I am sorry it took me so long to update but life gets in the way. The next two chapters (the end) will not take so long. Thank you to all who are reading I hope the concluding chapters will be satisfying. As always I have no claim on any of the characters in Inuyasha.

Chapter 8

Arigato Gozaimasu

Kagome took a bottle of aspirin she had brought from home, she was not sure she trusted French aspirin. Her head was beginning to ache either from the wine or the amount of information her brain had to process during lunch. Sesshomaru of all people or demons she expected to see. What was he up to? The Sesshomaru she remembered was a strange, unearthly creature. Yeah, he was handsome, sexy even but impossible to figure out. This guy she had lunch with was positively nice. It just didn't add up. The reporter in her was curious, perhaps if she did some research on line she could find out what he had really been up to. She took two aspirin and swallowed some water. How strange, she had felt so comfortable in his arms maybe it was the Armani cashmere coat he was wearing. It was a really soft coat and it had been so nice to see him again. What was wrong with her!! She looked in the mirror, she was a sight! Her hair was a mess, her face was tear stained and her mascara had run. "Beautiful my ass," she thought as she washed her face and ran a comb through her hair.

Her cell phone rang, she started then picked it up, it was one of her contacts at the conference. "Kagome," he said, "you better get over to the conference hall, something is going down right now."

"What do you mean?" said Kagome, "I thought they were adjourned until Monday."

"All the delegates have come back, there's some kind of secret meeting going on.

Look, I've got to go, just get over here."

Kagome grabbed her purse and her laptop and ran out the door. Work had always been her solace. When she was a young girl after Inuyasha died she just buried herself in her school work so she would not have to think about it. Now, work had come just at the right time again something to divert her from confusing thoughts.

As she arrived at the conference hall the delegates were milling around. A shouting match had started between a third world delegate and the delegate from a wealthier industrialized nation. This was going to be big and surprisingly she was the only reporter there. She took out her cell phone and called Jacques who was a photojournalist.

"Jacques," said whispered as he answered, "it's Kagome you have got to get down here to the conference now!"

"Why?" he answered in English then suddenly changing his tone, "you want me, eh?

Oh God he reminded her of Miroku sometimes. "Get your freaking camera and get down here, something big is starting!" she whispered urgently.

A female voice could be heard in the background, "I am a little busy you know."

Kagome continued whispering though it was becoming an effort, "I'm the only reporter here this could be our exclusive!!"

"Oh la la!" said Jacques, Kagome wondered if French people actually really said Oh la la or only Jacques, "I be right there!"

Kagome followed the delegates into the conference room positioning herself in the gallery so she had a good view while being inconspicuous. She began taking notes. Apparently some of the delegates had gotten together at lunch and decided they did not like some of the accords presented and agreed on earlier in the week. The powerful nations, they said would not have much trouble lowering emissions they had produced most of them in the first place. The developing countries would face a depilating hardship trying to match standards.

Jacques showed up in twenty minutes with wet hair and camera in hand. Amazingly no other members of the press had appeared. It was an exciting meeting that went far beyond the initial problem. The economic problems some countries faced to them out shadowed the theoretical problem (in their eyes) of global warming. It was a real problem though and a solution had to be found.

Around midnight some other members of the press began to show up. Kagome had already sent in her first report with pictures from Jacques. They had broken the story!

It was the rush she got from being the first to break a story or when she investigated to get to the truth that Kagome loved. "Damn I love my job!" she said to Jacques, as they sent their second installment of the breaking story. Already it was up on the internet and on the Times cable network.

Saturday afternoon Kagome and Jacques went into the office to finish up work the on last article. The meeting had broken up but was going to continue later that night. Kagome realized she had been wearing the same cloths for two days.

"I better go home and change," said Kagome I'm getting a bit nasty.

"Take a nap too, it's going to be a long night!" said Jacques.

At her apartment Kagome showered and checked her messages. She knew she was too full of adrenaline to sleep. There were two messages from Sesshomaru and one from her mother. They would have to wait.

Finally things wound down on Sunday evening Kagome and Jacques filed the final report. Kagome made it to her apartment as the weariness began to hit. She would reply to all the phone calls tomorrow she thought. Now she was just too tired.

