Chapter 2
Inuyasha left the class along with the rest of the students. He hoped he did well enough to pass the exam. He'd been studying whenever he'd had the chance. The past week had been hectic. Luckily, things were going to slow down for the upcoming weeks. Summer break was approaching and students at the university would be able to catch a much deserved break. Seven weeks of doing whatever the hell he wanted.
He made his way to the parking lot and got in his car, dropping his backpack into the passenger seat. He drove to the apartment, not having to show up at work for another two hours. He walked into the apartment, living room empty. He called out, silence greeting him back. Inuyasha made his way to his bedroom and stripped down to his underwear before climbing under the cover on his bed.
He woke up later to the sound of the front door opening. He yawned and picked up his phone, seeing it almost four in the evening He got up and began putting on his work uniform. He looked towards his door at the knock that sounded from the other side.
"Come in."
Miroku opened the door before leaning against the frame. "Hey. You about to head out?"
Inuyasha nodded, throwing his hair up into a messy ponytail, leaving the bangs that framed either side of his face down. "Yep. I'll be back around ten tonight. Shippo here?" He asked.
Miroku shook his head. "No. He's working a double today. You'll see him when you get there." The dark haired watched him for a moment as he slipped on his shoes. Inuyasha knew what was coming next. "Have you heard from the agency?"
Inuyasha looked up at him. "No. You know I'd tell you if I did Miroku."
Miroku sighed. "I know, it's just its been a whole week."
The agency had said they'd contact the people chosen to join their campaign. Their was obviously no need to call them with a follow up. If they hadn't been contacted, they hadn't been picked. Still, he could understand his friend's frustration. They hadn't specified a certain length of time it would take to make their decisions. The hanyou knew it was the fickle thing known as hope that had the demon anxious.
"There were a lot of people at the shoot that day Miroku. I'm sure they took even more candidates after that. It's gonna take some time."
"I hate it when your right." Miroku smiled. "I'll see you later. I'm gonna take a nap. I'll be here when you guys get back." He turned from the door.
Inuyasha grabbed his car keys and cell before heading out the door.
Work was busy as usual. Friday's were one of the busiest days at Shikon as people escaped to the bar for their weekend. Inuyasha served drinks and waited on tables occasionally if it looked like someone needed the extra help. Shippo stood behind the bar with him, tending to the patrons closest to his side of the bar.
Inuyasha served a demoness her order and turned, noticing the fox making his way towards him. "I'm gonna take my break. I'll be out back if you need me."
Inuyasha nodded at him before his attention was averted by someone waving him down. The hanyou worked. After a while he noticed Shippo was gone longer than given their break time, which was unusual for him. He waved down a familiar demoness, telling her to take up station behind the bar. Inuyasha left, making his way to the exit that led off to the side of the building, an alley separating them from the next building over. He pushed open the door and looked to the right, seeing Shippo standing before the wall, a tall dark haired youkai before him. Their eyes turned to him at his appearance. Inuyasha recognized him as the demon that had shown up at their apartment looking for the small fox. Inuyasha looked into his light brown eyes before turning to Shippo's green ones. "Are you okay?" He asked him.
Shippo nodded his head. "Yeah. I'm fine. I'll be inside in a minute."
Seeing his friend appeared fine he decided to head back inside. He sent the the man a quick look, a warning in his eyes before making himself scarce. He headed to the bathroom, washing his hands before going back to serve at the bar. He thanked his coworker before taking over once again.
He turned as he noticed the fox making his way to join him behind the bar.
"What was that about?" He asked him once he was in earshot. He kept his voice low.
"He was just trying to convince me to go out with him. Said he wanted to talk to me over dinner."
Inuyasha looked at him, worry in his eyes. "Shippo, don't you think you should go to the police?"
The fox sighed. "What would I tell them Inuyasha? He hasn't assaulted me. He's never threatened me. It would be my word against his."
"This guy is obviously stalking you. You even said yourself he must've followed you home from the bar."
"Stalking is stretching it a bit don't you think? I know he really shows up at the bar for me but unless he makes a scene there's nothing that can be done about it. It's open to the public."
Inuyasha crossed his arms. "What about him following you to our apartment? You can't tell me that doesn't set off alarms in your head."
"As far as I know, that was a one time thing. Has he been back since the time you told me about?"
"No, but that doesn't mean anything. He could be watching you for all you know."
Shippo placed his hands onto the bar, turning his head to stare up at him. "This is why I didn't want you to know. Your making this out to be bigger than it is. Your worrying over something that will eventually die down. He sees me as a chase. Something to conquer just because he can't have it. That's all. He'll give up okay?"
Inuyasha stared at him incredulously. "You can't really believe that. This guy could be dangerous Shippo. I'm trying to-"
"What. Protect me? I didn't ask you to."
"You don't have to." Inuyasha snapped. "It's what friends do in case you've forgotten."
