Web of Fates

by LadyDi

AU: Without thought, Miroku pulled her to him. She easily offbalanced and using her surprise to his advantage, wrapped his arms around her. Of course she resisted, but he held firm and wouldn't let her off.

4. 4

There was much bowing and profuse thanks by the president and a few accompanying members before Sesshoumaru finally cut the group off with a final bow of his own. "Gentlemen, thank you for your kind words. It was nothing, really. I'm glad we managed to smooth things out and keep your contract in tact."

Why was it the silliest things turned out to be the biggest blowups? Someone in the shipping floor misread some kanji and kana and sent the order somewhere in north part of Russia. It took weeks to truck the whole thing past cold roads and bad temperatures, so by the time the order got there and someone called assistance - and after there was someone found to translate for communication - the lawyer was already hired by the actual buyer. The order arrived in tact, but it took a few days, from reports of whoever received it, to figure out the English enough to get things started and call.

The call came in mere minutes after the court date sadly congregated, a date Sesshoumaru couldn't beat. It grated on his problem-solving professionalism to not keep this out of court, but he knew his research team was feeling somewhat worse. Things were overlooked all around as Jalco offered to pay shipping to get it back to Japan and resent to the place it was supposed to go.

Much apologizing and bowing on the part of the shipper took place to the president and the offer of quitting his position, but the president was at least kind enough to spare the man losing his job. A mistake happened and the president even admitted it was possible to misunderstand a character when so many had multiple meanings and so many lines.

"From what we know, the parts are to arrive at their destined time within a few hours. We've kept track of them to be sure this doesn't happen again and the minute the company floor receives the shipping paperwork they are to call us to double-check they have what they need."

"Thank you so much for doing all this extra Jouryuu-san. It should be part of our crew's responsibility, but your team is going to all the trouble of handling this."

Sesshoumaru waved the president's words aside. "Nonsense Yamakawa-shachou; if on the off chance something happens, I want to be the one to get it corrected in as short a time as possible. But I have a good feeling nothing will go wrong now, so please don't fret anymore."

"I trust your judgment Jouryuu-san and I'll leave everything in your capable hands. I'm sorry we ended up contacting you, but we all know how hard it is to deal with outsiders."

Sesshoumaru gave a quiet, noncommittal hum through his nose, not wanting to take sides either way. It wasn't his job to agree or disagree with whoever paid his salary, even if he had preconceived notions on some things already. Those stayed outside the office building or he would not have a job with whatever prejudices he owned.

"I'm so relieved we didn't break contract with our buyer though. I have about a thousand people on the production floor who make a large amount of parts for more than just this buyer. It would be a shock to them and a loss in finances. I couldn't bear having to downsize because of that."

Sesshoumaru let the president drone on, knowing the man could rant as much as he wanted now that none of it meant anything. All the anxiety over the month and a half was slowly being forgotten and left behind. Sesshoumaru wasn't worried about anything really; those parts existed somewhere in the world and it was just a matter of finding them.

"For all your hard work, I'd like to reward you and your crew Jouyruu-san."

"Please Yamakawa-shachou, that's very kind of you, but we don't -"

"Nonsense, I insist." The man cut in, throwing manners aside. "You saved this company a lot of money, workers, and possibly our future as manufacturers. Who knew what would occur if other companies got wind of what happened recently. We could go out of business simply on assumed unreliability alone. For that, I want to treat you all as soon as this whole thing is finished and behind us."

Those of the research team cast each other speculative sideway glances, mentally wondering the same thing: just what was going to be given?

Sesshoumaru subtly eyed his team and the president for a quick second, thinking everything through before giving his team a more blatant search. The curious, interested looks in three pairs of brown eyes told him it couldn't hurt to accept whatever the president had in mind. Looking ahead, Sesshoumaru gave the man his attention. "Then we accept Yamakawa-shachou and would like to thank you ahead of time for your gracious generosity."

The man gave a sudden, almost sly smile, as if something just occurred to him by those words. "I'll keep your thanks, but you can express your gratitude after the day I give you your gift."

