Kagome was still fuming over her first encounter with Sesshomaru. His name was fitting in her mind but more so now that she had met him. It was no wonder he was a recluse with that attitude of his. Thinking that though, made Kagome stop and sigh to herself. She was being too harsh on him now.
He was obviously a man who enjoyed his privacy and a good strong work effort. His brother Inuyasha seemed nice enough, so it couldn't be a genetic disposition. There had to be a reason he was like that.
As she calmed down from her frustration she turned to Kouga who was driving them back to the safety of her office. Kagome had little time to play around though as she needed to leave soon to pick up Shippo from school. Today was Friday and she always picked him up on Friday so they could spend the evening together, a perfect start to the weekend.
Her mind went back to Sesshomaru for a split second causing her to frown and she turned her head back to Kouga. He seemed completely unperturbed by the events and she guessed it had to be because nothing out of the ordinary had happened for him. Kagome had the feeling Kouga had worked with Sesshomaru many times before which brought into question just how much he knew about the business tycoon.
"You don't seem surprised by what happened." Kagome said calmly watching his features for the slightest movement. What surprised her was that he didn't move, his features composed into a perfect mask. She had only to deduce that he had anticipated her question. It led her to think on what else he could possibly be anticipating.
For another moment she was wondering if following his advice was a good idea. Everyone in the business world seemed to have schooled features as if they were in some type of play and they had a part in this act. She wondered if any of them were ever truthful with anyone else. Surely there had to come a time when they lost who they were in who they were molding themselves to be.
"Sesshomaru is who he is. I'm not overly surprised by what happened, only what will happen now. He will not take kindly to what you said and you may have just made yourself a terrible enemy." Kagome's eyes widened as she considered the implications to what he just said. Shikon no Tama was not in any position to have an enemy such as Taisho Enterprises. However looking back at Kouga she saw the same schooled features.
"You still don't seem concerned." She pressed him hoping he would reveal something, but the only indication he gave her was a shrug. They were almost to the building now and then he would leave her for the day. She needed to get some more information out of him before he took off.
"Sesshomaru may seem crude, but he is honorable. Besides you made a good impression on his brother and Inuyasha will try to convince him to at least wait it out. If you prove yourself to Sesshomaru in some way there may still be a chance to convince him to become a buyer." He seemed quiet before his features brightened.
"I know! You can do it at the ball. That will be a perfect opportunity to win him over." Kouga's mind was whirling as he began to visualize the whole event. He would need to get Jakotsu and Bankotsu on board to prepare her for the evening.
"How long have you known Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked softly changing the topic from being dolled up. She was not a dress up doll for them to play with. She had a mind and ran a business, yet it seemed like no one had recognized that as her talent yet.
"We grew up in the same circles. I never knew him personally until he attended college."
"Why didn't you know him before then?" Kagome asked trying to pry out some more information. Anything that could help her understand the enigma that was Sesshomaru.
"He was away at boarding school for a while, but I knew Inuyasha pretty well. We were always getting into trouble." Kouga grinned as he looked at Kagome. Her eyebrow was raised as she began to think a little deeper about what he was saying.
"Why wasn't Inuyasha at boarding school?" Kagome knew she had asked the right question when Kouga gave a groan and shifted in his seat.
"I don't know too much about the entirety of the Taisho's family situation, but I will tell you that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru are only half-brothers. They share the same father and there was some scandal with the mothers. Hence the brothers are not the best of friends." Kagome felt all the little pieces fall into place then. She knew it would be rude to delve further as she was not a personal friend of the brothers, but just knowing that small tidbit, made Kagome feel a little sorry for Sesshomaru.
Beside her Kouga was watching her intensely out of the corner of his eye. Just as he suspected she was already excusing Sesshomaru for his behavior. It still astounded him how she could be so angry one second and the next so forgiving and understanding.
Thankfully by that time Kouga and Kagome had reached the Shikon no Tama office building. They said their goodbyes with smiles as Kagome went to her own modest car. Putting her things in the back seat she got in to rush to her son's school. They would be letting out shortly and she could maybe beat the rush of soccer moms.