"In case you've forgotten Inuyasha, I am an adult. Just like you. It's insulting when you treat me like some child incapable of looking after themselves. We're not little kids anymore. It's obvious you still don't trust me to look after myself. I told you I'd tell you if Masao did anything out of line. I want to live my own life without you two breathing down my neck about everything little thing I do."
Inuyasha jerked his head back as if he'd been struck. He looked around, noticing the small audience they'd drawn. He went back to his side of the bar without a word. He served drinks in silence, Shippo doing the same from his side. They kept to themselves during the rest of their shift. Inuyasha cleaned around himself before leaving the bar. He got in his car and drove home, heading straight towards his room upon his arrival. He stripped from his clothes, and grabbed a change from the dresser before making his way to the bathroom. He took a quick shower before throwing on his clothes. He made his way to the kitchen.
"Your back."
Inuyasha grabbed a head of lettuce from the refrigerator. He turned to Miroku. "I didn't wake you did I?"
"Nah. I was up. Where's Shippo?" The demon asked, looking towards the living room.
"Work." Inuyasha said shortly. "I'm making a salad. You want some?"
"Sure," Miroku drawled. Inuyasha could feel his eyes on him as cut up the lettuce. "Something happened between you two."
"I don't know what your talking about."
Miroku rolled his eyes. "We've been friends for to long for me not to know when your upset. Now. What happened?"
"Did Shippo tell you about Masao?" Inuyasha looked to him.
Miroku's brows furrowed. "Yeah. He told me."
"The guy showed up at the bar today. I noticed Shippo was gone longer than usual on his break. I go outside and see them standing together in the alley. Alone. What if Masao had decided to do something to Shippo? Shippo's not cautious enough around him. I don't like it." Inuyasha said with a shake of his head, feeling irritation rise in him all over again just thinking back to a few hours prior. "He didn't like what I had to say about it. Said I don't trust him enough to look after himself."
"Do you?"
Inuyasha paused, looking over to Miroku. "What kind of question is that?"
Miroku leaned against the counter. "I know we've always protected Shippo. You know he doesn't see the world for what is the way we do. He's the type that tries to see the good in everybody. I get where your coming from. He can be too trusting."
Inuyasha nodded. "Exactly. I'm just trying to make sure he doesn't get taken advantage of."
"Inuyasha. Shippo can be naive but he's smart too. Look at how he's handling the situation now. He knew something was off with Masao and called it off with him. That should let you know he's not completely helpless."
"I never said he was helpless. That's not how I mean for it to come across. He's just not being smart about this."
"Why? Because he's not handling it the way you would? The way you want him to?"
Inuyasha blinked, staring down at the knife he held over the chunks of lettuce. "What are you trying to say Miroku. Are you telling me not to worry about my friend because I can't do that."
"You know that's not it. I'm saying.. We should be supportive of him. Whatever it is he decides to do. Us badgering him about his choices is going to do nothing but drive him further away from us and straight into the arms of people like Masao. All we can do is look out for him the best we know how. We have to trust Shippo enough to come to us on his own. Trust me when I say I want to protect him just as much as you do. It's what we've always done but I can understand his frustration. He's not a little kid."
Inuyasha moved to the sink, washing off the pieces of vegetable.
"Inuyasha. He'd grow to resent us if he felt we didn't think he could run his own life."
"I know." Inuyasha sighed. "I get it. It's just.. "
He trailed off at the sound of the apartment door opening. Miroku sent him a smile before going to greet the fox. Inuyasha went to the refrigerator, taking out a tomato, shredded cheese, bits of chicken and dressing. He rinsed off the tomato before cutting it up into small chunks.
He knew Miroku was right. They had always protected Shippo. Him as a small kit had left him susceptible to bullying in their childhood. They'd protected him the best they could from the mean taunts and the immature behaviors of children who didn't know any better. The taunts turned into suggestive looks and advances as they grew older. Shippo had been quite and meek, letting others get away with doing whatever is they wanted to him. They'd fallen into the role of guardians so naturally. Now, it was no longer needed. Shippo was still shy, but he had a voice of his own now. He'd been trying to let him know that but the hanyou had waved it aside, not believing Shippo was ready to be left to his own devices. He hadn't looked at it in terms of not trusting his friend but it seemed that was the case. He just worried and the fox knew this. The fact that Shippo felt the need to hide his situation with Masao from him was a sign he knew he shouldn't ignore. Miroku's words struck something in him. The fact Shippo wasn't handling the situation the way he would have did bother him.
Inuyasha placed the tomato, cheese and and chicken into a clear large bowl. He tossed it, mixing the ingredients in with one another.
He wondered what he was expected to do. He would hate himself if Shippo decided he didn't want anything to do with him further. Was he supposed to sit back and watch his friend be harrased by unwanted attention without a word? All the concern he held for Shippo.. what was he supposed to do with it?
"We need to talk."
Inuyasha turned his head at the voice, seeing Shippo standing beside the counter. He washed his hands and turned to face Shippo, gesturing for the fox to speak.