That night Kagome dreamt that Sesshomaru lay next to her in her bed. He held her in his strong arms. She felt his smooth, warm skin and hard muscle against her body. He kissed her and they began to make love. She woke with a start her heart pounding, unpleasantly aroused. She looked at her clock it was six thirty in the morning, she didn't have to wake up until eight thirty. She lay back in bed," get a grip Kagome," she thought, "one lunch and you're ready to do the wild thing with Sesshomaru." She realized she was wearing her Hello Kitty pajamas, she wondered if she had been wearing them in her dream. "Hello Kitty pajamas and hot pink fuzzy slippers, yeah you're a real sex goddess Kagome," she said to herself. She did didn't even own any sexy lingerie; she hadn't even ever had sex in fact. There had been that one time she had considered it with Hojo but had decided against it. He really loved her, he wanted to marry her and she did not. Better not let that information, that she was a thirty one year virgin get out. The girls at the office would be trying to fix her up and Jacques, Oh God!!

Kagome dropped back off to sleep this time she dreamed she was home. She was at the Shrine with her mother talking about her brother's upcoming wedding. The cherry blossoms were falling thick like pink snow. It was a pleasant dream and she woke up at the alarm refreshed and in a good mood.

At six O'clock in the morning Maki and Nagano entered a large facility on the Champ E'lyse'es where Sesshomaru was waiting for them. The first grey light of early morning was streaming through the windows giving the place an unearthly look.

"Wasn't this Louie Laurance'?" said Maki.

"Yes," replied Sesshomaru.

"What happened, they were here for eighty years?" said Maki.

"I bought them out," said Sesshomaru calmly. Maki looked shocked. "They had been in trouble for a long time since Louie Laurance died in fact. They needed a dignified way to get out and I provided it," continued Sesshomaru.

"This is great!" said Nagano looking all the world like a kid in a candy store. Plenty of room, great architectural features and you couldn't ask for a better location!

Sesshomaru held out the keys, "It's yours,"

"Really? I'm overwhelmed, I never thought we'd get a facility like this for our Paris location!" said Nagano.

"Do you think you can get this up and running by Fashion Week?" said Sesshomaru as he watched Maki sit on the grand staircase and light a cigarette.

"Oh yes," said Nagano, "I've dreamed of a facility like this."

"So we get right to work," said Sesshomaru.

"Don't forget, you have the Absolute Vodka shoot tonight," said Maki.

Sesshomaru smiled, "I won't forget."

Monday morning Kagome got to the office about ten o'clock. She figured since they had worked all week end coming in a bit late would not matter. Daphne and Collette seemed to be hard at work as she hung up her coat and Jacques was happily no where to be seen. She logged in to her computer and began going through her E-Mail when a delivery man arrived. He was carrying a huge arrangement of white roses which he placed right on Kagome's desk.

"Deliverie' a Kagome Hiragashi" he said.

"Higurashi," said Kagome.

"Sign here Mademoiselle" he said.

Daphne and Collette had dropped what they were doing and were up admiring the flowers. It was a huge arrangement of large creamy white roses the like of which Kagome had never seen in the center was one perfect red rose.

"Oh Kagome, 'oo are these from" cooed Collette.

"Don't be so bloody daft!" said Daphne, "They're from Sesshomaru of course! Oh look a note," she said!

Kagome tried to retrieve the note but Daphne was too fast. "Give me that!" said Kagome as Daphne held it out of her reach.

"Let's have a look," said Daphne, "damn, it's in Japanese!"

"Ha!" said Kagome triumphantly taking the note however it was quickly plucked from her fingers by Jacques who seemed to just appear from nowhere."

"Arigato gozaimasu!" he said smiling at a shocked Kagome. "I spent three years in Kyoto my Japanese is about as good as Kagome's French but I do read it! Let's see," he said as he held the card just out of Kagome's reach. "Wonderful to see you again at lunch hope it will be the first meeting of many!" Daphne and Collette were ooing and ahing at each word, "I hope you will attend the charity show this Wednesday at Christian Dior I will be modeling." He has included a ticket to the show.

"Oh Kagome how exciting! I would kill to go to that show," gushed Collette.

"You are going aren't you?" said Daphne seeing the look on Kagome's face.

Actually, thought Kagome, just seeing Sesshomaru on the catwalk would be worth it. "Yes," she said, "I'll go, unless something big breaks on the conference."

"What will you wear?" said Collette.

"She has nothing suitable in her closet," said Daphne, "I have some things!"

"I do too," said Collette, "Perhaps if we put things together we can come up with a suitable outfit!"

Kagome rolled her eyes, "Not again," she thought.

"Ed O'Neil emerged from his office, "Holy Shit, who died?" he said looking at the huge arrangement on Kagome's desk. "Hiragashi, Morrell in my office!"

