I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. Pardon the errors. I did not read it over after I wrote it.

Enjoy!

Under One Sky

Chapter 10

… … …

Kagome was not too surprised to get out of the taxi at the Garden Society Club. Only the cream of the crop of society were members. To become a member of the club was nearly unheard of. Nearly the only way to get the privilege to socialize amongst this puppetry was by marriage or birth. To be honest, Kagome always wanted to see what made this particular club so special. Being a free spirit she definitely did not want to join. Well, she would never admit to wanting to join. In order to ease her conscience she filed such thoughts under the better to be in on the conspiracy than not category.

"Welcome Mr. Taisho. Will you be eating lunch or shall I escort you to a meeting room?" Said the concierge after acknowledging her.

"A table in the English Garden will be sufficient." Replied Sesshoumaru nonchalantly. A slim brunette escorted them to their table. The entire walk there Kagome did everything she could not to gawk. She had a big passion for flowers and they were everywhere. Fresh cut bouquets in compositions she could only describe as breathtaking and perfectly tended gardens peering through the terrace doors. No word other than heaven came to her.

Sesshoumaru leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Close your mouth. It's quite embarrassing."

His words startled her out of her reverie. "Oh just let me enjoy the moment, would you!" She snapped back in an attempt to save face.

"You can enjoy whatever you want, but since I don't enjoy your company you better pick up your jaw off the floor and run along for our meeting." His words ignited anger in her eyes yet again. Sesshoumaru put up his hand to quiet her pending protests. "Yes I am being civil. As civil as I can be towards you, so don't give me that look. Or am I mistaken about something and you are actually in full revelry of my company?" He cocked his head to the side.

The flame in her eyes reached the level of hell's inferno, but she held it in. She grumbled something under her breath that even with his demon hearing Sesshoumaru couldn't catch and shuffled past him to follow the brunette leading them to their table. Their destination was a table off to the side, surrounded by azalea bushes in full bloom. Fine china and silver cutlery was pre-set and waiting for them. Out of nowhere appeared a waiter to help her into her chair, startling Kagome in the process.

"May I offer you a drink while you observe the menu?" He asked her. She scampered to read the menu.

"I'll be just a moment, let Sesshoumaru order first."

Sesshoumaru was surprised at her lack of etiquette, but complied none the less. "The usual, Richard, please."

Kagome raised an eyebrow at his familiarity with the staff. It wasn't hard to figure out that he was more than a little active around the club. She settled her eyes on the first item that popped off at her on the menu. "Tuna tar-tar please, Richard." She took one off Sesshoumaru's books. The waiter looked startled at first, but pretended that nothing was amiss. "I'll have a mimosa to go along with that."

To seal the deal she threw a sexy wink at the waiter, who happened to be very hunky. A light blush stained his face as he excused himself to fulfill their orders.

"Can you please at least pretend like you have some class." Sesshoumaru stated dryly.

Kagome shrugged her shoulders. "Take me as I am my friend."

After their little bit of verbal play the two settled down to discuss the project. It came as little surprise to her how well versed he was on the project, in particular on the details that surrounded the incorporation of her piece in the lobby. "You sure know a lot about art for a businessman."

"I know a lot about a lot of things." He stated brushing off her comment to continue talking about the business at hand. Kagome had heard a lot about him and his cold demeanor. Inuyasha particularly liked to bring up his lack of compassion towards incompetence, which was the only quality that he praised. She also found that as one of his redeeming qualities. Many might not see it but he strived to bring out the best work from those he associated with. It was a kind of expect the best and they will surprise you with better principle.

It reminded her a bit of Bankotsu. He also managed to get the best work out of people. The approach however, was different. He instilled belief in people's abilities rather than fear of repercussions of failure.

Kagome's senses picked up a powerful and unhappy demon aura approaching their table. She knew that Sesshoumaru also felt it, how could he not. He did not bat a lash and continued to discuss lighting options as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. Kagome's anxiety spiked as the aura got closer and she darted her eyes to the side. A group of four demonesses, led by an all to familiar face was approaching them.

A realization dawned on Kagome. She knew why Sesshoumaru seemed so familiar the first time she saw him sitting in her living room. His ex-girlfriend and movie star extraordinaire, Kagura , was approaching them. She and her posse were closing in fast.

Sesshoumaru finally broke, as they were nearing them. Running his hand through his hair, which Kagome found looked rather sexy, he spoke "What is it now? Can't you see I'm having a business meeting."

"Oh. I simply came by to say hi and see who this lovely young lady was. I have not seen you around before. You must be a guest." That was a clear stab at Kagome's status.

"She is a business associate of mine." Sesshoumaru stated in an attempt to signal to Kagura that they were occupied and would prefer not to be disturbed.

Pretending not to read the situation, Kagura extended her hand to Kagome, "Kagura, and you are?" Kagome looked at the hand and timidly pulled out her own for a handshake.

"Kagome. It's a pleasure." Kagura looked into her eyes, and then swept a gaze along her face. It was full of scrutiny, making Kagome feel as if she was just some insignificant ugly duckling. Kagura was a vision of beauty. Long flowing hair cascaded down her back, offsetting her toned body and perfect posture. Not a blemish could be seen on her face. Crimson eyes were peeking out of her long curled lashes, playing perfectly with the rich colour of her scarlet lipstick.

Not one to stand for being spat upon, Kagome went on the offensive. "Pleasure is all mine. You must me Sesshoumaru's ex-girlfriend." She turned to him and with a smile added, "Am I correct?" She struck gold.

It was a well known fact, exploded out of proportion by the gossip rags, that Kagura was dumped by Sesshoumaru about a year back. Some said that she cheated. Others said he found himself a new beauty queen. There was even rumors of their parents opposing the pairing. What it all came down to was that Kagura still burned for him.

Kagome's words silenced her. Sesshoumaru only nodded. A look of satisfaction crossed his face. Kagura's friends looked shocked. A shorter brunette in a bright yellow sun dress exclaimed, "How dare you! Classless sluts like you should keep their mouths shut when they don't know what they're talking about!"

That hit a nerve in Kagome, "I think you should look in the mirror before making such assumptions."

To everybody's surprise Sesshoumaru put his two cents in as well, "This young lady has more class than the whole lots of you can get your daddies to buy for you. Now run along while we actually do something useful with our lives." He accented his words by using his hand to shoo his past lover and her three Barbie friends away.

Astonishment was the last thing Kagome saw pay across Kagura's face as she spun away, followed by her friends. With a smile she looked at Sesshoumaru, "Thank you." Grateful for his defense.

"What for?" He raised a brow. "You don't actually think I said that in your favour? All five of you put together have less class than a newborn baby."

… … …

It's hard to tell if they're bonging or not, but at least they are more civil towards each other.

I'm debating putting more Sesshoumaru/Kagome interactions into the next chapter, or taking a small detour to set the stage with the other characters. I need your opinions.

Please drop me a review and tell me what you liked/disliked, it will be greatly appreciated.

Xoxoxo