Chapter 15

Naraku found himself standing in the corn of a large ball room filled with dozens of rich people laughing and dancing. The ball room is what you would expect. It was expensive and filled with a lot of marble, golden chandeliers and velvet curtains. Naraku grumbled to himself. Even when he had money he hated coming to these events. It wasn't a really party, it was a meeting of rich old snobs that like to get together and brag about their success. Naraku had always preferred night clubs and trips to Vegas over the fancy balls. He couldn't even dance like them.

At least his sisters were having fun. Kagura was talking to two men around her age. They seemed to be fighting over her. His oldest sister always liked theses events. It was a pity she probably wouldn't be attending many more. Naraku shrugged. Knowing his sister she marry a rich man and go to balls and charity even every night.

Kana seemed to be entertaining herself by looking at the band play. Thought if she did like the music is was unknown to him. Her face was bare of any emotion.

The bright side was that there was a nice spread of food. He figured that if he was force to be stuck at this party wearing a suit that was to tight for him than he'd eat his fill. At least till Inuyasha's suit popped.

Grabbing a plate Naraku was just about to serve himself when he heard a familiar voice.

"Naraku, what are doing here?" Miroku appeared behind him and patted his shoulder. "I didn't expect to see you tonight.

"Neither did I."

"I'm here representing the company. Mr. Sesshoumaru picked me especially for the job. So what brings you here?"

"Ummm. I just love parties." Naraku did not want Mirokuto know that he was only here because Sesshoumaru invited him. Usually people of his current position were not invited to these things.

Unsatisfied with his answer Miroko decided to be blunter. "I mean how were you invited. You need to know someone to be invited to such a prestige party like this."

Feeling boxing he gave up. "Well if you must know I was also invited by as well."

This surprised the other.

"Really? I wonder why he invited you?"

Naraku shrugged his shoulders.

"Naraku" They both turned around to see Sesshoumaru walking towards them. He wore a white suit and his hair was tied in a high pony tail. "Like his father in the anime"

Naraku had never seen the man before with his hair up. Now his strong jaw and piercing eyes were more noticeable. He was a little envious of his boss's perfect skin but over all Naraku still believed he was more handsome than him. After all Sesshoumaru couldn't complete with his fair natural color skin and wavy locks or his deep red eyes. But considering they both had very different traits he say they were both handsome, just in different ways.

Sesshoumaru held out a credit card to Naraku. The action made Miroku lift an eyebrow.

"I know you were hesitant to come here but I hope this will make your night more enjoyable. Use it to drink as much as you want."

"Really?"

"Yes, feel free to order anything at the bar. All profits go to charity anyway."

Naraku grabbed the card from his hand. "Thank you very much." Smiling he started to walk towards the bar, but not before grabbing some sweet bread from the table. It wasn't wise to drink on an empty stomach.

"Good evening Mr. Sesshoumaru. I trust you are enjoying the party."

"I suppose but the night is moving awfully slow. I had hopped bringing Naraku would provided me with some extra entertainment."

Miroku smiled. He now understood why his old bully was at the party. "He is an interesting man isn't he. You never quit know what he's going to do next."

Sesshoumaru glanced over at the bar. Naraku had disappeared in the crowed.

"I better make sure he doesn't do anything that will embarrass the company." Mirko took off into the crowed.

"Hmmmmm." Sesshoumaru sighed. His obsession was starting to take over his life. He realized this. Maybe it was time he had a talk with his brother.

….

Naraku had ordered his third beer when Miroku showed up. He sat down on the stool next to him.

"I see someone had found themselves rich sugar daddy."

Naraku choked on the beer he was drinking. Violently he coughed and heaved. Alcohol had spilled all over his suit.

"I was just joking." Miroku put his hands in the air and laughed. He patted the still coughing mans back.

"I would punch you if my job wasn't on the line."

"So threaten your job to make you come here?"

"No, but if I punch you and make a scene in front of all his high class associates he would fire me."

"Nice to see you have some common sense after all. This party is a little boring. How about we play a drinking game. Loser had to pay the winner a thousand bucks."

"Nope, don't have that kind of money."

"Then what about a hundred?"

"Nope."

Miroku thought for awhile. "Ok loser had to run around the block naked."

"I don't need public indecency on my record."

"Of course you would have a record." Miroku rolled his eyes. "Then how about this, the winner gets to choose the losers Halloween costume this year. The company throws a party every year. The loser would have to wear the costume for the whole day."

"Fine but you won't win."

"If you were so confident why didn't you bet the money?"

"Because I believe in miracles. And you're going to need a miracle to beat me in a drinking contest."Naraku cracked his neck and stretched his arms.