"Higurashi, oh what's the use," said Kagome getting up.

She and Jacques entered Ed's office. "Great work this week end! Who got the tip?" said Ed.

"Kagome did," said Jacques, "I'm just glad she brought me along for the ride."

"How did you know Kid?" asked Ed.

"Oh a little bird," said Kagome smiling.

"Yeah, well that's some bird. Looks like things are going to be quiet for a few days. This week-end is going to heat up all the big wigs are arriving the end of the week: the

British Prime Minister, the President of the United States to name a few. You're going to be working all week end probably so relax for the next couple of days you deserve it."

Maki had reserved a section of the Eiffel Tower for his shoot late Monday night. It was cold and the wind was blowing he hoped he could get the shots he wanted. Sesshomaru stood with a tall, beautiful Parisian model him in a white wool coat with the fur piece he had worn when Maki had met him over his shoulder she in a dazzling white fox with a matching fur hat. A couple of assistants were setting up lights and a few tourists were standing beyond the roped of area watching the shoot. The young model, Yvette, was shivering and drinking hot tea while Sesshomaru rubbed her arms to help her keep warm.

Maki smiled to himself, she wanted to sleep with him, they all wanted to sleep with him but as of yet he had not seen Sesshomaru take advantage. He, Maki, on the other hand had benefited from his closeness to Sesshomaru and had seen a little action from those who thought perhaps they could get close to Sesshomaru through him.

The shoot started, it was a cold clear night the lights of Paris blazed behind the couple and the stars shone in the dark sky. The wind blew Sesshomaru's long hair in a way that was perfect. Maki had never known Sesshomaru's hair to be anything but perfect no matter what. He continued snapping pictures, the girl held a tall crystal glass full of icy vodka, Sesshomaru covered her hand with his and looked at her adoringly the bottle stood on the rail beside them. All women would want to drink Absolute because of Sesshomaru and men would want to be as cool as Sesshomaru. A few more poses, a couple of hours in the cold and they were done. The girl was whispering something to Sesshomaru, he kissed her hand smiling but shaking his head no. Another potential conquest averted, well maybe for the best, thought Maki.

Sesshomaru walked over, "how do think it went," he said smiling.

"Have a look," said Maki showing Sesshomaru the shots in the camera. "Of course it is hard to tell, I will be working some of my magic in my studio. I will be giving the final picture a blue cast and enhancing some of the details, you'll see, maybe I will give you blue eyes!"

"Blue eyes, what sorcery!" said Sesshomaru smiling. I have invited a guest to the show on Wednesday."

"Really," said Maki adjusting his camera, "who?"

"The girl from the reception, we had lunch together Friday,"

Maki, looked up suddenly, "That little girl, she seemed awfully young."

"She is older than she looks," said Sesshomaru.

"Is she a Demon?'

"No," laughed Sesshomaru, "she is human. I want you to see we are not disturbed too much after the show."

"Alright," said Maki a little ill at ease. The girl had looked like a teenager. He had suspected from a few things he caught Sesshomaru say that he desired a virgin. Was he looking for a very young girl?

Kagome took the next couple of days to do her piles of laundry finally and call her mother who was very glad to hear from her. She hated housework with a white hot passion but understood that these things had to be done. She had almost forgotten about the show when, Wednesday morning, a knock came at her door. It was Daphne and Collette each carrying cloths on hangers.

"Look at her!" cried Daphne, "The show is in five hours and she's standing there in jeans."

"Impossible, simply impossible," said Collette barging her way into Kagome's apartment. "Thank God she has us!"

The girls proceeded to have Kagome try on all the cloths they had brought and combinations of the cloths. With each ensemble Daphne and Collette would sit and pass judgement" too old, too trashy, no, no, no! They fought constantly.

"That is too old for her," said Collette.

"I wear that and Kagome and I are the same age!" said Daphne.

"Well, Kagome doesn't look it! Said Collette.

"That outfit is too trashy!" said Daphne.

"I wear that!" said Collette.

"I rest my case!" said Daphne.

They finally agreed on a beautiful skirt that was elegant but showed off Kagome's legs and a nicely fitted top. Kagome had to admit she looked stylish. They gave her a pair of uncomfortable looking shoes that when on looked really good.

"Well, our work here is done," said Daphne putting her arm around Collette. "Have a great time this afternoon and remember we want to hear all about it!!" She handed Kagome a designer bag. "Don't bring that old purse you always use, bring this! Do us proud!"

