This is the next to last chapter, thanks to all who are reading this and staying with it. Of course I have no claim on any of the characters from Inuyasha but I do like to play

Chapter 9

Tosca

Kagome stretched a bit in her seat up in the balcony of the conference hall. So far this had been the most boring day ever. In the morning the high ranking officials had arrived with much fanfare and photo ops. It was the usual crap, everyone saying nice lofty things that they did not mean. The conference wasn't much better. She thought it was a lot like watching American football when you didn't know what was going on. It would just seem to start and stop and start and stop.

Jacques let out a moan as he yawned, "Mon Dieu, when is something going to happen?" Kagome just smiled as he leaned over to her. "You want to make out?" he whispered.

"Go screw yourself," she said in her best American English."

"I would rather screw you," snickered Jacques.

"You're disgusting," said Kagome.

"Merci, I do try," laughed Jacques. "Wait, what's this, I think something may be happening."

They both leaned forward watching the conference with hopeful anticipation.

"No," said Kagome, "they're just taking a short recess."

"What does that mean?' said Jacques.

"It means they can go and we have to stay because we don't know exactly when they will be back."

Jacques sat back looking around and tapping his fingers impatiently. This seemed to be a harder day for him than for her. Kagome was used to things like this; the news didn't always just jump at you there was a bit of tedium involved when you were covering a story like this.

"Hey Kagome, you want to play a game?"

"What kind of game?" said Kagome a bit annoyed.

"Just dice, look these are very popular in Russia, that's where I got them."

He placed two dice in Kagome's hand a white dice and a blue dice. She lifted them up to look at them. Instead of dots there were pictures: on the blue dice pictures of rooms, kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom, backyard, car on the white dice was a naked man and woman in various sexual positions.

"Oh look, no balcony, too bad," Kagome handed the dice back to Jacques, "you're out of luck! You better watch out who you show those to, if you're not careful you're going to be hit with one heck of a sexual harassment suit."

"That's strange," said Jacques, "I wonder what he's doing here?"

"Who?" said Kagome looking over the rail trying to follow Jacques's gaze."

"Over there, that's Makoto Ono, he's a fashion photographer. What's he doing here? He seems to be looking for something."

"I met him yesterday," said Kagome. "He goes by the name Maki doesn't he?"

"He's looking up this way. I think he's waving at you!"

Kagome waved back and watched Maki disappear into the staircase leading to the balcony.

"What do you think he wants," asked Jacques.

"I'm sure I don't know," said Kagome.

Maki approached them and bowed to Kagome. "Miss Higurashi, we met yesterday, I really need to speak to you!"

Kagome knew he was involved with Sesshomaru. "Hey Jacques," she said handing over some euros, "Why don't you get us some coffee."

"Huh?" Jacques was curious as to what Kagome and Maki would have to talk about but he was also sick of the balcony and longed for some fresh air, "Oh, all right." He took the euros and left the balcony.

Maki sat and looked at Kagome as if he was trying to decide what to say. Kagome decided to break the ice.

"You're a friend of Sesshomaru aren't you," she said figuring at once how lame that sounded but it was better than nothing.

"Yes," he sounded uncertain as he looked across the hall. "Miss Higurashi how long have you known Sesshomaru?"

"Quite a while, I suppose, on and off."

"Do you know him well?" Maki and looking at her with an intensity that made her think he was trying to read her mind.

"I never knew him well, he was always more of an acquaintance but we were both in some extraordinary circumstances together. I guess that sets up a type of bond.

"Hmm," Maki studied Kagome for a minute, "how old are you?"

"What?" Kagome smiled, "I'm thirty one."

"Prove it!" he said.

Kagome fished around in her purse and produced her passport. She showed it to Maki who studied it. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a cigarette. He looked at it longingly sighed and crumpled it in his hand.

"I'm quitting." He said. "I had a very close call recently."

Kagome suddenly knew what was going on as sure as she knew anything, still it was a bit of a long shot but she decided to take a chance. "He brought you back didn't he."

