Disclaimer: Inuyasha characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. Other characters are property of Dark Star. Quotes used for chapter titles belong to the speaker. Any song lyrics used in this story do not belong to Dark Star. Quotes found from quoteland.com and quotationspage.com.
Rating: PG-13
Summary: [Sess/Kag] As a singer, young Sesshoumaru, 25, throws a publicity stunt (even though he's popular enough). A bet: $250,000; he won't fall in love before the age of 30. And then, he gets a new secretary: Kagome Higurashi…
Genre: Romance/Drama
A/N: I apologize for the last chapter's Sesshou-OOC-ness. ^^; You'll get an explanation for that, I think, sometime in this chapter. You'll get it; and I sincerely hope no one got too upset about it. Thanks for the reviews! ^_^
Vow Not To Love
Chapter One: He That Can Live Alone
January 2003
"He that can live alone resembles the brute beast in nothing, the sage in much, and God in everything."—Baltasar Gracian, The Art of Worldly Wisdom, 1647
Sesshoumaru stared into the waning evening light. The sun had chosen to hide behind the blanket of the clouds most of the day, and now, during its descent, it was deciding to grace Tokyo with what little warmth it could offer. The golden orb reflected on the shiny surfaces of skyscrapers and office buildings, setting everything into a surreal glowing landscape. His chin rested lightly on his hand while a pen twirled in his other hand. The lyrics to a new song lay inviting before him, pleading for new words and slight revisions.
Already, there were a few red slashes and neat scripture above a typed poem. It really wasn't in his character to actually be one of those big celebrities, someone who entertained people with their voice and talents. In reality, he had planned to become something more reasonable and a little less busy. A lawyer. He was extremely persuasive as well as argumentative. He knew he could've made it; he could have gone into law and become well known in the judicial system, but his voice had ruined that particular ambition.
It had started back in high school, where, in a general music class, they had to sing out the school song. A wave of nostalgia came over him as he relived the moment in his head. He had stunned the teacher with his expressive voice, deep and also high. She had said he had a huge range of pitch, and that, with some voice lessons, he could be one of the best someday. Upon hearing this, his mother immediately called for the lessons, and indeed, he soared to the top. To this day, he still held a slight grudge towards the teacher. True, she was only trying to encourage him into something, but he did not like music.
He sighed. Not like he had a choice, now. He was famous in four countries; he had tons of cash, and everyone adored him. On stage, at least. He wasn't really a likeable person off-stage. Those who were close to him knew the man for his mood swings, stoical manner, and most of all, arrogance. When he sang, it was all an act for fame. He needed the money to keep coming. After all, money was what kept him alive.
Due to his basic lack of emotions, most of his songs were written for him, while he edited the poems. He, himself, had not written one love song as of yet. Hell, he'd never even given a thought to love. So, now, benefiting from his lack of emotions, he made a bet. Hopefully, someone would take up on the offer soon. Probably some half-wit imbecile or someone who's money to burn. Whoever it was suited him fine. As long as they had the right kind of money. It was a free million dollars. Of course, with the kind of act he put on for audiences, most likely no one believe he could do it.
Delicately, he massaged his temples. Sesshoumaru could feel the onset of a headache coming on. He quickly stood and sauntered to the window, gazing out of it with more purpose. Inside the cozy keep of his study, the already subtle sunlight could barely filter through the thin silk curtains. Mahogany paneling seemed to glow slightly with the orange light. The room was neat and orderly. Shelves lined the walls with quote books, rhyming dictionaries, and several other useful resources. His desk was of a dark oak. Piled on top were documents, agreements, song lyrics, and other things of various sorts. He gazed at the papers with contempt, as if he could burn them with his glare. He secretly longed for a different life, one not so filled with so many people. He had never been one to dwell on the company of others.
A timid knock echoed through the office. "Come in," he said crisply, letting the hands massaging his temples fall to his sides.
"Sesshoumaru-sama," a vertically challenged creature greeted, stooping to a low bow.
He studied his agent for a moment, wondering to himself why he had hired such a misshapen person to work for him. "What."
The creature closed the heavy door behind him and settled himself in one of the many armchairs that littered the room. "Does my lord think it was a good idea to pull that publicity stunt?" he inquired, folding his hands nervously in the small lap.