Soon Kagome was on the steps of Christian Dior, she presented her ticket and walked in. All around her were American movie stars and celebrities of every type. She felt like she didn't belong. She squared her shoulders and marched forward remembering her mother's words "You belong anywhere you want to be!" The lights went down and the fashion show began. A lot of designers would be showing today as this was a charity event also all the models were well known some were even super models. Slender girls came out showing little Prada dresses and few young men in Yves St. Laurent menswear came out. Suddenly Sesshomaru emerged wearing a Perry Ellis suit the place went wild. He walked down the catwalk with a natural grace she remembered from long ago. He caught her eye and smiled. Kagome's heart began to pound, what was it with Sesshomaru that had always given her this reaction. The show progressed, Sesshomaru emerged again, this time wearing nothing but a pair of Calvin Klein jeans low on his hips. He stalked down the catwalk like a predatory beast he was sex incarnate. The place went wild, Kagome could see she was not the only one feeling his heat. The show ended with a wedding gown. A tall supermodel named Svetlana emerged in a gorgeous Christian Dior wedding gown holding the arm of Sesshomaru dressed in a Dior pearl gray tuxedo.

As the show ended a young man came up to Kagome and told her to follow him to the back. The backstage was a mass of chaos and commotion. The young man brought Kagome to a dressing room where Sesshomaru was arguing in English with a familiar looking man.

"I am sorry Mr. Klein but I am booked exclusively to Nagano for the next two years. Because of this I cannot represent your line and no I will not break my contract!"

"I could make it worth your while!"

"I seriously doubt that," said Sesshomaru.

Klein shrugged his shoulders and smiled, "I keep forgetting you could probably buy me out with pocket change. You won't will you?"

"I will stay my hand for you," smiled Sesshomaru. "Perhaps in the future we can do business in another way." The two men shook hands and Klein walked away glancing quickly with an appraising eye at Kagome.

Sesshomaru was dressed simply in khaki's and a simple white button down shirt. He looked so good Kagome wanted to cheer or something. He took Kagome's hand and they started for the door.

"Are you ready?" he asked. Kagome nodded not quite sure what she was supposed to be ready for.

The door open and they walked into a barrage of flashing cameras and noise. Microphones were being shoved at them from every direction. "Who is your date? Is there an announcement? Are you going to cut your hair? Are you going to make Peter Lackson's movie? Sesshomaru smiled lightly answering calmly as Kagome just stood with him smiling. "Miss, what is your relationship with Sesshomaru?" a microphone almost hit her in the nose.

"We are old friends," said Kagome.

"That's right, Kagome and I have known each other for a long time," added Sesshomaru as they escaped the crowd. Kagome found herself in an elevator with Sesshomaru. "There is a reception upstairs I fear we must attend," said Sesshomaru. "We will make an appearance then plot our escape."

The elevator door opened on a scene the like of which Kagome had never seen. An ornate room was filled with every type of celebrity she could imagine. There were American movie stars, recording artists, sports figures and politicians, fashion designers, super models all milling around tables set with unbelievable flower arrangement. There was a large buffet table loaded with all types of expensive food, fresh fruit out of season, cakes, sweets of every type, vats of caviar. Uniformed waiters roamed the crowd with trays of champagne and hor'deorves. It was overwhelming, she had never guessed how the 'other side' lived. Everyone wanted to talk to Sesshomaru and even her asking about her adventure and if she was writing a book. Sesshomaru took a glass of champagne and handed her one. She took a couple of sips for courage. Angelina Benoit without Bradley Ravine seemed to be stalking Sesshomaru and giving her many dirty looks. Sesshomaru introduced her to Nagano who gave her a warm smile as he bowed. Suddenly a pale little man with a thin mustache motioned to them. He said something to Sesshomaru and Sesshomaru turned to Kagome.

"Would you like to go somewhere more private so we can talk a bit?' he said.

She nodded, the crowd was beginning to get to her. The little man led them upstairs to French doors that opened onto an exquisite room with a glass wall and an amazing view and left them. They walked over to the glass wall.

"What do you think of the Fashion World Kagome?" said Sesshomaru.

"It's a bit overwhelming," said Kagome. "How on earth did you get involved with it?"

"That man who brought us here, that's Maki, he's a top Fashion Photographer. I met him on a mountain as I prepared to enter the human world. He introduced me to your amazing world. Technology is a bit beyond me I fear but fashion, I can understand that. Even in the Demon Realm we like to dress well and effectively, we like jewelry and decorate our weapons. Fashion is something in this world I can relate to."