Shippo held his gaze as he looked towards the hanyou. "I'm trying to be patient. I know you've always looked out for me. And I don't expect change to happen overnight. You still see me as the little kit that needs looking out for. You need to see me for the adult that I am now. The worry you show let's me know you love me and you care what happens to me. Care for me without making me feel like a little kid. I don't know how else to say it to you. I need you to let me fall and get up on my own. You can't go your whole life trying to protect me. How am I supposed to know anything if you try to shield it from me? I want to be able to come to you and not feel like I'm being scolded like a child. I'm capable of making my own decisions."
Inuyasha stared at him. He saw the desperation in those emerald eyes. A desperate need for him to understand. Somehow he knew this went beyond the situation with Masao. He knew he was staring at a different demon from the one he knew all those years ago. He hadn't even noticed. He hadn't wanted to.
"Fine." Was all he said. He turned to grab a bowl from the cupboard and a fork from a nearby drawer. He scooped out some of the salad before passing the bowl over to Shippo. "Here."
Shippo took the bowl, looking at him in confusion. "That's it? Your not gonna try to argue me down?"
"Nope." Inuyasha said with a pop of his lips. "I hear you loud and clear. You want me to back off. Let you live your life without trying to hold your hand. I got it."
Shippo took on a skeptical look. "Do you. Do you really understand?"
Inuyasha nodded. "I do. I finally do. Your grown and it's not my job to protect you from everything. As your friend, all I can do is look out for you. It's your life to live however you choose."
Shippo smiled. "I'm so happy to hear you say that. This means a lot."
"Is it safe to come in?" They both turned to Miroku.
"Whatever Miroku." Shippo said with a roll of his eyes.
The black haired demon turned to Inuyasha. "He let you have it too didn't he?"
"Pretty much." He nodded.
Shippo looked at them both with an unimpressed look. "Forget both of you."
They laughed as Shippo disappeared from the kitchen.
Inuyasha smiled as he exited the school's ground. He passed his exams. He could enjoy his break with a free conscience. Seven weeks of not having to study. Or worrying about attending classes. He was a free man.
Inuyasha drove home. He wondered how the others did on their own exams.
He pushed the door to the apartment open and saw Shippo on the couch. He greeted him before shutting the door behind him. "Where's Miroku?"
"He's at the bar." He said before taking a sip from his can. "Did you pass your exams?"
Inuyasha grinned before making his way to sit on the couh. "I was gonna ask you that but yeah. I got a passing grade. You?"
Shippo nodded. "Yep. All that studying I did. I was gonna scream if I didn't."
Inuyasha laughed but his attention was pulled by the vibration he felt from his pocket. He'd forgotten to take it off vibrate after leaving the school. He frowned at the unfamiliar number before answering. "Hello?"
"Hello. Is this Inuyasha Nagano?" It was a woman's voice. It was vaguely familiar.
"Yes. May I ask who this is?"
"This is Kagura Shiga from Tama agency. You signed on for the campaign with us. I'm calling to set up a meeting. There are some things I'd like to discuss with you."
"Y-Yes." He breathed, eyes wide. "That's fine. I'm available anytime you choose."
Inuyasha felt the stare Shippo sent his way but he didn't turn to him. He got up and paced the floor.
"Perfect." Inuyasha could hear the grin in her voice. "How does Wednesday at nine a.m. sound?"
"I'll be there."
"I look forward to it. Until then Mr. Nagano."
Inuyasha heard the click before looking to his phone in disbelief.
"What?" Shippo asked. 'What is it?"
Inuyasha looked at him. "That was Kagura Shiga. The photographer from the shoot. We just set up a meeting for Wednesday."
Shippo jumped up from his spot on the couch. "Are you serious. Inuyasha. You know what this means? They chose you for the campaign!"
Shippo hugged him, jumping up and down. He suddenly backed away. "We have to tell Miroku."
The fox scrambled for his phone before Inuyasha reached out to stop him. "Don't Shippo. We'll tell him when he gets home."
"Oh. Yeah. Your right." He deflated for a moment before turning excited green eyes to his friend. "I can't believe it. I'm so happy for you!"
Inuyasha sat on the couch.
"What's the matter. Why aren't you happy?" Shippo sat down beside him.
"I am. It's just. You didn't get a call. I doubt Miroku got one. I'm the only one who..."
"You don't need to feel bad for me." Shippo laughed. "I wasn't holding my breath anyway. Trust me. As far as Miroku, he'll be happy for you. Knowing him, he'll be happy just knowing one of us got a call back." Shippo grabbed his hand. "This is about you right now. You can afford to be selfish for a moment."
Inuyasha looked into the fox's eyes, seeing he really did appear to be taking it well. He let the grin he'd been holding back stretch his lips, unable to hold back the excitement he really felt. "I got a call back from Tama!"
