…Shippo, a young fox demon she met soon after establishing the growing institution for orphans, Hope and Home. Her father denies any involvement in its founding or operations.
A dedicated worker, Higurashi still enjoys excursions with her friends, including the occasional outing to a nightclub or movie. "Life should not be taken seriously all the time," she says. She can also be found performing various types of community services. At the time of the interview, she was en route to a charity auction.
It is this magazine's opinion that Sesshoumaru Taisho and Kagome Higurashi, each with their own charms and intriguing independent natures, are Japan's least obtainable bachelor and bachelorette.
Sesshoumaru sighed quietly to himself as he closed the magazine once more. He had in fact misjudged Kagome Higurashi. A rare occurrence indeed. He had met her having already made up his mind of her worth, while she had apparently formed no prejudgments about him, showing him nothing but the respect one of his status deserves. The corner of his lips twitched upwards. He wondered what she thought of him now.
- - - -
"He's an arrogant asshole."
Sango could not help but smirk at Kagome's irritation. "I told you so. Everything I've read or heard about him said the same."
Sango Taijiya and Kagome had met in college. When Kagome changed her major from medicine to business, she gained Sango as a roommate. Sango had been Kagome's right-hand woman throughout the process of creating Hope and Home. When Kagome was made a CEO of Shikon, Sango took over running most of the day-to-day business of H&H. She remained Kagome's closest friend and confidante.
Currently to two were in Sango's large apartment, which was richly decorated with stylish furniture and accessories that were like works of art themselves. They sat at the kitchen table chatting over cups of steaming tea.
Kagome sighed, her fiery anger cooling as she sipped the calming brew. Her eyes grew slightly distant as she replied, "I know, but... you can't form opinions based only on what other people say."
"And you'd know that better than most," Sango stated with a gentle smile. "It's a commendable trait. But that doesn't mean what you hear is wrong all the time."
Kagome gave her a skeptical, knowing look. "You told me once that, before you met me, you thought I was some 'stuck-up, snotty, rich bimbo.'"
"Only because of what I'd heard about your family in the news," Sango protested playfully, knowing very well that her statement only supported Kagome's argument, before she started laughing. Kagome soon joined her.
When their amusement died down, Kagome continued, "You see? And when have you ever met someone who was as bad—or good—as the others portrayed them to be?"
Sango made an actual effort to think of even one instance, but could not. She held up her hands in mock surrender. "You win. So, I guess this would be a first, huh?" Kagome merely shrugged. "How about a change in subject? When are you going to get a boyfriend?" That was a long-standing debate between the two best friends.
And Kagome never ceded. "I told you I do not want or need a boyfriend." Kagome stood, setting down her empty cup. "I have to get Shippo home now, anyway. It's way past his bedtime."
"I can tell," Sango said sardonically, looking at the kit curled up asleep on her couch next to Sango's fire cat, Kirara. The seven-year-old kitsune boy with auburn hair seemed Kagome's sole reason for living at times. Sango sighed then. "I'll walk you to your car."
Kagome picked up her son. "Thanks for watching him while I was at those meetings." She forestalled continued discussion on the topic of Kagome's love life—or lack thereof—by asking, "How are you and Miroku?"
Looking at her friend, Sango knew Kagome was sought after not only because of her money, but also because of her beauty and personality. The proof was in the equally wealthy men who sought to date her. Sango just wanted her friend to be as happy with someone as she was with Miroku, whom Kagome had introduced to her. Kagome always put others before herself. She needed someone who would always put her first. With yet another sigh, Sango began talking about her latest adventures with her boyfriend.
They parted with Kagome's promise to stop by H&H sometime during the next couple days, and an agreement to get together for some fun sooner rather than later.
Shippo had woken groggily in the car on the way home. She still carried him into the house, and after locking the door and setting the alarm system, she brought him straight to his room and helped him change into his pajamas before helping him into his bed. He was dreaming again by the time his head hit the pillow.