Maki seemed to collapse a bit into the seat maybe it was relief the secret was out. "Of course I knew what he was right from the beginning. Funny what you can accept when it is presented right in front of your eyes. He told me a lot about you, about how you traveled in time and the battle. I just had to see for myself, talk to you to see if everything he told me was real."

"When I was a kid, fifteen years old, I was pulled down a well into the Feudal Era. There was a lot of magic back then, it was a very different world. We had to fight a very great evil."

"What was he like back then was he good or evil?"

Kagome thought a minute, "he was neither, if he did what went along with your agenda I guess he was good if not he was evil. It all had to do with your perception but he was never really evil or good. He had his own way of looking at things. I do believe he always did what he thought was right."

"Sometimes I worry what I've brought down into this world." Said Maki.

"Back in the Feudal Era despite everything I told you Sesshomaru protected two human children. There was a little girl and a boy. He protected them and they always seemed well cared for. The little girl especially was very fond of him. They all flew around on a two headed dragon."

Maki smiled brightly as if a cloud had been lifted. "A two headed dragon, imagine that! He has been very good to me, last night he called me friend."

"I think to be considered a friend by Sesshomaru is a blessing," said Kagome.

Maki smiled as he got up "Thank you for speaking to me Miss Higurashi I see why Sesshomaru thinks so highly of you. You are going to the Gala with him?"

"Yes," said Kagome.

"In that case I believe you will be hearing from Hiroshi Nagano," with that Maki left.

Later that evening Kagome found a message from Nagano, a request that she wear one of his gowns to the Gala at the Paris Opera opening. She smiled to herself, why not what else would she wear. The rest of the week was as boring as Thursday. There was a little excitement as Prince Charles from England attended on Monday of the next week being an avid environmentalist but other than that it was obvious the real work had happened the first week. What was exciting were her trips to Nagano's new Paris headquarters and Salon for fittings. Nagano greeted her with the warm smile she remembered from the show. He was an animated enthusiastic man. The gown he had chosen for her was an elegant empire style gown in a dark red shade he called garnet. It was simple and elegant with Nagano's signature asymmetrical drape of fabric which seemed to flatter and enhance her slender figure and full bosom. Kagome began to get very excited about the Gala. She called Françoise Michel to make an appointment for her hair.

"Oh no mademoiselle," he said to Kagome's surprise, "You should not come to my Salon, I will come to your apartment! I will call Mr. Nagano and discuss your style!"

Kagome put down the receiver, "Hi Ho the glamorous life," she said smiling.

On Friday Kagome had her last fitting. The conference had ended with much fanfare that afternoon and Kagome had been able to file her last report. She had a plane ticket for New York for the following Tuesday though she had not yet called the New York Times to accept their job offer. As she entered Nagano's Salon that evening she noticed all the work that had been going on was for the most part done and people were scurrying around doing the decorating work. Nagano checked the fit of the dress and had her try on a few pairs of shoes until he picked out pair out for her. Kagome didn't complain, God knows what she might have picked to wear. Fashion was definitely not one of her fortes. As she walked down stairs to leave she noticed a store that seemed to adjoin Nagano's space. She looked in to see workmen installing glass showcases. It looked like a jewelry store of some kind. The décor was modern, simple and somewhat oriental on one wall she saw a craftsman finish installing large golden Japanese letters, they said Sesshomaru.

On Saturday afternoon a knock on her door brought the delivery of the Nagano gown. It was accompanied by a small woman.

"I am Marie; Mademoiselle," she said, "I will be helping you dress this evening.

Another knock brought two uniformed security guards who delivered a white velvet box with the gold characters that made up the name Sesshomaru on the the lid. Inside were earrings crafted to look like gold leaves with large rubies inlaid like blossoms. Kagome had not heard from Sesshomaru all week of course she had been very busy as she supposed had he.

Françoise Michel appeared in the later afternoon with all his equipment and two assistants. Marie was busy fussing with the gown as he began to fix Kagome's Hair.