Ten minutes later, Kagome sighed as she sat in line behind the long line of cars. Students walked along the road as they made their way to the subway or to their homes. Others were walking to study houses where they would continue their work. Personally Kagome wanted Shippo to work hard but she also thought he deserved some time for relaxation. If she had a late meeting she would often have him go to a study house or have his grandmother pick him up from school, but she hated to do such things.
More than anything she did not want to turn into one of those moms that had no time for her kids. She would drop everything if she had to and she had often told Shippo to tell her if he felt he was being neglected.
As her car pulled up to the school she saw Shippo's auburn hair sticking out among the crowd as she scanned the uniformed students. He too noticed her car and smiled as he ran over to jump in.
"Hi Shippo! How was school today?" Pulling away she gave him a sidelong glance and was relieved to see him smiling. His days weren't always good, so when they were they were extra special.
"It was boring, but I'm so glad you're here mama. Can we go to the park or maybe rent a movie?" Kagome smiled and nodded her head thankful to be thinking about something else besides work for once.
The next day Kagome and Shippo decided to go out for ice cream and a movie. As they walked out of the theatre Kagome was talking to Shippo about the movie as they made their way to the ice cream stand. Shippo however was quiet and as she looked at him, her brows furrowed in worry.
"What's wrong Shippo?" She asked softly putting her hand on his warm back and bending down to his eye level. His eyes darted from the left to the right as his green eyes narrowed.
"People are staring at you mama." He whispered. Startled she stood up and tried to slyly look around only to notice many of the passer byers were giving her side long looks. Turning she noticed some people were stopping and pointing her way.
"Let's just get our ice cream and go." She whispered as she grabbed Shippo's hand. He stuck close to her leg as they rushed with their ice cream scoops into their car. Kagome rushed out of the theatre before driving back to their home.
They were still in the process of unpacking their things and there was no time like the present. Most of their furniture had been sold or donated as Kagome hadn't had much to begin with. The rest either went with them or to her mother's house. Kaede's house was a good sized family home with a couple of bedrooms and fully furnished with comfortable yet traditional furniture. As much as Kagome hated to sell anything she did end up getting rid of a few of Kaede's outdated furniture pieces. A majority of the pieces had stayed with the exception of some very valuable and exotic decor items. Those she moved into the large study area in a glass case where they could be observed but not bothered.
Although she trusted Shippo, she knew accidents happen and his friends could be just as rowdy. It was always better to be careful than to have a broken vase.
As Kagome got home she put on some shorts and a t-shirt while sticking her hair in a ponytail. Although Shippo hated unpacking he loved spending time with his adoptive mother and they spent the rest of the day unpacking. In the late afternoon the doorbell rang and Kagome and Shippo looked at each other expectantly before Kagome rolled her eyes and went to the door.
To her surprise Kouga was standing there smiling, in his usual business attire. Blushing she closed the door a little to hide her disheveled appearance.
"Kouga! What are you doing here?" She exclaimed as he chuckled at her shyness.
"I'm here because I am bringing you the news. Check this out." In his hand he held a magazine and Kagome took it with steady fingers as she saw the cover.
Her picture was on the cover of the most prestigious business magazine in the country. It was from the photo shoot with Jakotsu the other day and she blushed at how sexy she looked. She figured it must be the touch ups they did. Her eyes flickered to the headlines that read "Watch Out Boys." With a brighter blush she looked up to Kouga.
"They published the story already?" He smiled and nodded taking the magazine and flipping it to the page where her story started.
"You really haven't been around the business world much, have you? We get things done quick and dirty. You've got a full page spread in Business Today. It's the highest selling issue on record!" He laughed a little as Kagome began to read some of the article. Before she could get into the first paragraph she felt Shippo come behind her and wedge his head in the space between her legs and the door frame. He looked up at Kouga and then to Kagome.
"Mama, who's that?" He asked shyly before stepping forward and furrowing his brow in a protective manner. Hitting her forehead with the palm of her hand Kagome opened the door wider.
"I'm sorry, Kouga. Would you like to come in?" When he nodded Kagome stood aside and led him in to their home.
"Kouga, this is my son Shippo. Shippo this is Kouga, he's been working with me to try and help the business." Shippo's eyes had wandered to the magazine in her hands as he yanked the glossy pages to look them over.
