Aloha! Hana Hikaru here!

Just before any skepticism is recieved, I'd like to give you two disclaimers and an explanation.

1. I've seen offices like this all over the place. and I work in one with similar standards. Employers are now choosing to have discretion regarding office wear. Honestly, if you're going to a board meeting, business attire is prudent, but if you're holed up all day typing reports and laying out design boards, its totally kosher to take off the pencil skirt and trade it for lounge pants. What Kagome is condoning, is perfectly normal, and it happens all the time.

2. I have also seen entire floors dedicated to an office. It's luxurious sure, but I've done my research. Think skinny tower, kind of floor. It's not a massive apartment like floor-suite. Think of a Condo-like complex. They're large, and small at the same time, and usually inhabit one floor each.

Explanation time! My vision of the Taisho Corporation is a series of inter connected buildings. It isn't this massive looming one entire square city block 46 story tower. That's a little unreasonable. The only building that goes past the 18th floor is the one Kagome inhabits, and apart from being relatively wide, its not as big as it appears. The other buildings connected to it are condusive to other departments. [It took me a couple days to figure all of this out. I had to literally draw it. :) ] Anyways- I know that both the lack of appropriate attire [only in the office room] and the Floor-Suite are not commonly found together. Kagome is awesome, and I decided to give that Luxury to her. She works too damn hard anyways.

Enjoy. :)

The People You Love
Hana Hikaru

Chapter ten: Enter Kikyo, Private Investigator

Three days later, Kagome finally had the courage to give Kikyo a ring. She even went into work early to do it. Kagome had no idea how busy this Kikyo was if she was a private investigator. Her fingers tentatively punched in the number and after a brief hesitation, dialed.

After three rings, the call connected.

Takahashi speaking. Came the deep voice of a woman. Immediately Kagome was curious. Not many people had such a soft and clear sounding voice, not to mention lower than the average tonal quality. She blanched, remembering she had to speak. Wait, Takahashi? Not Kikyo?

"Oh, um, is a person named Kikyo there? I'd like to speak to her."

That depends on who's asking.

Ah so she's careful, mused Kagome. "Let me start over. My Name is Kagome Higurashi, Chief executive for Taisho Corp. I have a proposition for her."

This is she. The same voice replied.

"Hi Kikyo, Sango referred me to you a few days ago. I heard you were looking for a stable day job?"

That is correct.

"Great, I have a job that you might like. Would you consider meeting with me at some point to discuss it?" Kagome didn't really know how to go about this kind of conversation. Usually she wasn't asking someone to work, but simply responding to their application.

What kind of job?

"That's what I'd like to talk to you about. There are several positions available for high pay that you fit the profile of. So I want to see which one you might like, if any at all."

Actually, that sounds really awesome. I know where Taisho Corp resides, would you like me to come there?

Finally! A decent answer out of the woman. "That would be fine. Whats your schedule like?"

I'm free today, tomorrow, and Friday. Thursday is busy.

"Hmmm, Tomorrow sounds OK."

Then I will be waiting at your office first thing in the morning.

Kagome's eyes narrowed. "How do you know what time I'll be in?" was Kikyo taking tabs on the department?

The company website shows availability starting at 7:00 in the morning on Wednesdays. Is that too early?

Kagome smacked herself on her forehead. Way to be paranoid. Hurrying to cover for herself, she jotted the note down in her planner. "Seven is fine. I almost forgot we had a website, I'm not in charge of that department."

a light laugh tinkled through the earpiece. I look forward to seeing you . Err, Mrs? Ms?

Kagome smiled. "Ms. Is fine. Tomorrow it is. My office is the 18th floor, just sit anywhere you like."

Ooh-kaay, There was a sound of papers being shifted, suggesting that Kikyo was probably writing things down. Where on the 18th floor? Is it like a private office? Or just a room kind of thing? Executives usually get to have awesome things like that... She trailed off.

Kagome laughed through the receiver. "I think you misheard me. My office IS the 18th floor."

OH WOW. Um that's even more awesome. More scribbling was heard and then the click of her pen. Thankyou again, ms. Higurashi, I look forward to meeting with you tomorrow.

"Likewise, Have a good day."

When Kagome hung up, she smiled widely. As far as she could tell, Kikyo would be someone she could count on.

True to form, Kikyo was seated in the red lounge chair opposite the elevator when Kagome walked onto her floor at 6:45 in the morning. Checking her watch, Kagome barely looked at Kikyo, before speaking up. "Wow, you're early. I like that."

Kikyo's tinkling laughter reached her ears and Kagome smiled, setting her giant bag down in a corner. She quietly surveyed the woman as she went through her things. She was tall, and in shape. Kagome silently cursed. What was with all of the women around her having curves? She had on a simple white suit. It looked good, especially in contrast to her incredibly long dark hair, and tanned skin. Her eyes were deep and calculating, giving Kagome a brief glance into her intelligence. She wasn't your average everyday run-of-the-mill worker.

"I was surprised," Kikyo started "I thought I might be in the wrong place, this isn't your typical Office-suite."