Confusion and more curiosity were too much to ignore and it even grabbed a hold of Sesshoumaru, who raised a white brow the barest of degrees.

-.-.-.-

"Big job?"

"What day is this on?"

A hand waved the small group back from the western-style desk. "Everyone back up so I can look at the ledger." Kaede peered at her kana and kanji. "In around a week we'll have a rather large, rather well-paying group enter and I want you all to be on your best behavior."

Multiple pairs of brown eyes looked to each other in curiosity and befuddlement. "Who's the group? Did you get a main name?" Kagome asked.

Kaede waved off the questions again. "Yes, but that doesn't matter right now. What matters is sizing them up in the first five minutes they arrive because when I asked the man what kind of women he and the others liked, I didn't get an answer." A hand thoughtfully rubbed the woman's chin. "Normally I get at least that. Something tells me not everybody knows about this."

Kikyou's brow furrowed the barest of degrees as she studied the miniscule details in the book. Normally her sister tried to find out as much information as possible beforehand to let them breathe a little easier. It wasn't in hers or Kaede's nature to play the guessing game when it came to their business. "You may be right Kaede. This seems more obscure than normal. Men normally tell more than this one."

Sango switched the foot she was leaning on as she rested on her friend's shoulder to peer at the book with everyone else. "Well it doesn't matter now I guess. What's done is done and now comes time to be creative."

Yuka gave a somewhat less-than-happy look and directed it at Eri. "Does this mean we have to ruffle through our outfits in speculation of what we might use?"

Eri gave her twin(1) a brief glance at the tone, but nodded in agreement. "We can't exactly NOT be at the front door to greet everyone, but we can't be in our normal clothes when we do. How are we going to know what to wear when we're in the room with whoever we'll be paired with if we have nothing to go by?"

The hand never stopped moving against Kaede's face. "That's a problem. Since we tend to tailor to a man's job, life, or his taste in women, we can't have you all wearing whatever you please." The elder was silent for a spell, mind churning in many different angles. "We'll have to do as Sango said and be a little creative. Everyone will have to compromise. Since some of you have certain styles you incorporate with your personalities, try to use that in figuring out your clothes. When the group arrives, stay out of the way until I can size them up."

"But Kikyou-sama has it easy." Eri pointed out. "She always dresses in the same type of clothing."

Kikyou gave the woman her attention. "That may be Eri, but I have a harder job than all of you."

Rin nodded. "Yea Eri-san. Kikyou-sama has to know much more of about everything to entertain. We don't need to know anything other than the routine we've always followed."

"So how much time do we have before they get here?" Sango broke in. She wasn't interested in any kind of argument or discussion between anyone when a lot of money was apparently coming their way soon. There were bills to pay on her end and money to send to her brother from this.

"We have a few days. Apparently this is supposed to be a celebration visit, which explains the delay. Take that time to get things sorted on your end."

The group nodded and took that order as the last word they needed, heading back to the top floor to continue what they were doing before being brought down. Everyone sat in the same spots in the living section, a low table and zabuton loitering the center. Nail files, buffers, clippers, polishes, and bowels of water littered the wood top.

Kikyou-sama's brow furrowed in a cringe, hand instantly twitching as Sango got too close in removing a cuticle. Sango matched the look, meeting the woman's eyes in apology. She could see in those brown eyes that her partner looked none too happy about the rough treatment. "Gomen." Sango mumbled.

Kikyou's gaze switched from Sango's to subtly gazing at Kagome and her partner. Eri and Yuka were both doing their nails - who else's would they be doing? - and so she was left with Sango. The woman gave a mental sigh, making sure nothing showed on her face. Why couldn't she have gotten Kagome or Rin? Sango wasn't the delicate type per say and it showed. The woman didn't care too much of the condition of her hands, probably because she did so much in her life. This type of feminine stuff Sango didn't keep up with, as showed with the need to round out the edges of her nails and the horrible condition of her cuticles.

