliding closed and purring in ecstacy at the wonderful flavor of the impeccably cooked salmon.

Karasu sent her a bemused look, his dark eyes holding a trace of seductiveness. "My, you're a very responsive woman."

She met his eyes and blushed. He looked nothing but politely amused, but a deeper meaning behind his eyes made her blush deepen. But then his eyes left hers to look to her side, as if he had sensed something disturbing. She turned slightly to look as well.

Red eyes shone like hell's fire, spewing angered flames hot enough to almost melt the very man before him. Inflamed as he was, an icy gleam cut deep in the red orbs. All this surrounded by an expression so calm and indifferent that it scared her.

But Karasu either didn't see, or didn't understand the warning. "Botan, my dear, since Hiei so foolishly denied you, would you mind if I had this dance?"

She glanced at Karasu. She had really wanted to dance that night, and since Hiei obviously wasn't going to... She thought of how angry it might make her employer, but this only made her more determined. It was just one dance, and he couldn't keep her from enjoying herself. Maybe this would give him initiative to dance with her.

She smiled. "I'd love to," she said sweetly and took Karasu's outstretched arm.


J.J. - Raise a hand if you want to smack Karasu over the head with a salmon.

Hiei: (-raises hand-)

R.R.

Someone asked about the whole full moon... demonish... thing. Not going to answer, on account of it would give away a large portion of a future chapter. When and how soon, it's hard to say... >.>;

You just love torturing people, don't you?

Yes. Yes, I do.

Please tell me Yukina and Kurama are a couple instead of the baka head.

Kuwabara: Um... ouch.

Actually, I'm afraid not. I have someone else in mind in regard for Kurama's future relationships. Don't panic-- I'm not going to exploit a whole other plot, here. But it does have sidestory written all over it.

When will they KISS!

Oh, you know... After they're married.

Botan: Nuuuuu! (-clings to Hiei-)

Hiei: (-purr-) I am not enjoying this in any way. n.n

Wouldn't it be funny if Botan had a metal bat?

Hiei: o.O So not funny.

Botan: (-rubs hands together evilly-)

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(Next chapter: Part Two of the Moonlight Banquet)