Kagome listened to the messages left on the answering machine and her cell phone, checked her e-mail and appointments for the next day, and finally prepared herself for bed and fell wearily onto her soft sheets.
- - - -
Sesshoumaru mentally grumbled as he hung up the phone. Apparently Inuyasha had mentioned the incident with Kagome Higurashi to their father. Now Sesshoumaru knew why her name sounded familiar.
Samuru had only met Sotu Higurashi a small number of times at private functions, but Samuru had come to admire the man immensely. Samuru expected his son to afford the same respect to Sotu Higurashi and his daughter. Now, by order of his father, Sesshoumaru had to apologize. An incident as rare as his being wrong. At least he had a pretext for meeting her again.
Summoning his servant, Jaken, Sesshoumaru ordered him to find Kagome Higurashi's scheduled events for the next week, so that he could prepare to drop in on one such event.
Leaning back in his seat, Sesshoumaru speculated at her reaction to meeting him again. Cool deference seemed likely. Anger or annoyance even more so. He wondered what color blue her eyes changed to when she was surprised.
- - - -
As Kagome sorted the mail, she came across an all too familiar white envelope: her name and address printed from a computer in plain font with plain ink on a standard label, no return address, sealed tightly, no stamp.
They came at irregular intervals, sometimes so spread apart that she could forget about them for brief moments in time.
Kagome sat down at the kitchen table. Slowly she opened it, and read contents not so very different from the last she had received. Similar words on everyday white paper and which could have been typed on and printed from any computer. She carefully replaced the note in the envelope.
After a moment of silent contemplation she took out her cell phone.
"Sango, it's me." A slight pause. "I got another one."
- - - -
His fist connected harshly with his desk. Jaken had been unable to obtain Kagome Higurashi's agenda, even after two days devoted to searching. Sesshoumaru himself had investigated that matter, to no avail. The only events he could find out about beforehand were private business meetings, and he needed to encounter her in a more public place. She was a mysterious girl indeed.
In the ensuing silence, he heard the television being turned on in the next room and the words of a news correspondent caught his attention.
…at the park with several well-known names, including Ms. Kagome Higuras…
"Lord Sesshoumaru!" Jaken cried, rushing into his office without bothering to knock. "Ms. Higurashi is currently… at…" the words died on the toad demon's lips as he met his master's icy glare.
"First of all, never presume to barge in here," Sesshoumaru stated in a voice just as cold. "Secondly," his eyes slid to the television screen, visible through the doorway, which held the location of the reporter in the bottom-right corner of the screen. "I know."
"Rin," he said, gaining the attention of the girl who had unwittingly turned on the news program that had provided him the information he required. "We're going to the park." The young raven-haired girl looked up with eyes shining in adoration and joy. Quickly she turned off the television and followed her father figure as he grabbed his coat and car keys. Jaken followed, grumbling to himself.
They arrived several minutes later to find plenty of humans and demons alike, some carrying shovels or saplings, almost all dirty to some degree. Sesshoumaru sent Rin off to play in a less populated area, ordering Jaken not to let her out of his sight. As Sesshoumaru walked toward the gathering, he was unexpectedly approached by none other than the very one he was going in search of.
Kagome was dressed in a pair of worn blue jeans, sneakers and dark purple jacket to ward off the chill January air. Her hair was tied back simply. She seemed to hold no malice or anger towards him. No surprise at his appearance. The only difference in her manner from last time was an added bit of hesitance.
With a small smile she asked, "Did you come to help plant?"
"Plant?"
She pointed to a banner some distance away that stated the affair was arranged by an environmentalist group to plant more trees in the local parks. Before he could reply, she said, "Well, if you decide to, that's where you can get supplies: gloves, shovels, etcetera." She indicated several different tables set up beneath the banner. "Even if you don't, thanks for showing up." She tilted her head to indicate the news cameras and reporters. "We'll get more publicity that way."
He was about to speak when her name was called, and she politely excused herself before hurrying away to speak with someone else. He stood and watched for a few moments as she rushed for place to place, to wherever she was needed. And she did not think twice about kneeling in the fresh soil and fertilizer and getting dirty.