His skin seemed to be tinted a strange shade of teal in the light. The nose and mouth jutted out slightly in a beak-like structure. Almost just above his 'beak' rested large, bulbous eyes. He stared awestruck at his employer, awaiting an answer. He could already predict the answer. Rarely could he tell what his master was to say or do, but there was the scarce occasion that he could, and usually, it didn't help matters much. Right now, he was guessing for a cold stare and something along the lines of, 'Are you questioning my decisions, Jaken?'
Sesshoumaru sent a steely glare in his direction. "Jaken, are you questioning my ability to remain true to my word?"
Heh, it was close. Haphazardly, the stunted man known as Jaken wracked his mind for answers, for some way to make up for his supposed insolence. He was quite used to the treatment by now; it was just the way Sesshoumaru-sama reacted to problems and created solutions. Finally, he settled on one apology; he had become quite adept at seemingly throwing himself at his master's feet.
"Forgive this lowly agent," he said quickly. "But the one who accepts the bet will surely attempt to," he scrambled for the right word, "entice you into a relationship. It is best to be wary, Sesshoumaru-sama."
He stared, bored. "I am aware of that, Jaken."
The servant nodded vigorously. "Of course, Sesshoumaru-sama, of course."
Jaken sent one more glance back to his master and excused himself. The door softly clicked into place, and once outside, he sighed. Somehow, he didn't think Sesshoumaru-sama would make it through this one. Five years without love was a long time to go, despite his master's unemotional character. As he passed the secretary's desk, Jaken noticed her listening attentively to the television turned on in another room. It was blaring Sesshoumaru's declaration. His lips twitched in disgust as he barked out an order for her to keep working, that there were things to be done. She sent a defiant glare back at him through her pale face and then resumed her work with shaky hands. Was there something wrong with her? He wondered briefly. The ring of his cell phone brought him back to reality, and he answered with a practiced sense of business.
"Kinashita Sesshoumaru. Agent speaking," he clipped professionally.
"Hattori!" the voice on the other end squealed. "It's your good friend!"
"This Hattori Jaken does not know you," Jaken said quickly, hanging up.
The phone instantaneously rang again. He sighed. Business was beginning to pick up again today. Finally!
~*~*~*~*~
Naraku Morimoto strolled by the windows, focusing half of his attention on the Chicago landscape and the other half on the actions of his employees. Many were on their lunch break and were gathered in small crowds holding their coffee, chattering aimlessly about the latest news and gossip. One particular crowd of women caught his attention. They were exchanging small tidbits of information, giggling like schoolgirls every once in a while. Exclamations of 'Oh, I know~!' and 'You're kidding!' were heard frequently. But that wasn't what caught most of his interest. One girl in particular was among the assembly. She stood tall and confident, not anything like someone who had just come ion from Japan. She was in a totally foreign city that advanced at an extremely quick pace, and yet, she had adjusted perfectly.
Normally, he would not have so much background information on one specific employee, or rather, he wouldn't bother to actually know it, but this woman, Kikyo Kimura, attracted him. It was very strange. There was no one else he had ever wanted, ever was remotely interested in. Very, very strange. His dark reddish eyes dwelled on her for a moment before his ears even faintly registered their conversation.
"Did you hear the news?" one of the women bubbled excitedly. Her face was positively aglow with anticipation. "That hot star, Sesshoumaru, he's made a bet!"
"A bet?" Kikyo inquired. "What kind of bet?" She languidly took a sip of the tip of the steaming beverage she held.
"Do you live under a rock?!" another woman hissed. "He's sworn not to fall in love for FIVE years!"
"Oh," was her reply. She hardly looked interested. "How old is he?"
"TWENTY-FIVE!" all the crowd retorted. "Don't you know about him?" a girl named Sandra exclaimed. "Who couldn't know Sesshoumaru?! It's impossible!"
Kikyo ignored Sandra's comment. "How much did he bet?"
"A million dollars!" Leslie squealed.
Kikyo's eyebrows flicked upward. "A million. With who?"
The whole group paused. No one wanted to answer for fear of being the only one who didn't know. Of course, it was the truth; no one had taken him up on the bet, yet. But they would! They really would! There was an uncomfortable silence. Finally, Sandra, one of the more sensible of their gossipy crowd, spoke out.