Kagome looked around with fondness. Her carpets were plush microfiber, great on your feet. She had a rather large custom desk on the right side of the suite, but it only took up a fourth of the space. There was a kitchenette connected to a bathroom directly across from the desk, on the left side, and a built-in wardrobe next to the open door, completing the wall. In the middle of the room, there was a lounge chair, currently occupied by Kikyo, and several cushions.

It was a great office. And really large. It was the equivalent to an apartment. Having an entire floor might be luxurious, but she certainly earned it, especially since Kagome had many a meeting with multiple people, and they were all comfortable – not crammed into a tiny conference room.

"Yeah," Kagome happily quipped. "I like to spread out. There have been so many times when Sesshoumaru has come up and had to wait in the elevator for me to clear a space."

Kikyo laughed again.

"So now that you're here, I guess we should get started." Kikyo smiled and stood up, looking around for a chair to bring to Kagomes desk. "Lemme just bring out my work space." Kagome sidled over to her three filing cabinets, pulling out a kotatsu that was leaning against the wall behind it. Stunned, Kikyo gingerly sat down.

Kagome seemed unfazed.

Pulling out a list of questions she had typed up earlier, Kagome briefly chose one and looked over at the woman. "So, you're a private investigator. What kinds of skills does this entail?"

Kikyo thought for a moment, and then spoke up. "Well, I have to think on my feet, usually if I'm tailing someone, or running home I need to be able to know what to do in three or four different circumstances should they come up. I work really well under pressure – that was a skill that took me five years to perfect..." Kikyo gave a sheepish smile to Kagome and Joked, "I'm pretty proficient with a camera..."

Kagome threw her head back and laughed. Typical.

"Other than that, I know basic clerical skills. I have to type extensive reports for clients, and I have a lot of book work and filing that I do. I've become rather adept at background searching." Kikyo looked away for a second, contemplating. Kagome urged her to continue with an anything else?

"I'm actually really good at tracking youkai. It was one of the reasons I became a private investigator for youkai."

Kagome was intrigued. "and why is that?"

"I'm a miko. So I have the ability to sense demonic aura."

"And what are you sensing right now?" Kagome smiled interestedly at her.

"That this building is full to the brim with powerful youkai." Kikyo confidently answered.

Kagome smiled appreciatively pausing for a moment to jot down a note about her honesty. "How did you come to acquiesce these powers?"

"I was born with them." Kikyo simply said.

"aha," Kagome started, "Then you're a natural. That's good."

Kikyo looked confused. "Natural? I thought that's how all people got their abilities."

Kagome wrinkled her nose. "Some people believe that by killing a demon and drinking their blood or merging themselves in some way that they will be granted that demons power." Kagome sighed and a bothered look ran across her face. "I have to deal with a lot of this kind of crap regarding the demon population. Aside from actually helping progress the function of this company, I deal with any and all human interaction."

"Those people are obviously misinformed. Killing a demon actually tarnishes the soul, corrupting any shred of good intention. All it does is fuel bad behavior, and cut down the demon population." Kikyo looked troubled. "I don't like those people."

"My sentiments exactly. It's good to know you're on my side Ms. Takahashi." At Kikyo's smile, Kagome continued. "So what made you decide to become a private investigator? Any previous experience that encouraged your decision?"

"Until five years ago, I was under the employment of the local police department. I was a detective under the authority of Chief Naraku. At that time, he was in the process of starting a giant scandal."

Kagome knew exactly what she was talking about. Naraku Onigumo had earned the title of chief of police but was to addicted to proving his strength and showing his brute force. He had started sending out lesser demonic auras to tackle unfairly large cases, and when the officers would perish, he would absorb their chi into his body, substantially enlarging his own aura. It was a sneaky, bastardization of the police force.

"I know what scandal you are reffering to." Kagome digressed again, remembering that after he was caught, he dissapeared. That was three years ago. "If I recall, Naraku hasn't shown his face since then."

"Actually, he is dead."

Kagome was stunned. What?

"After two he was finally caught, he was secluded to a private island where he started to physically manifest himself. I was hired to find him. I'll tell you it took me a year to find the bastard. But once I found him, I realized he wasn't going anywhere."

Kikyo reached into her bag and pulled out a glass water bottle, slowly sipping it.

"About six months ago, he was visited by a demon who called himself Hakudoshi at their meeting. They didn't say much but that man simply reached out, and within minutes all of Naraku's demonic chi had been dissolved and released into the air. I could sense no chi from Hakudoshi, however I assume he has somehow found a way to hide it."

Kagome looked warily at Kikyo. "and you were there the whole time?"

Kikyo laughed, "Oh heavens no, I simply set up observation points. It would be suicide to even set foot on the island."

Kagome looked wary. Kikyo once again reached into her bag and pulled out a large spiral bound sheaf of papers to which she handed to Kagome. "I was prepared to hand over anything you needed to know about my involvement with Chief Naraku. Residing under his employment doesn't exactly look good on a resume. I just wanted everything out on the table for you." after smiling, she continued. "anyways, I was fed up with the police department anyways, and resigned. That was just under five years ago."