A hand suddenly landed on his shoulder, causing him to growl and turn, effectively dislodging the offensive appendage.
A man with dark hair and violet eyes gave a nervous laugh in the face of Sesshoumaru's anger. Sesshoumaru recognized him as Miroku Houshi, the president of a wealthy stock broking company. He leaned lazily on the handle of a shovel that had the spade stuck shallowly in the ground. "Right, hands to myself." He eyed Sesshoumaru's obviously expensive ensemble, which included a black, button-up silk shirt and dark slacks. "Are you here to plant?"
Ignoring the man, Sesshoumaru returned his gaze to Kagome.
As if Sesshoumaru had spoken, Miroku said, "Ah, I see. So that's why you're here. Well, you're not the only one."
Sesshoumaru glanced around to find that Kagome was indeed the object of many men's, both demon and human, stares. "Are you here because you are pursuing Higurashi?" Recalling the article that had stated Higurashi had many men after her, he refused to dwell on the irritation he felt at realizing he had much competition, and forced himself to see it as increasing the difficulty of the game.
Hearing the barely suppressed anger in Sesshoumaru's voice, Miroku was quick to reassure the powerful dog demon. "No, no. I was, once. But now I am happily in love with my girlfriend. Kagome introduced us. I think she knew we were meant for each other."
Sesshoumaru resisted the urge to scoff at such useless emotions.
"See that man over there?" Against his better judgment, Sesshoumaru followed Miroku's gaze to a relatively plain-looking man with dull blue eyes and short brown hair who watched Kagome raptly. "That's Houjou Teraki, the famous surgeon. He was Kagome's boyfriend in high school."
"A human," Sesshoumaru stated indifferently.
Miroku was unfazed. His violet eyes locked on a different male who watched Kagome intently, another with light blue eyes and dark hair tied back in a high ponytail. "Kouga Ookami owns the wealthiest veterinary chain in Japan." The brown wolf tail and pointed ears obviously marked him as a youkai. Miroku pointed to another, one with red eyes and long black hair. "Hiten Raidon owns the number one television and radio network."
"Enough. What is your point?" Sesshoumaru demanded.
Miroku faced him directly. "All of these men, and more, have been after Kagome for years and none have succeeded. She is not an easy woman. Quite the opposite, in fact. Don't go after her if that's what you're looking for."
That's what I'm counting on. "Why do you tell me this?"
"A courtesy to all new pursuers," he replied mildly. "Kagome is also a good friend of mine."
"I see. And does that little speech ever ward off any suitors?"
"Rarely. And never a demon." He paused. "I would not get my hopes up, even if I were you. You're far from the first." Miroku gave a respectful bow and retreated to find Sango.
Sesshoumaru immediately smothered his almost instinctual response of "But I will be the last," and started towards Kagome. He stopped suddenly, and went instead to the tables she had indicated before. Participating would be the best way to gain her good faith. Soon, he became caught up in the work, strangely self-satisfying, that followed, and was surprised to find that an entire hour had passed mostly without his notice. Deciding he should take Rin home soon, he looked around for Kagome.
When he found her, she had shed her jacket to reveal a black turtleneck shirt with the long sleeves rolled up to reveal more pale skin. Her activeness had warmed her, even in the still chilly afternoon. Dirt covered her pants from her knees to her ankles as well as at her thighs where she had unconsciously wiped her dirty hands countless times. A light streak of dirt also powdered her temple where she had probably pushed loose strands of her hair from her eyes. Yet the wind had brought a touch of color to her cheeks and her bright eyes sparkled merrily. She looked as lovely now as ever.
"Ms. Higurashi—"
She looked up at him and smiled, making him lose his train of thought momentarily. "Just call me Kagome, at least outside the office. Besides, we're practically going to be family soon," she said, laughing at his barely noticeable reaction to her last statement.