"Do you like opera Mademoiselle?" he asked as he combed out her hair.

"Not all but I like some, I like Puccini's Operas," she answered. Hojo had introduced her to Italian Opera kicking and screaming at first. Soon she found there was much she liked much she related to.

"Ah Puccini, very beautiful, I have often wondered what Japanese people make of Madame Butterfly."

"Well it is a universal theme isn't it and the music is very beautiful," said Kagome. "I think Puccini as a nineteenth century man was intrigued by the images and art coming out of Japan at that time. It's quite flattering really I guess I can forgive any inaccuracies. I suppose Americans feel the same way about The Girl of the Golden West. It's as strange to see people in Kimonos singing in Italian as it is to see cowboys and Indians singing in Italian."

"Ah Fanciula del West very beautiful," said Françoise as he began to swirl her hair up and off her face.

"I suppose Minnie in Fanciula is the Heroine I would most like to be like, she is so brave the way she plays cards with Jack Rance for the life of her lover." Said Kagome.

"You know your opera Mademoiselle. What do you think of Tosca isn't that the opera you are seeing tonight?"

Kagome was quiet Tosca held a special place. If she wished she was cool and collected like Minnie she felt she identified more with the passionate Tosca. The story somewhat always seemed to mirror her own. "I suppose Tosca is my favorite."

"Really, why is that?" an assistant was handing hairpins to Françoise.

"Well it is so complex, sometime they describe Tosca as half woman half child, I think she was just passionate and impulsive. The first time I saw Tosca the villain Scarpia was made up to look like a repugnant old man. It did not make sense to me that he could push her buttons the way he did. You think, poor Tosca, but there was something wrong. The next production I saw Scarpia was presented as a powerful sexy guy though very evil. Like a mafia boss. Now it all made sense in my mind. Tosca loves Mario the artist. He is handsome, idealistic, valiant, a freedom fighter she truly loves him. Scarpia on the other hand is evil, cruel but he makes her heart pound. She is horrified by this but can't help it and she hates Scarpia because of it. This is why Scarpia can manipulate her, whip her into a frenzy."

"Doesn't she kill Scarpia?"

"Yes, she promises to submit to him if he will release Mario. He sends a message, so he says, to instruct that blanks be put in the guns so Mario will not really be executed. Scarpia tells her that after the fake execution Mario can escape. She double crosses Scarpia, she stabs him to death and goes to help Mario. At the end when she thinks all is over the victory won when she goes to tell Mario it's safe to get up that they are free she sees that Scarpia has double crossed her. There were no blanks, Mario is dead."

Tears came to Kagome's eyes, she always saw Inuyasha in Mario so brave, so valiant but doomed. The ending always seemed to echo what had happened. When Naraku was dead when she thought they were free, Inuyasha died."

"Ah, Mademoiselle, you are a true opera lover. You feel the stories so deeply," Françoise handed her a tissue."

"You must think I am very foolish."

"Not at all Mademoiselle but let us speak of more cheerful things. It will not do for you to have swollen eyes and a red nose tonight."

Kagome laughed as Françoise Michel finished her hair, "I think that antique comb you have will go beautifully with the dress and earrings,"

Kagome already had it in her hand ready to hand to him. One of his assistants did her make up "not to much," Françoise instructed "just enough to carry the color of the gown." Françoise called Marie who escorted Kagome into the bedroom to help her dress then brought her out to the small living room.

"Come see how beautiful you look Mademoiselle," said Françoise taking her hand and leading her to a full mirror. "You look as beautiful as Tosca herself."

Kagome was astounded by what she saw reflected in the mirror, she looked beautiful and sophisticated. Her black hair was styled up off her neck and cascaded in long curls she felt like a princess.

"So, this Sesshomaru is he your Mario or your Scarpia?"

Kagome didn't know how to answer. Inuyasha was definitely Mario but was Sesshomaru her Scarpia, he did make her heart pound that was for sure.

Marie saved her from having to answer. "Come Mademoiselle, we will take off the dress until he comes. You must keep him waiting a bit you know. I will be here until you are ready to leave."