"Oh Inuyasha. You did it." Shippo pulled him into another tight hug. Inuyasha brought his own arms around the fox.
They broke apart at the door closing, turning to see their dark haired friend leaning against the apartment door. Miroku grinned. "Something you two wanna tell me?" He teased.
Shippo shook his head. Inuyasha just blinked, trying to get rid of the sudden mental image his friend's words had brought up in his mind.
"You're disgusting." He told him.
Miroku laughed, making his way closer to the two. "What's got you two all touchy feely then?"
Inuyasha glanced at Shippo, seeing the fox bite his lips as he looked at Miroku.
"You can tell him." He told the fox.
Miroku looked to him. "Tell me what?"
Shippo stood up, smile stretching his lips as he told the youkai the good news. "Iuyasha got a call back from the agency today. He's gonna be in Tama's campaign!"
Miroku's eyes widened, immediately whirling onto the hanyou. "You got a call back?"
Inuyasha smiled, nodding his head. "Yeah. The photographer from the shoot wants to see me on Wednesday."
Miroku walked closer to him, immediately bringing his friend into a hug. "This is so unreal. I can't believe it."
Inuyasha looked at him. "You didn't get a call did you?"
The demon shook his head. "No, but this isn't about me right now. This is about you getting a chance to work for one of the biggest modeling agencies in Japan. Your gonna be working for Tama!"
"I know, but your the one who really wanted this. It's not-"
"Hey. Don't worry about me. I'm a big boy. I walked into this knowing it was all just a chance. Don't let us not getting a call back ruin your moment. Honestly, I'm happy one of us got picked at all. Just enjoy this Inuyasha." Miroku turned to face them both. "Now. We're going to go out and celebrate. We're gonna go dance on some random stranger at a club and drink until the sun comes up. Think you can handle a party for one night?" Miroku raised an eyebrow at him.
Inuyasha looked at them both, seeing the happiness they felt for him. Why not go out and party for a night? School was officially out on break. He passed his exams which he'd been studying hard for. His friends wanted to go out despite them not being chosen for the agency's campaign. He really didn't have a reason not to go out. There wasn't anything holding him back.
"Okay. Let's go out." He agreed.
Later that night found the trio stumbling back into their apartment. Inuyasha laughed at seeing the two slumped on top of one another on the couch. He made his way over and dropped down on top of Miroku.
"I can't breathe." Shippo gasped from his spot at the bottom of their sandwich like grouping. Inuyasha got up and laid down beside them on the floor. His eyes closed.
"That was so fun." Miroku mumbled.
"I think I'm drunk." Came the muffled voice from Shippo's face plant in the cushion.
"Your such a lightweight." The bat demon laughed.
Inuyasha's body sagged into the floor, oddly finding his place on the carpet comforting. His breathing evened out and he eventually fell asleep to Shippo and Miroku's hushed conversation.
Inuyasha groaned at the alarm that sounded. He blinked his eyes open, seeing the leg of the coffee table in front of his face. He raised himself, looking towards the couch, seeing the two demon's each laying at opposite ends of the couch. The alarm sounded from the fox's jean pocket. He leaned forward, shaking Shippo's shoulder. "Shippo. Wake up."
The fox frowned as he came to. He opened his eyes, staring at Inuyasha in question. "What. What is it?"
"Your alarm."
Shippo blinked before reaching for his cellphone. He let out a whine at seeing whatever it was on his screen. He slumped back into the cushions. "Is it really three already?" He groaned. "I don't feel like I got any sleep at all."
Inuyasha's eyebrows raised up beneath his bangs. "We slept until three?"
Shippo sighed before raising himself up from the couch, careful not to disturb the slumbering demon. "Yeah. I gotta get ready to head in to work."
Inuyasha was tempted to fall back asleep right then and there but decided to get up. He went to his room and climbed into his own bed. He had to be at the bar in a couple hours himself.
He woke up later and took a shower. He left the bathroom, seeing Miroku's bedroom door was open. He went to his own room and got dressed. He brushed his hair before braiding it, only the bangs framing his face. He turned at the quick knock at his door.
"Hey. I'm gonna ride with you since we work the same shift today."
"Alright. You almost ready?" Inuyasha asked Miroku.
"I am ready."
"Me too. Let's get out of here."
The two walked out to the car. Inuyasha drove, knowing Miroku was about to ask him something by the way he turned towards him.
"When are you going to put in your notice at Shikon?"
Inuyasha sent him a glance. "I'm not. Not until after l I meet with the photographer tomorrow."
Miroku shrugged. "You've got the spot. There's no reason to stick around with us Inuyasha."
Inuyasha swallowed, choosing not to respond. Why he thought the other wouldn't know his reasons made him feel foolish. It was pretty much a given he got picked for the campaign, why else contact him out of the hundreds of other people who had signed on? Yet, putting in his resignation meant leaving behind Miroku and Shippo. He wasn't ready to do that. They'd always been together.
"Not yet Miroku."