"Mama! You're so pretty!" He said and smiled in pride. Kagome's blush grew brighter and she swore she probably looked like a tomato by that time.
"She sure is, kid, and I'm told that's all natural. Jak didn't do a thing to the image. Anyways, the reason I wanted to come over was I wanted to ask you out to dinner to celebrate." He smiled as Kagome looked to Shippo hesitantly.
Immediately the boy was gauging Kouga. Although Shippo and Kagome had spoken of her dating at some point, she had never truly considered it. Shippo wanted her to date and she sometimes felt he really wanted a male role model. Still, Kagome had been hesitant, not only because she was afraid Shippo would have an adverse reaction, but also because she hadn't dated in so long she wasn't quite sure what to do anymore. Until this point she had never considered Kouga as a potential boyfriend and she was frankly hesitant to cross that boundary from associate to boyfriend.
"You know I promised Shippo I would stay with him the whole day, but you're welcome to join us for dinner. I'm making some chicken and rice." She smiled as Kouga nodded.
Somehow within the hour she had roped Kouga into helping her unpack. He had faithfully taken off his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his pristine shirt as he dug through boxes of her stuff. They only had a few boxes left to unpack by the time Kagome had dinner ready.
"You know Shippo and I went and saw a movie earlier today and we saw a bunch of people staring at us. Now I know the reason." She gestured to the magazine as they talked about her day earlier.
"Ya I bet they were, but you better get used to it real quick. You were lucky the paparazzi didn't find out where you were." Kouga only half joked as he took in a mouthful of food. Kagome looked uncertainly at Shippo and back to Kouga as she considered his words carefully.
"You're kidding right? Paparazzi? I doubt it, I'm a nobody."
"Not anymore." Kouga wiped his mouth with a napkin as he took his hand and pointed to her face on the glossy cover.
"Kagome, things are about to change. Strangers are going to start taking your picture, people will follow you. You are going to have to be extra careful." Rolling her eyes Kagome began picking up the empty dishes as she made her way to the kitchen.
"You are over reacting. I am sure no one will remember this by Monday." Kouga frowned at her naivety but kept his mouth closed. There was no way he could convince her of the storm that was about to overshadow her life, she was too trusting of the world. He just hoped her trust didn't diminish as she experienced the true nature of the world.
The phone hadn't stopped ringing. The sound had become so predominant in her mind that she was beginning to believe it was a permanent ailment. As she looked at her phone and its flashing red light she sighed as she rubbed her temples with her fingers.
It had taken an hour for Miroku to figure out how to silence her phone and it was a blessing that he had. Kagome couldn't take it anymore. She turned away from her desk, away from the piles of papers that made her desk look like snow capped mountains. Instead her eyes went to her small windows, the blinds partially open.
With one quick movement she pulled a string and the blinds rose with a snap revealing the light in its full glory. Her fingers itched and she used them to reach out to the clasp on the window and burst it open. Instantly a sweep of air filtered through the room, gathering the sweat about her neck and cooling her face. Her hair was released from its tranquil position into a current of movement and for the first time that day she felt at peace.
There was a knock on her door and Kagome looked to the entrance wearily. The last thing she needed was her peace to be interrupted.
When Kouga popped his head in, Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. She turned and began to walk towards him when he moved aside and let in another person. Although she recognized the person she was surprised to see him.
Bowing she stood then and watched him bow as well.
"Taisho-sama, what a surprise. Kouga did not tell me you were coming today." She sent Kouga a sharp look as the man tried to look innocent.
"The name's Inuyasha, none of that -sama crap. Save that for my brother." At the mention of Inuyasha's brother Kagome paled and took a deep breath.
"Speaking of him. I'm really sorry about how I acted." Inuyasha gave her a look that Kagome could only describe as a mix of dumbfounded and surprised. Then the younger Taisho brother laughed. He nearly laughed so hard that he fell on to the ground, but once he settled he saw Kagome was smiling obviously trying to hold back her own laughter.
"Don't worry about that prick. Personally I think he enjoyed it. No one has stood up to him in ages, but enough about him. Let's go grab some grub!" Kagome looked up in surprise to Kouga who shrugged.
