InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Story Continues ❯ The Party ( Chapter 6 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Kagome had never attended a dinner on a boat, so she called up the concierge to ask what kind of attire was recommended. The concierge immediately asked her for her dress size and within 45 minutes, a bellhop appeared with some bags. Kagome was in her rooming confused on why the concierge had no just gone out and answered what she had asked, so upon seeing the bellhop, and noticing the bags had names of stores she had seem while bus touring a day before, she gave him the strangest look.

"Um, I did not ask for clothes," she said, confused.

"My lady, it is on the house. Mr. Taisho has insisted that if you need anything, that it shall be provided. Here is your dress and some comfort low heels. Enjoy," the bellhop smiled and turned.

She had almost reached for her handbag, but his abrupt departure left her to assume that perhaps he was not looking for a tip this time. She laughed as she remembered the last time the bellhop had helped her, he had held his hand out and she had ignorantly put a couple dollars in his hand, an inadequate amount as she had seen the frown on his face. Obviously, the tip had been provided as he had not proffered his hand to her.

She closed the door and rushed to her bed to open up her box. The dress was a navy blue velour with a silver spaghetti straps and silken sky blue type shift with silver cords to give it an ancient Grecian flavour with a modern cut. The shoes were actually silver strappy sandals. She preferred them anyway as she was already a commanding 5'10", a height she had inherited from her father's side. She towered over most Japanese girls, including her own friends. She often was asked in school to join the volleyball team or even the basketball team, but she had been busy with the shard hunting that her “sickness” took her away from school. She squealed as she ran her hands through the fabric.

She decided to hit the spa and get her volumous raven hair tamed into something acceptable as she surmised according to the attire purchased for her to wear that it was fairly formal. The stylist decided to spiral curl her waist length hair even though Kagome wanted it more tamed, but the stylist explained that her hair in such a dress would look better down. She had a feeling that the stylist had become obsessed with her hair as Kagome took special care of her raven locks. It was not common to find black hair of the same exact colour as hers without using chemical dyes.

At five o'clock, the bellhop knocked on her door and escorted her to the docks. The boat that she was escorted to was in fact a large yacht. She marveled at its size and noted its name was 'Mika'.

Mr. Taisho was the first to greet her, and led her up to a sitting parlour. He wore some light shades that had sheen to them, and she was still unable to determine the handsome business owner's eye colour, however at a glimpse she thought them indigo, a very strange eye colour for anyone. Within sat a few people, most of them containing weak traces of youkai. It unnerved Kagome as she had never before her quest for the shards had sensed youkai in her time.

"I would like to introduce to everyone, Miss Kagome Higurashi. It is a coincidence that she caught my eye and also happened to be our scholarship recipient from Japan," Seitsu said. "Lady Kagome, I would like to introduce you to my colleagues and my brother, Yoshimi."

Kagome smiled at each one. Yoshimi looked very much like his brother, except slightly more rugged. He also wore sunglasses of the same style as Seitsu. One woman, a redhead said, "Japan? Well, my dear, you do not look too Japanese to me."

Kagome kept her temper in check, as she had heard that sometimes in school and from outsiders. Mr. Taisho quickly mumbled to her that the lady was named Mrs. Ayame Wolfe. Kagome’s eyes widened slightly, but then she regained her composure quickly thinking it was a coincidence that the red haired lady had the same name as the lovestruck ookami demoness that pursued Kouga all over Sengoku Jidai.

"Some of the traits are from my father. He was American, a typical Irish American who served the US Air Force. He was killed in the line of duty protecting a Japanese official when I was young. Apparently the yakuza had the official on a hit list and my father took the bullet," she sighed sadly, willing the tears to stay back as it was no longer appropriate for her to mourn over her father.

It had been a long time ago and she was stronger than that. She had been there for her mother so they would not fall apart.

"Bless his heart. I am sorry to hear about your loss," she replied, looking regretful for having asked the question.

"It's okay. It was a long time ago. The US Government had compensated our family fairly well," she reassured the lady with a small smile.

"After all the things that have happened between Japan and the US, I believe it is not as bad as we thought it would be. Having their military bases provides protection for the civilians and we definitely know that we will not have to witness another event like Nagasaki and Hiroshima," Yoshimi said, picking up a chilled wine bottle and some glasses to pour for everyone.

He turned to Kagome and handed her a glass, "So, Miss Higurashi, do you know what you would like to major in and what university you would like to attend?"

‘His voice is so much like Inu Yasha’s,’ she noticed, willing herself to not despair.

"Well, I have not thought much until a couple months ago. At first, I thought I would go into General studies, but then I remember I enjoyed the computer classes I took, especially in web design. I had some art classes that joined in with the computer class for graphic design. I found I had a knack for designing websites so I thought I might pursue it since it is also a career on the demand," she replied thoughtfully. "As for where I want to go, I would like to complete my undergraduate at Tokyo University and then perhaps seek out internship and a masters program in the US. Maybe after such, I could seek a job in the Silicon Valley at some internet company. Seems they are always hiring someone."

"That sounds like a good start on planning the rest of your life," Seitsu smiled, receiving his glass from Yoshimi, then sat right next to Kagome.

Several nodded. She felt kind of embarrassed that the conversation was centering around her, so she asked, "I hate to sound ignorant, but despite hearing occasionally on the news about Taisho Corp, I honestly do not know what your company does. And I do recall Mr. Taisho inviting me to a boat party full of business colleagues."

A red haired green eyed man replied, "Well, my dear, Taisho Corp is a company that dallies in technology. A little in computers, and other useful gadgets. They make parts and distribute to major companies, to assemble. And any party old Seitsu holds is just a party. We may be business colleagues but he tends to forget we are all old friends."