Half an hour later

Naraku laid his head down on the table. Invisible tears ran down his face. Miroku had won the game by a landslide. His only consolation was that after consuming so much alcohol he hadn't thrown up and embarrassed himself. Not to mention the drinks were all free courtesy of Sesshoumaru.

Feeling sick Naraku decided to head out side to the yard. At lest if he vomited there no one would see. Stumbling out the door he heard Mirkou's annoying voice.

"Don't forget our bet Naraku."

The ravenette hiccupped in response.

The yard had a man made little river that ran through it. A small bridge led the way over the water to a piece of land completely surround by the river. It was drop center in the yard. On the piece of land had a wooden gazebo painted white on it. The gazebo was circular with wide walls and square windows. Naraku could see some benches inside threw the window. If he had to guess it looked like it was made for a coruse to sing inside or maybe a place to throw plays for people.

This would be the best place to hide till he sobered up.

Almost falling into the river he walked in zig zags to the wooden structure. Inside he practically collapsed on the bench. He could still here the music from here. The mood was peaceful. Closing his eyes he took several deep breaths to calm himself down. Only when the danger of vomiting had past did he open them.

"Naraku."

A slight turn of his head let him see Sesshoumaru standing at the entrance. With his white suit he practically glowed in the dark. His paled complexion made him appear like a ghost under the moon light. He held a plate of food in his hands.

"What are you doing here?"

"I saw your defeat and thought you might want some food to sober you up." He handed him the plate and a can of sprite.

I'm beginning to think you have a drinking problem."

"I'm not that drunk." Naraku started to drink the soda. "I can handle my liquor. I rarely get drunk enough to make a fool of myself and when I do drink too much I have tho common scene to go hide where no one will see me. It's a skill I mastered over the years."

When Naraku finished the plate of food he placed it on the bench next to him "Thanks for the food ."

"Mr.? Why so formal?"

"Well you are my boss. I should address you as such and you told me I have to call you that. Remember?"

"Oh yes, well when we are alone and way from the office or any other work place you can call me Sesshoumaru. But I also like Sesshoumaru-sama as well. If sounds nice from you."

Naraku rolled his eyes. Miroku had said the same thing once.

"I see you didn't enjoy the party too much."

"Well those things are more about ballroom dancing and I never learned how to dance like that."

"Really but all gentlemen must know at least the waltz."

"Well I don't. Besides it's not the 40's anymore or 50's or whenever they use to dance like that."

"I show you."

Before Naraku could refuse he was pulled to a standing position. Sesshoumaru had one hand on his hip and the other holding his hand.

"I don't know. Isn't it embarrassing dancing like this with another man?"

"No one can see us and I'm sure once you learn you'll have more fun at gatherings like this."

Maybe it was because he had too much to drink but Naraku agreed to try. The previous night's events temporary forgotten.

"Put your hand on my shoulder."

Naraku tensed. He could feel Sesshoumaru's hand rest just above his hip. His hand was also being held gently. Instead of just holding his hand Sesshoumaru had entwined their fingers together. Hesitantly he held on to his shoulder. In his right mind he wouldn't have never been in such a position with another man.

"Good now follow my lead. We'll start with the basics."

First they stepped to the side and then back. The hand on his hip guided him. Dancing came easy to Sesshoumaru as he fallowed the soft music. Every step was perfect.
"I guess you been dancing for a long time." Naraku looked at his feet trying to fallow his movements.

"Since I was a child. Now don't look at the floor. Look at your partner and feel the motions."

Naraku looked up. Warm eyes stared down at him. A gentle smiled graced his usually frozen face. He had never seen his boss look so happy and calm. It was strange seeing Seshoumaru with no malice in his eyes.
"See your getting it."

Naraku was moving more natural now. Dancing with his boss wasn't that bad. He dared to say he enjoyed it.

"Now for the twirl and tip."

"The what?"

Raising their hands Sesshoumaru spun him around and brought him closer. Surprised and off balance he tipped back but was held up by Sesshoumarus arm around his waist.

"That blush on your face is rather cute." He sneered. His face extremely close; close enough so that Naraku felt his warm breath rub against his cheek.

Naraku stood up and took several steps back.

"You're quite good for a beginner."
"Well I guess you're just a really good teacher."

"Let me know if you ever need another dancing partner. I'd be happy to help you practice more."

"Yea… thanks."

"We should probably leave now. It's getting late."

"Yes you're probably right."

Naraku hiccupped again. This brought out a giggle from Sesshoumaru.

"Excuse me."

"I probably shouldn't have let you drink so much. You're still recovering. Thinking about it I shouldn't have forced you to come. You should be resting in bed."

"Why did you make me come to this party anyway?"

"I thought you deserved a break. I have been working you hard lately. Not to mention I owed you a good time after what I did."

"Its fine, don't mention it, ever. Your just lucky I'm a nicer person when I have a few beers in me."

"I'll remember that."