His friend nodded, sitting in silence for the rest of the car ride. Inuyasha knew he'd have to do it eventually but he'd wait until absolutely necessary. Leaving Shikon just made this all that much more real.
Inuyasha stuck mostly to himself that night, only speaking to customers when it was necessary. Miroku seemed to know he was out of sorts tonight so he just let him be.
Working at Tama for a whole year was an amazing opportunity that one would be foolish to let slip through their fingers. Inuyasha was excited at the idea of working for a well known agency such as Tama. The thought of leaving his friends behind the only thing to dampen his spirits. He didn't want them to grow to resent him for getting a spot where they didn't. He didn't want to drift away from them. They'd been practically glued by the hip since the second grade. What would this mean for them now that Inuyasha was going to be away modeling?
Inuyasha let Miroku drive them home. He spent the time looking out the window, watching the familiar buildings and streets as they passed. He'd be leaving behind his life here as well. It wasn't easy but it was his. They struggled and made it through it together. They'd made memories in this city.
"Your over thinking this ya know."
Inuyasha turned to look at Miroku, seeing the demon staring back at him. He blinked, seeing they were parked. He hadn't realized they were home.
"I don't know what exactly has you so worried but just stop thinking about it. Inuyasha this is a time to be happy. Why can't you just live in the moment instead of worrying about the future? Your gonna be fine. I know it's new but I know you can be just as good as those models at Tama."
Miroku thought he was worried about working for Tama. That hadn't even crossed his mind oddly enough now that he had the spot.
"Yeah." He said before leaving the car. Inuyasha opened the apartment door, revealing the sandy haired fox on the couch.
"Hey guys."
"Hey Shippo." Inuyasha called out. "I'm gonna head to bed so I can head off to the agency in the morning. Night guys."
Inuyasha walked to his room, changing clothes before climbing into bed. He stared up at the ceiling, thinking of his meeting with the Shiga lady tomorrow and all that would entail. He turned his head at his door cracking open. He made out Miroku and Shippo making their way across his room before flopping down onto his bed. Shippo climbed over him, laying beside him closest to the wall. He felt Miroku scoot up closer behind him.
Inuyasha felt his eyes sting with moisture so he closed them, hoping to abate the feeing. He couldn't keep the smile from his lips as he tried for sleep however.
"Wake up Inuyasha."
The hanyou groaned, rolling over only to turn face first into a head of hair. He opened his eyes in confusion seeing Shippo sleeping away before him. He turned around, seeing Miroku standing before the bed.
"You gotta get ready to leave." Miroku explained. "Agency meeting remember?"
Inuyasha nodded his head as he remembered he had to drive to Tama this morning, the effects of sleep slowly leaving him. He got up and stretched, a yawn escaping him. He made his way to the dresser, taking out a pair of dark gray slacks and a long sleeved white button down top. He made his way to the bathroom so he could wash and brush his teeth. He did so before returning to his room, seeing Miroku sitting up where he'd been laying previously. Shippo was still asleep.
Inuyasha slipped on his shoes before making his way to the kitchen, hearing Miroku behind him. He grabbed for a bowl and spoon before placing the items on the counter. He went to the refrigerator and grabbed the milk before reaching to the top of the the refrigerator to grab his favorite cereal.
"How are you feeling?"
"Nervous." The hanyou admitted. "Excited. My stomach is going crazy."
Miroku nodded, a small smile on his lips.
"You don't need us to go with you right? I guess we should've asked."
Inuyasha looked to him before pouring in his cereal. "Nah. I'll be fine. It's just a meeting." The hanyou would've felt better if his friends went with him for the moral support, but they'd already taken everything so well. He couldn't ask them to go back to the agency too.
"Okay. Well I'm gonna go back to sleep. Work later." Miroku came and Inuyasha met him in a tight hug. "You'll be fine. We're proud of you."
Inuyasha blinked to keep at bay the sudden moisture that wanted to make itself known from his eyes. "Thanks."
"I'll see you later. You know we're gonna want details." Miroku grinned, already walking away from the kitchen and down the hallway.
Inuyasha finished off his cereal. He washed the bowl before going back to his room to grab his car keys and cellphone. He saw Shippo still asleep in is bed. He smiled at the sight before leaving out of the apartment.
..
Light blue eyes looked up at him. "How may I help you?"
"I'm here for my appointment with Kagura Shiga."
The demon tapped away on his keyboard as he looked at the monitor before him. "What is your name sir?"
"Inuyasha Nagano." The hanyou leaned against the receptionist's desk as he waited for the man to confirm his appointment. He suddenly nodded, his eyes raising back to meet with his own.
"Her office is on the thirteenth floor. Room L9."
Inuyasha thanked him before heading off to the elevators. He got in when it stopped on his floor. He leaned against the back rail, fighting against the sick feeling resonating from his stomach. He was nervous. Yet it was exciting. He was to work here. All the big, well known models were either in business with them or had been once upon a time during their careers.
