A/N: Haha, I found some time to squeeze in another chapter for you guys. Thanks for being patient.
Chapter 21: Time to celebrate, or is it?
Xanatos straightened his dress coat, his uncomfortable state evident. Obi-Wan stood next to him and slide into an overcoat. The two wore black pants with a white undershirt. While Xanatos wore a dark blue dress jacket over the white shirt, he was surprised to see Obi-Wan wear a black dress jacket. The boy used to hate all black, but now it seemed that black was becoming the boy's favorite color.
Kaede came into the foyer through the front door. "The car is ready, sir."
"Thank you, Kaede," smiled Xanatos. "Well?"
Obi-Wan looked up at Xanatos, a grin on his face, "Ready whenever you are."
But as the two were about to exit the house, Fin burst into the foyer. "Sir! You need a companion. A female companion!" gasped the old woman.
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at Xanatos, "Xan?"
The Dark Jedi frowned, "One of us needs at least a female companion. Some stupid custom or regulation, that and there have been rumors..." Xanatos paused, not sure if he wanted Obi-Wan to hear it. The boy had just come back and his mind was in a fragile state, he didn't want to upset or drive him away, "Anyway,since you're the guest of honor and the most eligible…"
"I have the perfect person, sir," bowed Fin. She turned around and sprinted towards the servants' quarter.
Sighing, Obi-Wan walked over to a chair and collapsed into it. "I guess we have to wait awhile now."
Xanatos frowned, his disgust at the decision evident on his face. He did not want to deal with the bureaucracies of dating. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he began to pace.
For what seemed like eternity, but was what only a half an hour, Fin emerged from the hallway. A figure behind her was trailing slowly behind, her displeasure at the arrangement clearly seen. Stepping to the side, Fin coughed and revealed the girl. Nyree was wearing a simple, yet elegant dark brown dress. The dress was v-cut and was held up by the two strings tying behind her neck. The dress was embroidered and the dark brown coloring faded to black at the bottom.
Xanatos stopped his pacing, his mouth becoming slightly dry. He heard Obi-Wan stand up. Gathering up his thoughts, Xanatos cleared his thoughts, "Let's go." Holding out his arm, Nyree interlocked her own arm and the two walked out of the mansion.
Obi-Wan walked quietly behind them, making sure his tiny blaze of jealously did not seep through his bond with Xanatos.
The ride to the party was quiet. Everyone pretty much looked out the window and let their thoughts drift away. Finally, when the trio reached the large estate and made their way into the mansion did conversation take bloom.
"Is that him?"
"I hear he stood up to five robberies! Thankfully, no one got killed. He saved everyone!"
"Oh yes, isn't he attractive, are you taking notes?"
"A fine lad, he's definitely made out of hero quality."
"One would have never thought that such a man that boy would turn out to be when all his life, he has been around Xanatos."
Xanatos frowned at the last statement he heard. Nyree covered her mouth to hide her giggles. Obi-Wan lift an eyebrow and leaned forward and made a whip crack sound. Xanatos glared at the young man. But if Obi-Wan saw it, he would never know because three young women were pulling Obi-Wan onto the dance floor. Obi-Wan bowed to one of the girls. The girl immediately clapped and pure joy lit her face. The young man took her hand and twirled the girl around. After about ten minutes, he spun her around then grabbed one of her friends and danced with her for another ten minutes. The play between Obi-Wan and the three girls went on during the song and into the next one.
Nyree went to grab a glass of Southern Telosian wine but Xanatos grabbed the glass before her and took a sip.
"Sorry but no wine for you," smirked Xanatos.
"Why?" pouted Nyree.
Xanatos leaned in; his face a few inches away, "Because servants are not allowed to drink while on duty."
Nyree clenched her fist, "Is that all I am to you after this past month, a servant?"
Xanatos nodded and took another sip, his cold eyes boring down on her. Nyree locked her own dark brown eyes and the two engaged in a silent stare down.
"Oh how cute! Xanatos you didn't tell me that you had a companion!"
Nyree broke the gaze first and whispered, "I'll be going to bathroom."
Watching her leave, Xanatos finally turned his attention to an old, plump aristocratic woman. "Lady senator, what a pleasant surprise."
The senator laughed, laying a hand on his arm, her eyes glittering in glee, "That girl, she seems your type."
Xanatos raised an eyebrow, "Sorry but she is not. She is actually a friend of a friend who was dying to attend this party."
"Oh, what a shame. You need to find yourself a woman, Xanatos. Obi-Wan will be spreading his wings soon and will fly away from the nest, then where will you be?" commented the woman, patting his arm and then returned to mingling with her other guests.
Xanatos sagged his shoulders slightly and went to watching the dance floor. An unpleasant thought entered his mind. Where would he be if Obi-Wan ever left him? He didn't know but he did know that life would get extremly boring. He spotted Obi-Wan dancing closely to another woman, not one of the original three. Sensing his stare, Obi-Wan looked up and locked eyes with his master/partner/friend. The boy was the talk of the party but it seemed that it didn't seem to hit him at all. Obi-Wan just continued to play the same charming man, but this time he was more open more willing to flirt and take part in small talk.
Blue eyes darkened just a tad bit and moved off to the side. Twirling the girl, the boy disappeared further into the crowd.
"Be careful."
Narrowing his eyes and finishing off the wine, Xanatos mulled over Obi-Wan's brief message across their bond. Seeing a servant walk past him with a tray, Xanatos casually turned to place his glass on the tray. That was when he saw the reason for Obi-Wan's warning. Standing off to the side was Mace Windu and Qui-Gon in their Jedi robes.
"Well, they love to stand out don't they," mocked Nyree from behind Xanatos.
"Yes they do, come on," hissed Xanatos. Dark anger was present in his eyes and tone as he took Nyree out onto the dance floor. Holding her close, Xanatos waltzed through the crowd, keeping an eye on the Jedi. On the edge of the dance floor, Xanatos felt that they were somewhat in a safe position. Glancing down, a dark glee entered his eyes. Nyree was blushing. Xanatos had Nyree pressed slightly to his chest and his breath was cascading down her neck.
"Great, now I won't hear the end of it," moaned Xanatos. Rolling his eyes, Xanatos caught a brief glance of Obi-Wan staring at him before another person passed between them. After the person left, Obi-Wan was no longer there. But there was something in his eyes that Xanatos couldn't quite describe. For a split second, he thought he was staring into a mirror, those same cold blue eyes reflecting back into his soul. Unknowingly, he had squeezed Nyree closer to him.
"Xanatos," Nyree's soft voice rose up into his ears as she gently pushed away but didn't break his grip.
Xanatos lowered his eyes, "I need some air."
Nyree stood in the crowd of dancing people, confusion on her face as Xanatos left her and disappeared onto the balcony.
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A/N: The trouble has ensued. Don't worry, next time more drama shall occur. Just what we need right and let's not forget Obi angst! I'm evil I know. I'll try and write another chapter before I leave, but can't promise it. But when I finally get home, I'll have all summer!