"I figured we could all go out for lunch." Kouga offered. Looking back to her piles of papers and her phone with its blinking red lights, she fought the urge to sigh again.
"I don't know guys, I've got a lot to do. The phone has been ringing like crazy and I just don't know what's happening." Her head fell into her hands, so she missed as Inuyasha brushed passed her and then yanked out the cord to her phone.
Kagome gasped as a thrill of excitement went through her. Could it truly be over so easily? However, she then remembered just what had caused this problem in the first place.
Turning her head sharply to Kouga she marched forward and stabbed her finger into his chest.
"You! You are the cause of all of this. You never mentioned anything about my privacy being invaded. I don't even know how these people got my number. What did you do?" Kouga who had been fully expecting her to snap at him eventually and was surprised she had waited this long. Still he felt guilty although he had tried to warn her.
"Look I'm sorry. This is just how it works. Just give the media a few weeks and it will start to die down, I promise." Still fuming Kagome dropped her hand to flick a strand of hair out of her face. She was still fuming at everything that had happened. Because of her publicity she hadn't gotten any work done and now she would have to stay late.
Shaking her head she knew it wasn't an option. She had to pick up Shippo from school. Of course she could always ask her mother.
Deciding then to call her mother after work, Kagome straightened her blouse and waved to Kouga.
"Fine, I guess we should go eat. I can't think right now anyways." Nodding at Inuyasha the trio set out to a luncheon place, but as soon as Kagome set foot outside her office building she was swarmed by reporters.
"Higurashi-sama, with the release of your new product…"
"What are you hoping to accomplish?"
"Are there any plans…?"
Kagome who was stunned stood transfixed, as if she had just been shocked. Kouga sensing her plight grabbed her arm immediately shaking her as he dragged her after him into a waiting limo.
As Kagome felt the numb silence take over her, she was washed with a thrum of emotions. She had never expected at the forefront to be surprise. Looking out the darkened windows of the limo she could see the faces of the reporters and their cameras flashing away hoping to get a glimpse of her.
Never in her life had Kagome thought she would be in such a position, a position where people wanted to take her picture and stalk her. She had always felt sorry for the celebrities on TV but now she felt sorry for herself.
"Kagome," Kouga's voice broke the silence like a gentle breeze on a warm day. She may not have even heard him had not he moved the slightest bit making her eyes snap to his. He sat back quickly fearful of what he saw. Almost as suddenly as that soft vulnerability crossed her pupils did a fierce determination overtake her.
"I'm sorry." He said trying to break the silence.
Then she did something rather strange. Kagome laughed. It was not harmonious or heartwarming, but an eerie halting laugh that ended quickly. Kouga and Inuyasha watched her carefully, afraid of her next move.
"No, Kouga. It isn't your fault. You did try to warn me. We will just have to get through this and soon the press will die down. Right?" Back was that unconscious innocence that drew in those around her. She was like a magnet that called out to any who wished to attach themselves to her. It was as if they could sense that she would never turn anyone away.
"Don't worry about the press, Kagome. They'll get bored eventually." Inuyasha was the one who spoke in a crass manner with twinkling golden eyes and a grin that could upstage a wolf.
"I'm so sorry you had to be a part of this Inuyasha." Already the white haired man was leaning back in the limo and taking a swig of a drink from the bar. Kouga too relaxed and took a swig of the amber liquid in the crystal decanter.
"Nah don't worry about it. I'm used to it. Been born in it, ya know." He said this so nonchalantly Kagome actually believed him. She knew from her studies that the Taisho family had been prosperous since Inuyasha's father made it big with the company. As a result, she knew Inuyasha had been in the spotlight since his birth.
"How does Sesshomaru handle it?" Kagome asked quietly, afraid to know the answer. The man she had met only days earlier seemed the epitome of calm, cool, and collected. Did he even need to handle such a trivial thing as the paparazzi? Perhaps she was blowing everything out of proportion.
Beside her Inuyasha snorted while Kouga took another swig.
"That bastard, doesn't do shit. He spends his entire life in privacy and hiding like a coward." Beside him Kouga pushed Inuyasha on the shoulder.