Françoise and his assistants left Kagome in her dressing gown as Marie fussed around.

"I will make you a nice cup of tea," she said. "If someone comes to the door do not answer it that is my job!"

Kagome sat in her bedroom what an amazing time she had in Paris! She felt a little sad that she would be leaving on Tuesday. "Back to reality," she thought sadly as she sipped the tea Marie had brought her.

A knock at the door brought Marie to her feet. "I will get that Mademoiselle, then I will help you dress."

Kagome heard a familiar voice speaking in French to Marie. They conversed a bit, Kagome could only pick out a few words just small talk. Marie came in a bit flushed.

"Oh your Sesshomaru he is very charming yes? We will get you dressed while he waits."

Soon Kagome emerged from the bedroom fully dressed for the evening. Marie was already in her coat at the door.

"Have a good evening," she said smiling as she left.

Kagome looked back at Sesshomaru her heart began to pound. He smiled, there was a look in his eyes she remembered from long ago an almost predatory look. It was the time they had helped a little otter demon whose father had been beheaded by Hokudoshi. They begged Sesshomaru to restore the little otter's father to life. She remembered just as they thought he was going to turn away without helping he took out Tenseiga and restored the father. It was when everyone was looking at the father to see if he would be restored. Kagome looked up to see Sesshomaru looking at her with such heat in his eyes she blushed. Her heart began to pound and she felt his gaze between her legs. A word from Shippo made her turn her head when she looked back he was already walking away.

"You look stunning," he said as he helped her into her evening wrap.

Kagome felt as if she was floating on air as they descended the stairs to the waiting limousine.

They entered the Paris Opera theater all around people were dressed to the nines in beautiful gown and tuxedos. It seemed strange to see Sesshomaru conforming to human ways, checking their coats making pleasant small talk with people who approached them. Most of the men were wearing black tuxedos not Sesshomaru though. He was wearing a white silk jacket with a Nehru collar. He looked different but very correct for the evening, Kagome found herself proud to be on his arm. People were looking at them as they ascended the famous staircase to find their seats. It made Kagome blush a little, she was not use to this kind of attention. She held on tight to Sesshomaru's arm.

"Sesshomaru, over here!" someone shouted.

Sesshomaru and Kagome turned their heads towards the voice as a camera flashed. "Oh dear," thought Kagome wondering if she had closed her eyes at the flash or even gone cross-eyed. Their seats were in the prime side box, Kagome had never had box seats before. It was comfortable and ornate, a waiter came to their box offering champagne. The lights dimmed and the first dramatic chords of Tosca sounded from the orchestra. Kagome sipped her champagne as she settled into the velvet chair. She was in the most expensive box seat at the Paris Opera, wearing a gorgeous designer gown, sipping champagne with the handsomest man in Paris. "Not bad for a little girl raised in a shrine in Tokyo," she thought.

The Opera was astounding, the singers brought them into the world of Tosca. As is the standard today the Soprano playing Tosca was slim and beautiful. Mario handsome with brilliant tenor voice 'E Lucevan le Stelle' When the star were bright made her want to cry, Mario in his jail cell awaiting execution singing of his love for Tosca and how ironic that one who loved life so much would have to die. This Scarpia was sensual, masculine and evil, he made your heart pound and made you ashamed. The electric moment Tosca stabs Scarpia "this is Tosca's kiss" she sings. Finally the dramatic end when Tosca realizes her Mario is dead, she has been double crossed and they are coming to get her. "Mario, meet me in heaven!" she screams as she throws herself from the high parapet. It was a brilliant performance the audience was on their feet screaming "Bravo!" There were many curtain calls. Kagome wondered if Sesshomaru got from this opera what she got from it. He was on his feet applauding but unreadable as usual. She was really hungry she had not eaten since morning a big mistake.

"Did you like the opera?" Kagome asked while they were still in the box.

