*INFO*
I'm really excited about starting this story. I'm going to give a heads up though. For now,the story is rated 'T'.. for a part that may come in the future, it will be rated 'M' but only for maybe 2 chapters. Anyway, description:

Kagome was sold to an okiya in the Gion Kōbu hanamachi of Kyoto at the age of 7. Since her 15th birthday, she has become a Maiko, hoping to become a Geisha in 5 years. When one of her regular customer's son comes into the picture, they can't turn away from each other.. But, as she knows, love is forbidden in her world. Will she listen to what they say or what her heart is telling her?

So without further ado, I give you:

Our Forbidden Temptations

Prologue

"What will we do? There is barely any money left!" Kagome's father slammed his fist down on the table, vibrating the floor underneath them.
"I don't know!" Mrs. Higurashi put her head into her hands and started sobbing quietly. Kagome was too young to understand any of this money business. Why was her mother crying? Why did her dad look frustrated?
"..Okaa-san? Otou-san? What's wrong?"
"Nothing Kagome..Why don't you go to your room and stay there for a while?" Her mother smiled lightly and nodded towards Kagome's room.
"Hai!" Kagome widely smiled back and got up from the table, skipping to her room.
"Well..." her father began after Kagome's door closed,"We could-"
"NO! That is not a choice!"
"Then what is? We're all going to starve if we don't do something!"
Kagome peeked through her door at her parents.
'They've been arguing a lot for the past few months..' she thought and listened on. She couldn't pretend not to hear them. They were too loud and even then, Kagome didn't understand. She was only 7.
"I just..not Kagome.." Her mother bit her bottom lip as tears escaped from her eyes. Her father sighed and went over to hug her, cradling her in his arms.
"I guess we could at least go see if she likes her.." she said between sobs.
Kagome's eyes widened. See who? Who is 'she'? She gasped and returned back to her bed. She quickly closed her eyes when her door opened.
"She's asleep.." Both parents walked over to her bed and kissed her good night.
"We love you, Kagome-chan." Mrs. Higurashi ran her fingers through Kagome's hair a few times and left the room with her husband. Kagome opened her eyes back up after she heard the door close.
'I love you too..But why are you saying it in a way that sounds like goodbye?' A tear ran across her face and she fell into a deep sleep. Dreaming of her family's happiness again.

Morning came early and Mrs. Higurashi was helping put Kagome's nice dress on.
"Why do I have to look formal again?" Kagome's head popped through the top and then slid her arms through the sleeves.
"So you can look nice for our meeting with an old relative." A fake smile spread across her mother's face. Inside, she was worried. She never lied to Kagome but..
"Ok! I want to look very pretty! Can I wear my ribbons too?"
"Sure! You are very pretty Kagome."
"Arigatou! You too, okaa-san! And even otou-san!"
"Haha. Dad is pretty too?"
"I heard that! I'm handsome Kagome, not pretty. Pretty is for girls." Her father came around the corner and went to pick up Kagome.
"You are very handsome then, otou-san!"
"Arigatou!" He smiled and looked over Mrs. Higurashi. He could tell she was worried and scared.
"Let's go so we won't be late!" Her mother hurried the two out the front door and they all held hands, with Kagome in the middle. She was happy when they were happy.
They only walked a few blocks and then went down a few streets. Before long, they entered hanamachi of Kyoto.
"Oooo! Okaa-san! Those ladies are dressed in pretty kimonos!" Kagome pointed to some Geishas that were walking past them, probably heading to work.
"They are, aren't they?"
"I want one too!" She smiled brightly. Both parents looked at each other with worry on their face. Maybe she would like it after all...
"We're here, Kagome-chan!" They stood in front of an entry way and knocked on the door.
"Come in." An older voice answered. They gripped Kagome tightly and headed inside. As always, shoes were placed beside the door. This building had to have been hundereds of years old. The wood was from the 16th century and who knows how old the tatami flooring was.
"In here." The voice spoke again. They turned to their left and walked into the room.
"Ah..Please, sit and have the young one sit in the middle..." They got on their knees and sat straight up on the cushions. The older lady was dressed in a casual kimono, almost looking like a miko. She had long gray hair pulled back into a low ponytail and also had an eyepatch. This, Kagome could remember well.
"I am Lady Kaede. What is yours?"
"Higurashi Kagome, obaa-san." Kagome bowed her head. Lady Kaede looked over at her parents.
"You've raised her with the utmost respect."
Her parents quickly bowed,"Thank you very much."
This went on for a few more minutes. Lady Kaede asked more questions, being impressed with each answer.
"I believe she will become a fine Geisha. You have my blessing. The selling is at how much?" Kagome looked at her and then at her parents. Kagome was so confused.
"Okaa-san..." she looked at her mother, giving a half-hearted smile in Kagome's direction,"otou-san..?" Kagome glanced at her father. He seemed to be more in pain than her mother.
"Any amount you feel comfortable with."
"Hai." Lady Kaede glanced Kagome up and down and then gave her price.
"We accept." Kagome's parents bowed and stood up.
"Where are you going?" Her parents started to walk out the door but Kagome grabbed both of them by the legs.
"Let go, Kagome." Her father rarely used that tone with her. What's going on?
"Kagome, you are being rude. Let go." Kagome let go and her parents started walking again.
"OKAA-SAN! OTOU-SAN!" Kagome yelled back at them, tears flowing down her face.
"Don't leave me!" She got back up and started to run after them but the gates closed, leaving her forever locked in..locked, in a Geisha's world.