Kikyou stopped herself before the judging went any farther. It wasn't right to put things on her manicure partner just because Sango was so active. There was enough going on with trying to fit in college and all part-time jobs at the same time and still earn enough money to make ends meet. It was admirable, the things Sango was trying to do for herself and her kin, taking on a load that didn't allow for much slack time. Truthfully, it would be better if Sango were in the room she shared with Kagome doing some studying, but Kikyou knew too much was unhealthy. Sango tried her hardest to study, but sometimes the girl almost refused to look at another page of required lingo and terms. It built up until a necessary break for even a few hours was in order. That's just the way Sango was born; if one caged a tiger, they were in for some problems.

Sango felt a little bad when she finished Kikyou-sama's manicure and the woman took her turn. The comparison of gentleness and skill was nonexistent and knowing she could've tried a little harder not to hurt her hostess didn't escape her. Sango bypassed it though, seeing Kikyou-sama seemed to forget about it as well and concentrated on the job.

"It's a shame we're going to ruin our nails making dinner in a few hours." Rin suddenly commented. Almost everyone gave her their attention, a few blinking in confusion. It took some a few minutes to get that she wasn't talking about them all, just those involved with cooking.

It was more of the fact that they would have to be watch their polish jobs to make sure nothing flicked off into the food, but Kagome smiled and resisted the urge to pat her hand over her manicure partner's, since the girl was using both of them. "It'll be okay Rin-chan. We'll just have to make sure to be careful, ne?"

After all cuticles were cut away; nails were buffed and somewhat glossed; a clear coat of nail protector was put on - seconds after someone went and opened a window; and fingers were dipped in cold water to help solidify the polish; everyone started waving hands to get their fingers to dry, since no one trusted wiping them on towels in a delicate condition and do everything over again. The smell lingered through the cool March air blowing inside. It made a few shiver, but they huddled a little closer to themselves for warmth for the few minutes needed. After that, those that had to get to work on food headed down the hall, leaving the others to pick things up.

-.-.-.-

Yellow eyes looked at the relatively simple structure, lights showing through glass panels on sliding wood doors. It was odd that in this time of severe western influence, someone still had something of like this.

0-

"Please forgive my apologies for being so secretive and thoughtless. An insight came to me and I suppose rather than trying to surprise you, I should make sure it's okay to go through with what I intended to give you."

Everyone looked at each other, then to the solitary man sitting across them. No staff was present this time, the president came on his own, which told everyone something important was to be said for their ears only. Everyone was called to a meeting, which was odd considering the company settled things with their buyer. The phone call was reported by Kyouda-san just an hour or so ago.

"Whatever it is can't be that bad Yamakawa-shachou. You have no need to apologize." Sesshoumaru broke in.

Yamakawa-shachou nodded and leaned forward on his knees. "In truth, it may seem a little extravagant, but I felt it was appropriate in considering how much you helped my company. I was intending on taking you all out for some...entertainment as it were. I know of a place I visited a few months ago and it's still around. I figured you wouldn't mind a little...company from a woman for a few hours."

There was much blinking and blank, shocked minds. Everyone stared ahead and practically gaped, forgetting how rude it was to do so, as they processed the full implications and subtle meaning in those well-timed pauses. A few made the process of speaking, but their mouths only opened and closed a few times in lack of anything to say.

Finally, one managed to come to his senses and leaned back against the western-style couch. "Thank you for the offer Yamakawa-shachou, but I'll pass."

The president's gaze shifted, furrowing a little in small confusion. "May I inquire as to why Kyoushuu-san?"

Kouga looked to the carpet, jaw tightening a little. "I'm not embarrassed about it, but I'm sort of dating someone who, if she finds out about this, will not be happy in the slightest." It was true, but it wasn't. The word dating had so many implications and Kouga didn't think this was that serious. Ayame(2) was a friend of his and someone he knew from college, even had a class or two with in the past, but if she found out he was sleeping around when he could have her, she'd verbally beat the shit out of him. He didn't need that kind of grief and it was all too easy to imagine.