A few of the others laughed lightly as the red haired man she was informed as Kit Fox winked at Seitsu jokingly.

"Yes, we also have invested in some Internet based companies in California and we hold investments in various hotels, like the one you are currently staying in," Yoshimi explained further, taking his glasses off.

‘He had violet eyes. Just like … just like Inu Yasha,’ Kagome gasped to herself, forcing her to come up with something to say before the conversation became obvious that she was looking at Yoshimi so curiously.

"Sugoi! No wonder the media is so adamant about saying something about your company. You are truly blessed by Kami to obtain such a status," she smiled, congratulating herself on her own impromptu recover.

They looked at her slightly shocked and the Kit spoke up, "I don't think anyone has put their success in such unique light as you have."

A short man came out and announced that dinner was ready and ushered them to the dining area that had been set up for the occasion. Kagome was glad that she had been able to attend those youkai parties in the mainland of Europe as this meal was very much fit for the wealthy. She carefully minded her manners, but no one seemed to be scrutinizing her every move. She listened to some of the conversation, occasionally chipping in an insightful ditty. She had not asked them if they were youkai as she did not want any awkward situations to abrupt with people she still regarded as strangers. Her wine glad always filled with an exquisite fruity wine, and she swore that by her fourth glass she was starting to feel a tad bit tipsy. She politely asked for directions to the bathroom and politely excused herself. When she had gotten done, she found herself in a full blown buzz. She had found Seitsu waiting only feet away from the bathroom,"Are you okay, Kagome?"

"Um, yes and no. Yes, because I am on the first alcohol buzz in my life and it feels good. No, because I have a buzz and I am afraid I might make an ass of myself. I have had drinks, but I did not think twice about the wine given this evening. It was so good. I'm so sorry Mr. Taisho," she said guiltily, her head hung in shame. "My mother would be ashamed of me."

Yoshimi had approached, hearing her response and replied, "Don't worry. Everyone here has been drinking practically all day before you had arrived. It's understandable for someone like yourself to succumb easily to the effects of any liquor."

She looked up and grinned, "Well, that makes me feel a lot better. I am glad I haven't been a terrible dinner guest."

Seitsu grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips, "You could never be less than perfect."

She shuddered, and suddenly had a flashback of the intense kiss between her and Sesshoumaru only months before. Her eyes narrowed and she gasped, her eyebrows furrowing.

Seitsu stiffened, watching her eyes. Kagome shook her head and apologized, "I'm sorry, the action reminded me of someone I had deeply cared for at one time."

Seitsu relaxed and replied, "He must have been special."

"He and his brother were special to me. But it was a long time ago," she said sadly, her eyes looking out into the Mediterranean.

"Come, there is dancing and then we will return you to your home," Yoshimi beckoned, draping his arm around her shoulders. “A few of our friends had invited others over to dance since two of our staff were former disc jockeys. I swear they take advantage of our hospitality.”

She smiled and let the Taisho brothers lead the way. The other guests were dancing and she ended up taking turns with the brothers. It was almost unnerving that every minute she spent around the two, she got the distinct feeling that they were hiding something from her. She had been aware the whole time that there were other guests on the yacht but felt special that the hosts had insisted she remain in their presence during the party.

She found herself with a glass of wine in one hand, dancing in between the two brothers. She was having fun. She felt complete, like when she had fought side by side with Inu Yasha and Sesshoumaru against Naraku and his incarnations. It was strange but she seriously was beginning to think that these two delicious men could be the reincarnations of the inu brothers. Their structure and mannerism similiar but slightly watered down. She wondered if indeed her theory was true and how they came to their demises. She almost wanted to mourn.

The music was simply divine, almost erotic.

'Who would have thought that young sophisticated businessmen also enjoyed dancing to tranz music?' she thought to herself, almost giggling aloud.

She was beginning to feel numb in the face and realized that perhaps she had finally had too many drinks, but the brothers did not seem to notice her lush state or at least she thought.

Seitsu had indeed noticed and said, "Perhaps a rest is in order?"

He looked as his brother and they escorted Kagome to the corner. Seitsu had noted that Yoshimi had also taken a few too many drinks, perhaps more than he could handle. He shook his head, hoping that nothing would happen. He looked around towards the dance floor and smiled. He had been pleased to dance with Kagome. She was exotic and innocent in the same breath. He then heard Kagome giggled and turned his head to see his brother kissing her on the neck. He wanted to growl, but kept himself in check. He felt a bit dizzy at the moment, and recognized that he too was a bit inebriated. He scolded himself and then turned to the scene at hand, seeing his brother target his lips to smother Kagome's.

"Inu Yasha, control yourself!" he finally growled, and then gasped.

He had not meant to say that.

‘Kuso!’ he thought.

She froze as well as her amorous partner. Slowly she turned her eyes to him and whimpered, her cerulean eyes glistening with tears about to spill, "Sesshoumaru? Inu Yasha?"

Sesshoumaru quickly placed two fingers to the back of Kagome's neck, effectively pressing her pressure point. She slumped into unconsciousness as Inu Yasha glared at him.

"Now is not the time to reveal ourselves. Come, we must return her to her room and disappear. She needs more time. We cannott just appear and disrupt her plans for her own future," he reasoned.

Inu Yasha sighed and looked at the sleeping Kagome, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. He smiled wistfully and replied, "Okay, but I really miss her. What if she finds someone else before we see her again?"

Sesshoumaru's heart clenched in his chest and he found himself gritting out, "Then she was not to be ours."