Dressed to Impress

In the world of fashion and money, conspiracies and wild accidents rage like forest fires, literally. When penniless Kagome burns down the entire spring collection of the moody designer, Inuyasha, she begins to work for him… as his muse.

Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns the Inuyasha crew, I just use them for my writing muse. ^.^

Chapter One: Reasons Unknown

"I will bloody murder the next person that says my name." whispered a beautiful, raven-haired woman between clenched teeth. Her long hair was pulled up in a no-nonsense ponytail and was casually dressed in a red jogging suit and sneakers— this girl was ready for action.

"Calm down, Sango, my sweet love, what is all the fury for?" the tall handsome man that stood next to her cooed, his right hand hovering near her well-toned buttocks.

"Not a single millimeter closer, pervert."  She grumbled as she shuffled through the papers on her clipboard. She soon yelled aloud on the set, "Damn Kikyo and Inuyasha— where the hell is my star model and designer?! And Miroku, don't you dare suggest anything repulsive!"

The tall man with the short pigtail shot her an innocent, disarming smile and replied, "Who me? What did I ever say?"

"Miroku, the hand." Sango warned, her tone not so friendly and an annoyed nerve throbbing in her temple.

"What hand?" In a seemingly few seconds, Miroku had slyly reduced the already small space between him and Sango. His right hand was so close to her small butt that not even a fly could squeeze through the gap.

"Can I please have one squeeze?"

"Miroku, why I'm gonna give you the worst thrashing—"

"SANGO! Inuyasha and Kikyo have just arrived at the set!" A set coordinator quickly announced as he passed her by with a line of bagged clothes, most likely articles for the show.

Sango's eyes nearly bulged when she glanced at her wristwatch, "HOLY SHIT! There's only fifteen minutes left before the show starts! I am so going to strangle that good-for-nothing, dog-eared scumbag—"

"Sango."

"WHO THE HELL WANTS ME NOW?" Sango roared, but didn't even bother to look at the person, since she began shouting the last minute orders and directions for the models, volunteers, hair specialists, make-up people, pretty much, anybody and everybody that stopped to listen.

"Turn around bitch before I kick you out myself."

Sango did a 360 degree turn so fast that Miroku worriedly placed a supportive hand on her elbow, just in case she gave herself whiplash.

There he stood… the man that had miraculously took the fashion world by storm with his eccentric, elegant, yet casual pieces, that could be worn by virtually any woman. His cuts were impeccable, his style was unforeseen and original, and on top of it all, he was a spoiled rich young bachelor with plenty of backup (money) from his rich parents.

Inuyasha Kai.

"Got too much earwax or something? I say your name once and you are to immediately respond with 'Yes, sir'. I thought we got that straightened out a long time ago… Sango."

Sango all but gulped, "Yes, sir."

Miroku's usually cheerful, laidback demeanor swiftly hardened as he replied indifferently, "Inuyasha, watch your tongue. That's no way to talk to your closest advisor— she's the one that got you this far."

"Shut up, Miroku! I never asked for your dirty opinion! And besides, you should be taking up my side; I thought you were my pal!"

"Friends don't let friends go down the wrong path— and you chose the darkened path ages ago. As far as I'm concerned, our friendship is—"

"Inuyasha, I'm booorrrrrreeeeddddd." a sickening, sweet purr came from behind Inuyasha, as long blood-red fingernails slid around his waist and began stroking his firm abdomen. Soon a small face popped up next to Inuyasha's face as she rested her chin on his shoulder. Inuyasha instinctively leaned against her head.

Sango could help but crinkle her nose in disgust as she muttered, "Kikyo's definitely in the house."

Miroku tossed in, "The lovebirds have returned for mating season."

Sango rolled her eyes, accidentally saying aloud, "Stupid hormones" a tad bit too loud.

Inuyasha sharply retorted, his voice echoing against the walls, "Come again, bitch?"

- - - Kagome - - -

"Come again, bitch?"

I freeze instantly from my current position of sifting through the lovely pieces of clothing. I vainly try to swallow the large cotton in my mouth that suddenly appeared at the mere angelic sound of his voice…

Inuyasha Kai.

He's been my idol for god knows how long… Alright, in retrospective, I've adored him for only five months, which was exactly when he started appearing on television and the fashion walkways. From the moment I glimpsed those cuddly white ears, silvery hair and that steamy body…

It's safe to say it was love at first sight. Or at least, that's what my friends have diagnosed me with. I know his birthday, favorite color, zodiac sign, favorite food, how he likes his cappuccinos… If there was a Inuyasha trivia game show, I would so win the jackpot.

No questions. Period.

I am currently located on the second floor of the handmade set, hidden by long red drapes and gold trimmings. This set took seven months to prepare by a group of professionals. Never in my lifetime will I ever see that kind of money… if you know what I mean.

The show's theme is l-u-x-u-r-y. It's creative and pure genius— the models will walk down a spiral staircase and do their heel-hip turn thingy every certain number of steps, and it's totally safe since the stairs are wide and firm— and able to carry the weight of five heavyset men. It's supposed to look just like the Oscar's or Grammy's, only hundred times better because Inuyasha will be there!

I cautiously grip the metal railway and peer behind the extremely heavy red drapes. Damn, how much do these things weigh? I manage to poke half of my face and I slowly scan the premises, looking for those precious fuzzy ears. I thanked the heavens when I realized that I was standing right above who else but INUYASHA!

It takes all my willpower not to scream at the top of my lungs and jump from the second floor just to look at his face, touch his arm, feel his doggy ears, anything! But my happiness soon melts into a horrid mixture of disappointment, hurt, and outrage when a lanky, small-breasted woman practically strangled Inuyasha from behind. She was practically hanging onto Inuyasha! And even worse, he seems to enjoy that woman's touch.

Only a single thought tore through my brain like lightning.

Damn models.

…Sad thing is, that is the last image I see before I go into a complete destructive rage.