The elevator doors parted and he walked out into a hall. He looked for room L9 and pushed the door open. It was another lobby, smaller than the one on the first floor. He looked around the empty room and made his way to the receptionist. The human female looked up at his approach.
"Hi. I'm here to see Kagura Shiga."
"I'll let her know your here." The woman turned to a small intercom that rested beside the computer monitor. "Ms. Shiga, your nine o' clock appointment is here."
"Send him in Kim." Came the cool, lazy reply.
The brown haired woman smiled up at him. "Her office is the last door on the right."
"Thank you."
The hanyou walked down the hall, stopping before the photographer's slightly open door. He knocked softly before pushing his way inside. Red wine colored eyes looked up at his arrival. She set down the paperwork she held in her hands before standing up to make her way from around her desk. She held out her hand and Inuyasha stretched out his own to meet hers.
"Mr. Nagano. It's good to see you again." She pulled away gesturing towards the seat in front of her desk. "Have a seat."
Kagura made her way back to her own seat. "I believe it goes without saying as to why I called you here today."
"Yes ma'am." The hanyou nodded.
Kagura raised her eyebrows, her face one of playful amusement. "I think you'll grow to learn that I'm not that formal. In fact, I insist you call me Kagura."
Inuyasha nodded.
"Good. We are interested in having you as one of the new faces during our campaign with Sacred Tree. You are familiar with the brand?"
The hanyou was familiar with the well received brand of clothing and fragrances. The company was known throughout the globe. Sacred Tree's products were more directed towards the young adult and middle aged audiences. Inuyasha had never been able to afford any of the company's products, struggling to keep his head above water with his share of the rent and school expenses.
"Yes." was all he said.
"Tama is teaming up with Sacred Tree to help promote the company's clothing. We're looking for a fresh new face, someone the young people of today can relate to." She paused. "I chose you because I believe you would be a perfect fit for one of the concepts Tama has come up with for the campaign. Your shots from the photo shoot captured the theme perfectly. They impressed me the most out of the one's similar to your own."
Inuyasha resisted the grin that wanted to bloom across his face.
"Should you agree to Tama's contractual agreement, you'll be working under Sesshomaru Nakajima. You two will be seen as an item during the course of the campaign. Meaning, the two of you will be partnered together over the course of your stay here. All of your photo shoots will be with him, strictly revolved around the theme we've chosen for you two. Interviews, appearances, events. You two will essentially be glued at the hip while your working."
Inuyasha's mouth fell open before he could control his reaction. He snapped it shut at the chuckle he received. "Your a fan I see." Kagura stated.
"He's.." Inuyasha struggled to find the right word that could sum up the seemingly serious model.
"Sesshomaru tends to have that affect on people." She said in a voice that let the hanyou know she knew this firsthand. She crossed her fingers together, face resting above her connected hands. "Sesshomaru's one of the best Tama has. Working besides someone like him is just one of the perks being a model here can provide to you. Your face will be plastered alongside his on billboards. The cover of magazines. The publicity will do wonders for you should you pursue a career in modeling. This a big opportunity not many would pass up. One I hope you will accept."
Inuyasha watched her grab for the papers from the desk he'd seen her with when he first walked in. She picked them up before holding them out towards the hanyou. Inuyasha grabbed for them, eyes automatically drawn to the black lettering.
"This is Tama's contract. A contract that would bind you to the company for one year. Look over this Mr. Nagano. Get an attorney if you'd like. If there are any questions you would like cleared up pertaining to the contract, feel free to contact the agency. If possible, I'd like to hear from you by Friday of next week. As the start of next month is the first shoot of the campaign." She stood up from behind the desk. "I hate to cut this short but I have other matters that I need to attend to."
Inuyasha stood up, reaching for her hand. "Thank you for the opportunity. I'll have my answer in to you before Friday."
She shook his hand, smile in place. "I'd appreciate it. I hope you accept. I think we could do great work together Mr. Nagano."
"Inuyasha." He told her. Since they were being less formal.
She tipped her head. "Inuyasha."
He nodded his head before turning to the door. He opened it but paused. He turned back to her, seeing she'd already sat back down in her seat. "Kagura."
She looked up at him. "What is it Inuyasha?"
"What's the theme you chose for me in the campaign?"
She grinned. "Romance of course."
..
Inuyasha walked in the door of the apartment, already knowing he was alone by the silence that clung throughout the walls. He went to his room and sat atop his bed. He looked over the papers, the contract Kagura had given him. He was tempted to sign his signature now but knew better. He'd have to get someone to look over this. Just to stay on the safe side.
He couldn't afford an attorney. People charged just for their time these days. He wracked his brain, thinking of what he could do.
Inuyasha reached for his cellphone, dialing the number to his late father's old friend. He wasn't a lawyer but the demon knew a lot about stuff like this. More than he himself did. If their was anyone he trusted with this, it'd be Myoga.