"How long are you going to stay in our world?" asked Kagome.

"As long as it is pleasurable to me," said Sesshomaru. "How long will you be in Paris?"

"I'm here to cover the Global Warming Conference when it is over I will have to decide where I want to go. Maybe I will go to New York to take a job at the New York Times."

"Then we should take advantage of our time here together," said Sesshomaru suddenly slipping his arm around Kagome pulling her to him and kissing her.

Kagome was a bit shocked but her body just reacted she relaxed into the kiss her heart pounding despite what her mind was screaming at her.

"I, I have an early morning tomorrow." She stammered, "I really should be getting home."

Sesshomaru smiled and pulled her to him kissing her even deeper this time she felt his tongue and was somehow unable to resist. He gently released her smiling and tracing the curve of her face down her neck to her collarbone. "Then we shall take you home," he said, "but not until you promise to accompany me to Gala opening of the Paris Opera."

"Alright," said Kagome as Sesshomaru kissed her gently on the lips and kissed her neck. It made her tremble all over but she took control. "What has gotten into you Kagome?" she thought.

As they left Maki emerged from his hiding place. He popped a few antacid tablets and lit a cigarette. He had not been feeling well, "must have picked up a virus on the Eiffel Tower." He thought. He did not like what he had just seen, perhaps Sesshomaru was going a bit too far. This girl seemed so young and innocent, no, he did not like this at all.

That night Kagome dreamed of the clear river she had bathed in when she first visited the Feudal Era. She stood naked once again in the clear cold water as she had that hot day so long ago. The water felt so good against her body. That day she had seen Inuyasha sitting on his haunches like a dog looking at her. She had sat down in the water to hide herself and screamed at him. She looked to the rock where he had been but he was not there. He had such a difficult life yet he was in his own way so innocent. There was a sound, she turned and saw Sesshomaru standing in the water. He was nude and walking towards her with that slow predatory walk he had. Instead of trying to hide in the water or escape she stood and faced him proud of her body, proud of how she felt. His arms encircled her and he pulled her against his strong warm body. Kagome woke, this time without a start, this time she was a little disappointed to wake up. Was she in love with Sesshomaru? Well maybe in Lust and there was a lot to be said for that she was beginning to realize. She felt as if a part of her that had been long dormant was waking up and she liked it.

Sesshomaru stood by his window sipping Dragon's Blood a liquor he had brought from the Demon Realm. He kept it well hidden for it was deadly to any human who might find it and decide to try it. He thought of Kagome, so beautiful and fragile a pure untouched maiden. He wanted her for himself. She would be his soon, very soon, even in the Feudal Era her long legs disturbed his dreams and made his body react. His reverie was disturbed by a knock at his door, it was Maki.

"What do you want Maki?" he asked. "You do not look good, what is the matter."

Maki lit a cigarette he was pale and seemed to be sweating despite the cold night. "What are you planning to do to that girl?"

"I don't see how that is any of your business." Said Sesshomaru.

"A hundred girls want to sleep with you, models, actresses, all beautiful, all worldly. You could sleep with any of them or all of them with out a problem but instead you go for that girl. She's not like them, she's smart and innocent and I don't care what you say, she looks like a young girl! Why her, Sesshomaru, why her, what are you going to do to her?!"

Sesshomaru turned away to look out the window, "Maki, I will not hurt her."

He turned to see Maki on the floor his face looked grey. Already he could tell Maki was dead, his heart had given out suddenly. Sesshomaru calmly took Tensaiga from it's holder on the wall it had begun to pulse. "Oh Maki," he said shaking his head. The soul reapers became visible and Sesshomaru swung the sword to slay them. The color returned to Maki's face he coughed and opened his eyes.

"What happened to me," said Maki as Sesshomaru knelt by him.

"You fainted, that's all," said Sesshomaru.

"No," said Maki, "I know that dark place, I saw it once before, I was dead. What did you do Sesshomaru?"

"I possess the healing sword Tensaiga. It has the power to restore life. You had a heart attack and I healed you."

"Why?" said Maki.

"Because you are my friend," said Sesshomaru. "You introduced me to this world and helped me find a place in it. I could not have saved you if was your time to die but Tensaiga was able to restore you. This is how the universe works Maki, you found me on that mountain, you had your heart attack in my apartment where I keep my sword so that I could save you. All is as it should be. Now I think perhaps I should tell you about Kagome and how I know her."