"No one's taken him up on it, yet. But they will," she added quickly.
"Huh," Kikyo mused.
She felt Naraku's gaze on her. Casting her employer the sidelong glance she was so well known for, she bid her colleagues farewell, sent another glance to him, and then returned to her paperwork. Her look had said it all. 'Aren't you going to take up on his offer? You should.' It was a challenge, one of her inane challenges he had to take in order to prove himself to her. As if it wasn't enough that he was CEO of a top company, B.U.R.N. Enterprises, and that he was considered to be one of the most eligible bachelors as well as the richest in the entire United States, she still challenged him. Was he good enough for her? She was aware of his strange attraction towards her, and it drove him insane. When she glanced at him once more, he gave the slightest incline of his head before returning to his main office.
Of course, he was well aware of what bet they spoke of. His position guaranteed that to him. Everybody who was anybody knew every other rich person in the world. It was funny. He had met most of the foreign celebrities, most particularly the pop stars. They seemed to be the most well known and most popular of all the famous. After all, they attracted the teen population, so they held much power. A single call brought him his devoted secretary.
"Tanaka," he commanded. "Kinashita Sesshoumaru."
"Hai, Mr. Morimoto," the girl replied. She still hadn't lost the Japanese customs she had grown up with.
There was the temporary click of keys before she answered again. "On your phone. Anything else, Mr. Morimoto?"
"No, that will be all, Kagura."
Naraku gave a few spare thoughts as to what he was going to do to the young star before picking up his phone and adeptly dialing the numbers. There was only one ring, no, make that half a ring, before a rough voice croaked out, "Kinashita Sesshoumaru. Agent speaking."
"Connect me directly to Mr. Kinashita," he clipped roughly. "I'd like to take him up on the bet."
"Hold on," the voice grated out.
There was the scuffle of the phone being covered before muffled voices and the click of a receiver with the soft swish of hair.
"Someone finally decided to seal the bet," the low voice greeted good-humoredly. "May I"
"Cut the formalities, and drop the act, Sesshoumaru," he answered coldly. "I know more about you than any of your fans ever cared to find out."
Sesshoumaru was a bit miffed. How could he have found out? That could easily ruin his reputation. "Name?" he demanded.
"Naraku. Morimoto Naraku. CEO of B.U.R.N. Enterprises. A million dollars to spare, not that you'll win," he answered bluntly.
"Trustworthy?" the low voice inquired.
"Not usually."
"Where will the money be placed?"
"Your choice."
There was a slight pause. "Keep it until it come time to pay, Morimoto. How will you measure 'in love'?"
"I have yet to figure that," Naraku mused. "That's your honor speaking."
"Done deal. I trust you will not betray your word?"
"As you keep yours."
"Watch me closely; I might lie," Sesshoumaru said blandly. He hung up.
Naraku nodded to himself in satisfaction. A sigh was in effect. Kikyo, I question when I will cease accepting your inane challenges. He attempted to ward away the oncoming headache. He shouldn't have taken her from Japan.
~*~*~*~*~
Sesshoumaru sat in contemplation for a moment, pondering whether or not this Morimoto Naraku would remain true to his word. The man had not sounded so committed on the phone. Rather, it seemed like he was playing, like this was something he did in his free time. From their phone conversation, Sesshoumaru could gather that this man was by no means 'nice' nor respectful. Right away, he had shot down his fake charm. It made Sesshoumaru wonder what exactly this man knew about him. He had said he knew more about him than his fans had ever cared to find out, but how much was that? Was he talking about his family affairs? His personality? His connections? What was going on? The slow opening of the door alerted him back into reality.
"Is the bet done then, Sesshoumaru-sama?" his agent asked, head lowered in a bow.
"Yes, Jaken. Have my secretary find information on Morimoto Naraku, CEO of B.U.R.N. Enterprises," he commanded softly.
"I'm afraid I cannot do that, Sesshoumaru-sama," another voice said from the door.
Sesshoumaru's golden eyes roved from Jaken to them woman leaning lightly against the entrance to the office. It was his secretary. He did not care ever to find out her name, but it had never been necessary, anyways. Jaken was the only one who talked to her, and then, that was only for business matters. No one knew much about the girl, but she had always done the required work quite nicely, and that was all that mattered to him. Now, she stood nervously in his study, eyes downcast. Her hands fiddled incessantly as she spoke.