"Well this is a surprise. I finally get a call from my godson."
Inuyasha smiled. "Sorry Myoga. I've just been busy. How have you been?"
"I've been just fine. The shop's keeping me busy these days."
The hanyou was glad to hear it. It meant the flea demon was getting along fine in his cafe.
"What can I do for you Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha looked to the phone. "What makes you think I need something from you?"
"Inuyasha. I've know you all your life. Unless you really don't need anything..." He trailed off.
Inuyasha sighed in defeat. "I do need something from you." He admitted. "I need you to look over a contract I'm thinking of signing."
A humming sound met his ear. "A contract you say? What is this about?"
"It's a contract with Tama."
"Tama.. where have I heard that before."
Inuyasha shook his head. Why he expected the flea to know about the modeling agency he didn't know. People his age didn't care to keep up with the latest fashion trends.
"It's a modeling agency." He explained. "They offered me a contract today. They want me as one of the new faces in their campaign."
"Hm. Well, if that's what you wish to do then I'm happy for you Inuyasha."
"Thank you. So can you look over this for me?"
"Inuyasha. An attorney would be better suited to handle matters such as these."
"Going to an attorney takes up to much time. I told them I'd have my answer in before Friday." The flea didn't need to know which Friday. "I just need you to look through it. Please Myoga."
"Fine. I'll look over it but I'm not promising you anything. I still think you should wait for one more qualified for this."
"Thanks Myoga. When will you be ready for me?"
"Come to the shop tomorrow morning."
"I appreciate this."
"I'll do what I can to help."
Inuyasha talked with him for a while before hanging up the phone. He sat the papers in the top drawer of his dresser. He wouldn't tell Myoga he couldn't afford an attorney. The flea would take it upon himself to pay for it and the hanyou didn't want that. Myoga didn't know about his school expenses and it would stay that way. He wouldn't place his burdens on anyone else.
He laid down, tiredness gripping him after having gotten up earlier than he was used to this morning.
His ear flicked back as he became aware of the hushed conversation above his head. He slowly came around, his mind focusing on the words the two were speaking.
"Let him sleep Miroku. He woke up early this morning. Remember?"
"Of course I remember. But I wanna know how his meeting went." He whined. "Besides. He needs to know the good news Shippo."
"You act as if he's gonna be asleep for the next fifty years. We'll tell him later. C'mon. Let's get out of his room before he wakes up."
A sigh. "Fine."
Inuyasha listened to them leave. He contemplated following after them but the bed felt too good to leave just yet. A quick look to his window told him it was dark outside. He'd been asleep longer than he intended to be. He closed his eyes. Miroku would just have to wait until the morning. Sleep claimed him once more.
The hanyou woke up to see dark blue eyes staring down at him. A grin in place on the dark haired demon's lips.
"Morning sunshine."
Inuyasha raised up onto his elbows. "I thought Shippo told you to let me sleep."
Miroku's took on an affronted look. "You heard us."
Inuyasha smirked up at him before throwing the covers aside. He got up and stretched before turning to Miroku. "Sure did. What'd you want to tell me?"
Miroku shook his head. "Not until you tell us how your meeting with the photographer went. Come on." He pulled on Inuyasha's hand. The hanyou followed behind with a laugh. He wanted to tell them anyway.
Miroku pulled them into the kitchen and Inuyasha took a seat at the table with a yawn. Shippo looked over at them from his spot in front of the stove and sent the bat youkai a glare at seeing Inuyasha out of bed. Inuyasha snickered.
"Put the claws away. Sheesh," The bat started, taking a seat to Inuyasha's left. His back facing the fox. "Dog boy here heard us after all when we crept in his room last night." He turned to his friend, his cobalt eyes failing to hide their excitement. "Now. Tell us how the meeting with Kagura went."
"Well," he licked his lips, folding his hands together upon the glass table. "She just told me what we already knew. That they picked me for the campaign."
"Yeah," Miroku made a gesture with his hand as if to tell him to speed it up. "What did she say specifically? We need details."
"Tch. Impatient much?" He shook his head but conceded. "She gave me a contract to look over. Tama's agency contract. The campaign is just with Sacred Tree. They have some kind of business deal together or something."
"Hm. Yeah. That's what Sesshomaru had said at the end of the winter show right?" Shippo asked, moving the spatula in his hand in quick circles in the skillet of whatever he was making.
Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah. This is what he was talking about. Apparently Tama came up with specific themes they want modeled with Sacred Tree's products. It's a partnered thing. Two people modeling together based around the chosen theme." He explained, resting his chin on the inside of his right hand.
"Do you know what the themes are?" Miroku asked.
"Not all of them. Just mine."
Shippo looked at him as if to say keep going, waving the spatula in his hand. "Well? What's your theme in the campaign?'
The hanyou cleared his throat, looking down as he grumbled out a quick, "Romance."