"Kagome," he said elegantly, allowing his tone to drop an octave. "You may call me Sesshoumaru. I admit, I did not expect you to be so civil, because of my… imprudence at our last encounter." That was as close to an apology as he was willing to get.
She seemed to take his words at face value, and either did not notice or completely ignored the change in his voice. "No worries. I guess I'm just big on second chances," she said with a nonchalant shrug.
"Hmm. Well, would you—"
"Kagome!" an excited, childish voice called out. Suddenly a golden-brown ball of fur was in her arms, the force causing her to take a step back to keep her balance. "Are we almost done here? I'm hungry."
"Almost," she assured him quietly. "But it's rude to interrupt, and to ignore someone," she chided gently. "Say hello to Mr. Sesshoumaru Taisho. Sesshoumaru, this is my son, Shippo."
Turquoise eyes met gold. "Hello, Mr. Taisho."
"Call me Sesshoumaru, or else you'll get me confused with my father," he said, offering a large clawed hand for the kitsune to shake. The small paw was easily engulfed in Sesshoumaru's larger hand.
"I'm sorry," Kagome said as Shippo jumped down. "What were you—"
"Lord Sesshoumaru!" He nearly groaned. Rin had picked up the habit of calling him 'Lord' from Jaken and she seemed adamant about doing so, despite his suggestions against it.
The little girl with part of her black hair tied into a small ponytail on the side of her head came at a run to attach herself to Sesshoumaru's leg. Sesshoumaru looked around, relieved to see that all the camera crews had moved on to other news. He would not mind so much that the public know he had taken Rin in, it was the idea of the media hounding the relatively shy girl that did not appeal to him.
"Lord Sesshoumaru," the girl whined. "Jaken won't play with Rin." Her watery brown eyes rose to Kagome's face when she realized her guardian was not alone. "Who's the pretty lady?"
Kagome could not help but smile at the girl's sudden mood change. She crouched down to be face to face with her. "Hi there. My name is Kagome."
"Rin's name is Rin," was the reply.
"Pleasure to meet you, Rin." Kagome held out her hand, which the girl happily took. "And how old might you be?"
"Rin is this many," she said, holding up all the fingers of one hand and one finger on the other.
"Six? Wow! You're such a big girl. Rin, this is my son, Shippo. He's about your age." As the children became acquainted, Kagome stood back up. "She's sweet," she told Sesshoumaru. "Did you adopt her?"
"Sometimes I wonder if she adopted me," he said languidly.
Kagome laughed. "Kids can do that, or so I've noticed." Watching them, she added, "We should try and get them together for a play date. I think they'd get along well. Do you frequent this park often?"
"Occasionally."
"Maybe we'll run into you sometime, then." Kagome checked her watch. "I think it's about time we left. Ready, Shippo?" He nodded, and she bent to pick him up. "I enjoyed meeting you, Rin," she said with a smile. "Have a nice day, Sesshoumaru."
He nodded.
She was a few steps away when he remembered what he had wanted to ask her. "Kagome." She turned to look at him. "Allow me to treat you to dinner, to make up for—"
"Don't worry about it! It wasn't a big deal," she assured him. "And thanks for all the help today. Sorry your clothes got a bit muddy." Giving one last smile, she walked away.
Looking down, he noted that he had indeed dirtied his clothes slightly. Strangely, though, he did not really care. A moment passed before he realized she had easily sidestepped his invitation for a dinner date.
Upon arriving back at their penthouse apartment, Sesshoumaru stormed straight to his office. Kagome Higurashi was not only hiding something, but she was avoiding him. He liked neither aspect of the situation. His curiosity was certainly piqued.
"Jaken."
The toad rushed into the room. "Yes, my Lord. What can—?"
"Get Maro on the phone. Now."
To my reviewers mimi86, juliagulia1017, Kagome21, LynGreenTea, anime-lover-forever2007, AngelMaiden, Princess Dani, Wilby711 (thanks for catching my grammer error!), NekoYasha101, midnightloon, Fiona McKinnon, cc, and Youkai Sesshomarulover: Thank you for your interest, support and encouragement!