Sesshomaru sat back down in no hurry to leave and fight the crowd. "I like the big music humans create, I like the symphony orchestra and the way all the sounds come together. This was my first opera, the music was very beautiful and the story reminds me of tragic stories I have heard and witnessed. Yes, I think I like opera very much."

Finally as the noise outside subsided Sesshomaru rose and offered Kagome his arm. "There is a reception we are invited to," he said. "You can meet the singers and there will be a lot of food."

They entered a large ornate room with crystal chandeliers. A sumptuous buffet was spread at one end and waiters circulated through the crowd with trays of champagne. Everyone looked so glamorous and sophisticated Kagome took an offered glass of champagne for courage. Though the buffet was sumptuous no one seemed to be eating very much so Kagome took very little food not wanting to pull attention to herself. She met the singers and was glad she knew enough French to converse with them. The soprano who played Tosca was very keen to meet her saying she had read all about her adventure.

"You must have been so frightened," she said, "but you were so brave it was incredible and I am so thrilled to meet you! "That made Kagome feel a little less nervous like she belonged in this glittering reception.

Sesshomaru took her arm and led her away from the reception finally. He took her up some more stairs until they came to a large window. Paris lay before them sparkling in a million lights. He encircled her waist with his arm. "How long will you stay in Paris," he asked quietly.

"I fly back to New York on Tuesday," she said feeling some regret in those words.

"Stay with me," said Sesshomaru quietly, "stay in Paris with me."

"It's very tempting," said Kagome, "but I don't know. My life has been so strange I was thinking perhaps I need to get things back to normal, to go back to just being a normal person again."

"Oh Kagome," he said quietly, "you must know by now that is not possible. You have not aged in all these years and you will not age. You will live a very, very long life. You were changed by the Shikon jewel eventually you will need to deal with this when other humans begin noticing that you are more that just good for your age."

The news hit Kagome hard. It wasn't as if she hadn't suspected but now hearing it from Sesshomaru in came down with finality.

"But, I wanted a family some day, I wanted to have children." She said.

"We could have children," said Sesshomaru.

"Children who would be eventually killed by their Demon blood!" said Kagome bitterly.

Sesshomaru grabbed Kagome's arm tightly his eyes flashed red, "My son lived four hundred years. He was strong and smart, he had a full, happy life. He had friends who still mourn him and a wife. When his time came I was able to see that he did not suffer as Inuyasha did. He lived well right to the end and when he died he died peacefully."

Kagome looked down, "I'm sorry," she whispered.

To Kagome's surprise Sesshomaru took her in his arms and held her close. "It is a lot to comprehend," he said. "Perhaps you could just stay in Paris a little longer with me. Stay for Fashion Week. If at the end of Fashion Week you still want to leave, I will buy your ticket." He took a white and gold envelope out of his Jacket. "This is an invitation to the opening of Nagano's Paris headquarters on Monday and the opening of my Jewelry store. If you decide to stay a little longer, come to the opening and we will enjoy Fashion Week together."

Kagome took the envelope, "I'll think about it, she said."

"Now I think we'd better go before we get locked in the Paris Opera House." Said Sesshomaru smiling.

They were quiet on the way back to her apartment. At the door Sesshomaru got out to escort her up to her room. As she unlocked her door he pulled her to him and kissed her. The kiss was electric, she felt herself turn to jelly in his arms. He let her go and backed away leaving her shaking in her doorway. Kagome locked her door and took off the beautiful dress. She put on her robe went to the kitchen to put on the kettle and made herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. To her surprise her hands were still shaking. Was he Scarpia, could she trust him? She was not sure.

Sesshomaru sat in the limousine as it spend across Paris. She was delicious, he wanted her so badly it almost hurt. It had almost taken all his strength not to give in to his demon nature and take her in the upper level of the theater. He could have backed her against a wall and had his way with her. He knew she would not have resisted. He could have entered her apartment she would not have barred the way and taken her there. He did not want her like that. She was pure, a jewel, when he took her he wanted to take his time to enjoy all her charms. She would stay, he was sure of it, she would stay.