His head whipped up at the silence and his eyes narrowed at the wide eyed look. The bat's lips tucked in as he obviously resisted the urge to laugh. "Don't you dare Miroku."
The dark haired demon turned his head, hand covering his mouth as his shoulders lightly shook. Inuyasha watched him with unimpressed eyes. "Sorry," he turned back around, face slightly flushed but in better control of himself. "Sorry. They really gave you romance?"
Inuyasha flopped back in his seat with a tired sigh. "Yes. She said mines was the best out of the ones similar to my own. So either I gave them a romantic impression or I just fit the look they had in mind. I mean, it can't be that hard to look.. romantic." He finished lamely before rushing on. "Anyway. She wants me to have my answer in by next Friday. I already told her I'd have my answer in before then."
"Wait," the fox turned to face him fully. "Who are you partnered with? You said it was two models. So who'd they put you with?"
The words out of his mouth are ones he can still scarcely believe, "Sesshomaru."
Both of their eyes widen in surprise and it would be funny if it weren't so nerve wracking.
"Sesshomaru... You have to be romantic on set with Sesshomaru Nakajima?" The bat spoke slowly as if asking for clarification.
Inuyasha gave a single nod of his head. He watched with growing discomfort the grin that spreads across his friends face. Surprisingly, the bat demon doesn't say anything about his friend being in such an intimate position with his favorite model, but the self satisfied air about him speaks loud enough.
"Well, uh. That's.. That's good. Right?" Shippo asks.
"It's very good." Miroku nods, grin completely taking over his face.
"It's just.. Business. Nothing is going to come out of it so can we not go there. I've spilled all I got so it's your turn." He tells them both with a pointed look. "Cough it up. What'd you two wanna tell me?"
"Uh well," the fox started, sending a look to their dark haired friend. Miroku doesn't say anything, obviously content to let Shippo speak for them both.
Shippo scratched his cheek. "While you were gone yesterday.. the photographer, Kagura Shiga, called us."
The hanyou's brows move inward. "She called you? Why would she call you? Only reason she would have to call you is if you.."
He trails off at the nodding of Shippo, a small grin on his lips. "We got the call back."
Inuyasha sends a wide eyed glance Miroku's way and the smile on his face says it all. "Wait, so both of you got a call back?"
"Yep," the bat says with a pop of his lips. "Almost back to back. I got mine first from Shiga. Not even five minutes later she called Shippo. So, now we're all in the campaign for Tama."
"That's.." He trailed off, not knowing what to say and stunned beyond belief. What are the odds that all three of them actually get to be in the campaign for Tama. Now he didn't have to separate from them. There were no words can describe just how happy he was to hear that his two closest people also received a call from the agency. He'd been so worried about leaving them behind and possibly drifting from them because of it. Now that's no longer a concern because they'd all be together.
He looks at each of them. "Congratulations." He hoped his feelings were palpable, and that they knew he truly was happy for them. If their matching grins were anything to go by, he's sure they know.
Shippp loaded their plates and served them their food before taking a seat for himself.
"When do you guys have to go in to the agency?"
"Monday. My meeting with Shiga is at eleven." Shippo said.
"We both go in on Monday," Miroku told him after swallowing a mouthful of his breakfast. "I see her at ten thirty."
"I can't believe this.." He muttered, though his tone proves he's far from disappointed with the turn of events. He turned to Shippo when a thought enters his mind. "How do you feel about this? Now that you actually got a call back, can you see yourself modeling?"
Shippo nodded thoughtfully as he chewed his meal. "I honestly didn't think they'd pick me. I'm still not sure how I feel about it.. but I know I wanna be with you guys if I can. Plus, this is really something I'm doing to prove to myself. I may not have wanted to do it in the beginning but I'd be dumb to waste the opportunity. It's only for a year anyway."
"A lot can happen in a year," the bat demon looked at him with a raised brow. "Who knows, you could be engaged to Koga by then."
"Shutup Miroku!" The fox looked down, but the rosy flush was still visible on his cheeks. "I swear if you say anything like that in front of him, I will never forgive you."
Miroku laughed. "Just for that reaction alone, I'm praying to every God out there he ends up your partner. Big bad wolf is gonna eat you ali- Ow!" He shouted, reaching down to rub at his shin. He mock pouted in Shippo's direction. "You just kicked me with your pointy ass toes. I'm really gonna tell him now."
"Do it, and I'll tell Naraku about what I walked in on while you were looking at him in the magazine." Shippo said coolly, his green eyes narrowed.
The bat demon leaned forward with a satisfied look. "Is that supposed to be a threat? You'd be doing me a favor." He seemed to purr.
Shippo shook his head with a grimace on his face, choosing to refrain from responding and turning back to his meal.
Inuyasha hid behind his hand, hiding the upturn of his lips. Sending up a small 'thank you' to whoever was listening.
AN: Sorry if I missed any mistakes. If their are any, I'll go over it later. Let me know if you enjoyed. See ya when I see ya! :*