"I quit," she voiced so quietly he almost missed it.
"Any particular reason?" he inquired coaxingly.
"I was…intercepting on your call," she explained hurriedly, "And I've dealt with…Morimoto's company before." She paused. "We don't have a very good history together; I fear…" She broke off.
"I understand; you may go," he said.
She nodded and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Kinashita-san."
Then, the girl was gone before he could blink. This was going to cause some problems. He wasn't very much of anything without a secretary, and Jaken had attempted the job before, but it resulted in catastrophe. He was going to have to get a new one very quickly. To find someone else like her was not going to be easy. They would definitely have to be highly qualified for the job as well as polite, trustworthy, and preferably silent.
"S-Sesshoumaru-sama!" Jaken stuttered, "You are letting the girl go just like that?"
Despite what many people thought, he did have a heart, just not a very forgiving one. But if this girl was reluctant to work for him, then so be it. Besides, if he could find someone faster, it would be all for the better. "You are questioning my actions again, Jaken."
"Forgive me, Sesshoumaru-sama!" the short man pleaded. He paused. Who is this Morimoto Naraku? "Is Morimoto trustworthy?"
"That," Sesshoumaru replied, "remains to be seen."
He swiftly picked up the phone and began to dial a number he had, by now, known even in his sleep. Jaken took the hint and left his employer to his work. Whenever Sesshoumaru picked up the phone, he intended it to be a private conversation, for Sesshoumaru didn't do many small tasks by himself; he left it to Jaken. And even more rarely did he ever make a call to anyone. Huffing indignantly for the secretary's short notice of leave, he stalked over to her neat desk and sat himself down. For now, he would have to attend to the wench's jobs, and though he didn't wish to, it was his duty. Flipping open the cell phone, there blinked a message in the window. "17 Messages," it read. He listened through them one by one as he pulled up the appointment book on the computer. Important calls were made, and new concerts as well as various recording sessions were scheduled. He scribbled several notes on a pad while pulling out an assortment of files. How does she do it?! So much work!
Back in Sesshoumaru's office, he waited patiently for the call to go through and then sat as the phone rang. Pick up the damn phone, Takekawa. Finally, the ringing stopped, and he could hear a faint pant of breath before a woman answered, supposedly his secretary.
"Takekawa Miroku's office," she breathed.
"Kinashita," he answered harshly.
There was a gasp and then the sound of the receiver being covered up followed by muffled voices. The phone was handed over. "What business brings you to my door? In trouble?" a young voice greeted congenially.
"Molesting your secretaries is not part of the reason why you chose to study law, is it?" he retorted.
There was a embarrassed pause and then, "No, not at all. What is it you need, Kinashita-san?" he interrogated.
"You have many…friends, do you not?"
"…Yes…" Miroku answered slowly.
"Do they have any measure of intelligence?"
"Of course!" was the indignant answer. "Why?"
"I require a new secretary," Sesshoumaru sighed. "She quit."
"That has nothing to do with legal matters," Miroku reasoned, curiosity clear in his voice.
"I have not the time to find another. You seem to be well-known; get me someone qualified," he ordered.
Pushy, pushy. He restrained the urge to sigh. "I may know of someone," he finally replied. But you might not like her…
"Good. Contact me," he finalized. "And," he added as an afterthought, "find what you can about Morimoto Naraku, general information."
"Sure," Miroku agreed. "I'll get you a new secretary in two days or less."
"Then, it's settled. Thank you," he hung up abruptly. Being charming was definitely not his forte off-stage.
A/N: I decided on long chapters for this story, although it may not seem that long to some people. ^^; In any case, how was the beginning? I know, I know. Kagome still hasn't been introduced in the story, yet, but she'll be here in the next chapter. Speaking of which, I think it'll probably be shorter. ^^; My long chapter-ness obviously will not last very long. Opinions appreciated! Is the Sesshou-OOC-ness still really bad? I know a few people made comments about it in the prologue. I tried to explain it in this one, but I'm not sure if it was very effective. ^^; Gomen nasai!
~*~*~Dark Star~*~*~