"Not true. There are plenty of shots of him as a kid, except when he was away at boarding school. However the past few years he has gone completely off the radar." Beside him, Inuyasha became serious as Kouga's lips became thin. Both of them kept their mouths shut with lips so tight no air escaped.
"What happened to him?" Kagome asked quietly, curiosity peaked.
"No one knows." Inuyasha shrugged before looking out the window as they crawled up to the private restaurant they would be eating lunch at.
"One day I guess, he just got fed up. Canceled all his publicity meetings, built his own private elevator, and moved to a very recluse loft." The silence was chocking them afterwards and Kagome felt compelled to say something. She could sense the friction in the air which led her to believe a lot more had happened than simply getting "fed up." However she would not push her luck with the need for more information. Both gentlemen seemed acutely aware that it was not their business to share, so she backed off. Luckily they had a break from the stifling silence as they began to pile out of the car and into the restaurant.
Inside the restaurant the lights were dim as booths with curtain covered the faces of the occupants from view. Overhead a chandelier sparkled filtering its rainbow light on to the walls. The waiters were all dressed in tuxes and slicked back hair.
The maître d' at the entrance smiled at seeing them and beckoned them to follow. No words passed his lips and suddenly Kagome found herself listening for nearly any sound. Only a current of low mumbles filtered through her head, indistinguishable from one to the other.
The whole restaurant was unnerving and she was surprised when they were sat in a large round booth and the curtain was closed. The menu before them was on thick expensive paper with a handful of dishes listed but no prices.
"Kouga, what type of place is this?" She whispered, afraid to raise her voice in such a quiet place.
"Don't worry so much Kagome. All the rich and famous go here. It's the perfect place to talk business while keeping your privacy. I bet Sesshomaru comes here often." Kouga snickered to Inuyasha who responded in kind.
"Ya that ass thinks he is better than everyone else. Personally I would be fine at a ramen house." Kagome immediately put down her menu and smiled thankful for some more heartwarming conversation. Everything in her life was serious, she just needed some mundane in her life.
"I love ramen. There is this great stand around the corner from the mall…"
"Oh ya, I know that place. They got the best ramen!" Inuyasha blurted in as Kagome smiled.
"Let's go sometime then. Here's my card. I'll get your number from Kouga later and we'll go out tomorrow or something." Inuyasha smirked as he handed her a pristine card. She took it and placed it in her purse happy to see not everyone in the business world was stuffy.
"Sure I can schedule you in…"
"Don't give me any of that schedule crap. Not everything has to be scheduled. Live on the edge will ya?" Kagome blushed as she felt comfortable in the white haired man's presence. Feeling a little braver and bored at the restaurant she decided to indulge her curiosity.
"So why is your hair white? Is there something wrong?" Kagome asked as she caught Inuyasha's attention.
"I was born this way, family trait or whatever. My dad has it, stupid brother too." Kagome was intrigued and noticed the strands flying around. Inuyasha's hair was a little longer than his brother's and more rugged looking. Reaching forward she was unable to inhibit her hand before her fingers were in his hair.
"Hey! What the hell?" Kagome was worried Inuyasha would be angry at the invasion of his privacy but instead he gave her an incredulous look that was more curious than upset. Giggling she laughed at the look on his face mixed with the feeling of his thick strands.
"Sorry, your hair just looked so soft I wanted to touch it." Oddly Inuyasha found himself grinning too as she withdrew her hand and together they found a kindred spirit that eased the tension in the air.
"Whoa there you two! I know this is a private restaurant but keep it to yourselves. Besides, Kagome you're my woman. I claimed you first remember." Winking Kouga took a sip of some wine as Kagome straightened in her seat.
"I made no such agreement. You're just too wolfish for my taste Kouga with that devious smirk. I know you're always up to something." Her teasing lifted the tenseness of the atmosphere as well and Kouga responded in kind.
"And how did you become such a mind reader?"
"Because of a lecherous man and his wandering hand. You have to learn to stay two steps ahead of a man's thoughts!" Both men started laughing as they traded stories with each other about past lovers and friends. Kagome could not offer much in the lover department but that didn't stop her from continuing in some witty banter.
She was determined afterwards that Kouga and Inuyasha meet Miroku and Sango. She had a feeling everyone would get along well afterwards.