"So I can see that you thankfully aren't an enemy to the demon population. I appreciate your openness of the situation."

"I am grateful you are so kind. I am ashamed of my connection to that man."

Kagome smiled and flipped through the first few pages of the book. "I will definitely look over this tonight. I think this brings Taisho Corp. a tremendous amount of new and important information. I thank you for the contribution."

Kikyo smiled, seemingly reassured.

"So, onto technical things, The job I want to offer you deals in event planning, foreign relations, and awkward hours. Hows your organization?"

"It's good. I am required to stay on task regardless of how many tasks I have, sometimes I have two or three cases at the same time, and I am required to be able to differentiate."

"That's good. How does your brain handle that?"

"Like a normal brain. It sometimes mixes things up, but in the cases where I am doing three things at the same time, I have learned to go slowly and double check."

"Good. I like your independent thinking."

Kagome then fell silent. Jotting things down in her planner. After two minutes, Kikyo spoke up. "May I ask a question?" Kagome smiled and waved her on.

"What position are you looking at for me?"

"My secretary."

Kikyo blanched, and visibly recoiled. "Oh goodness, I totally would've brought a resume, or something impressive." Kikyo looked flustered and started picking at her suit jacket, falling silent again. Kagome could literally see the redness in the womans cheeks and the uncertainty in her eyes as if to communicate her need for reassurance. They asked Kagome if it was enough. Kagome smiled.

"I know that Thursday is busy for you, but would you like to start next Monday?"

The woman before her whipped her head up, relief and happiness washing over her features. "Oh wow, really? I am so lucky. Um yes, Monday is fine." She flipped some hair that had slipped over her shoulder, behind her back again. "I don't know much about what I'm supposed to do, though. Should I bring anything with me?"

Kagome contemplated slightly, not knowing what to say. She hadn't gotten that far.

Deciding to just show her the truth, Kagome started at the beginning. "No, If I need some scouting done or anything, I'll ask… In the mean time, you can have access to anything in my little kitchenette, and anything in my wardrobe that you need. I mean I really suggest you bring what makes you comfy, my lounge pants might not be what you like."

Kagome suddenly brightened, as if she had just thought of something wonderful. "actually I'll clear a space for you before Monday."

Kikyo looked confused. And Kagome reached behind her ear to scratch an itch.

"I condone dressing down simply for comfort. If your work attire hampers even a little bit of your judgement, it's a distraction. For the sake of professionalism, walk through the doors in a suit, but feel free to be as comfy as you like on my 18th floor humble abode."

Kagome walked over to her wardrobe and opened it. "on this right hand side you can put your purse and shoes, you know all your bulky things."

"Um... I think I'm confused." Kagome turned around smiling. "I'm to be your secretary, right?" Kagome nodded, shutting the wardrobe door. "And you're condoning me to wear pajama type things?" Kikyo looked stunned and a little skeptical; as if she thought Kagome was proposing a sting.

"I know how this looks. But I promise you, I'm not joking. More often than not I'm sitting on the floor in shorts and a tank with a sweater."

"Oh."

"Here's the hard part about this job. You're pretty much cooped up here doing work. There's a lot of organizing photo plates, and event planning, and phone calls, and video calls," Kagome counted off the tasks she remembered. "Not to mention several times a month where we have to go through projects document by document and compare facts."

Kikyos eyes shimmered with understanding.

"I'd rather you treat this like a second home and be comfortable in it enough to motivate you to continue, rather than become annoyed over a period of time because its an intimidating office experience. You will start to see the necessity of being comfortable. Often times I stay here much later than I realize because I'm still working to plan or fix an issue."

"Yes, Ma'am." Kikyo smiled, reaching out to shake her hand. Kagome's responding beam of appreciation warmed the office.

"Come Monday I'll set you up at my desk, and with a few of our contacts in departments and other countries. I'll be counting on you..." Kagome warned.

"I appreciate the opportunity to terminate my Official Private Investigator job."

Kagome laughed and sat down at her desk, turning on her monitors.

"I'm serious. All I've been getting lately is jealous wives looking for an impossible story about their so-called "cheating husbands."

"I'm glad to oblige, then."

At that moment, the elevator dinged its arrival and out stepped Shippo nervously holding a large box in his paws. "Kagome! You're dressed up today. Here's the start of a project that just arrived from Shanghai. I didn't want to just leave it in the mail room."

The boy scampered over to her desk and gingerly set it in front of her, his tail softly twitching into a sweeping flick as he ran.

"Thanks Shippo. This is Kikyo Takahashi, my new secretary." Shippo bounded over and clasped Kikyo's hands between his paws, smiling exuberantly. "She starts Monday."

"Then I'll take you down to the parking lot. Nice to meet you, glad I'm not alone anymore. See you later, Kagome."

As Shippo dragged Kikyo to the elevator, the woman turned briefly to wave at her and then the door shut, leaving Kagome to nice quiet silence.

Monday would prove interesting.

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Aloha and Mahalo!