The almost tense silence was broke again by shuffling on the couch. "I - I also have to agree with Kyoushuu-san Yamakawa-shachou. I'm afraid, but I will also withdraw. I'm not...I don't really..." Houjou broke off as his face started heating and quickly looked to an opposite wall, embarrassed for being so flustered about this. But as much as he was no stranger to women, having dated in the past, Houjou wasn't the type to take any woman he wanted. A depth of feeling was required on SOME level for his tastes.

Yamakawa-shachou nodded after a second; a little sad he couldn't repay back someone who worked so hard and saved him a lot of money and business. He was about to open his mouth and offer the pair something else, but startled a little at the sudden action by yet another across the way.

"I don't believe you two! Yamakawa-shachou is going quite out of his way and obviously offering quite a bit to repay us. I can't believe your acceptance at his gift has gone so low. I'm ashamed to be working with you two!"

The three on the couch stared at the idiot dramatically standing over them, flat looks on their faces. No one took his words to heart, considering the lavished way of acting and admonishment. And the fact that they were being lectured for not going to visit a woman.

A raven brow ticked on Kouga's head as he suppressed annoyance. "Sit down Enzen." He ground out. "Perv."

A hand rose and yanked Miroku back to his seat next to Kouga. A smile tipped his lips at the rise he got out of his fellow co-worker. Miroku turned to the man, leaning on a shoulder. "I'm serious Kouga. You're being rude not to accept such a generous, well thought-out gift."

Sesshoumaru resisted the urge to sigh at his employee's incompetence. "We get the point; you can stop at any time." Yellow eyes met the president's as his mind worked. Not being a very social person - work was something else entirely, the thrill of solving problems and winning was quite a motivator to get involved with different people - or in the need of a woman's company for sex, Sesshoumaru wanted to agree with his research team...minus Miroku. But Miroku made a point in that it WAS rude to refuse a gift. Even one such as this. "I accept."

Yamakawa-shachou nodded, a little relieved that he wouldn't fully humiliate himself by suggesting such a thing and embarrass everyone by confronting them with his suggestion. "Thank you Jouryuu-san."

"I also accept Yamakawa-shachou." Miroku avidly responded. Eagerness split itself on his face, a smile trying to be hidden at what awaited them. "I would be proud to meet with you in a few days to wherever it is we'll be going."

It was no wonder the others acted to Enzen-san as they did about his comments. Apparently, this one liked women a lot more than the other three. But with a last name as Enzen, it shouldn't be that much of a surprise. Yamakawa-shachou resisted a smile at the boy's behavior. "If you like, feel free to bring someone with you. I have planned for your group, so there are two open spots."

Sesshoumaru thought this almost ironic and slightly funny, and would've smiled if he wanted to draw attention to himself. Kouga and Houjou had no siblings and Miroku's were continents away; he was the only one with a sibling in the same country. But Inuyasha had even less use for women than he did and was as apt to refuse as much as Kouga had. Not to mention the idiot he called brother was as clueless and clumsy as he was acquainted with them.

Miroku suddenly grinned and looked to his superior. "Yea Jouryuu-san...why don't you bring your ototo?"

Sesshoumaru sent a small glare over Houjou to his shushou. Leave it to Miroku to think this was amusing. Even if there was humor to be found in it, not to mention the ways he could make Inuyasha uncomfortable, Sesshoumaru wasn't going to bother asking when he knew the answer.

"You have an ototo Jouryuu-san? How old is the boy?"

Boy seemed appropriate when Sesshoumaru considered Inuyasha's behavior at times. "He's twenty-seven, Yamakawa-shachou. But I know my brother and he's not exactly...well-known to the ways of women."

Yamakawa-shachou's hand waved. "At that age and he hasn't spent time with the other sex? I insist that he come Jouryuu-san. If it's not too forward of me to say, it might do the boy some good."

Miroku barked out a laugh and slapped a hand over his mouth to stifle it. His stomach shook with silent laughter as he tried to compose himself and think his way out of everyone's attention, even if those he worked with knew Inuyasha, or at least knew of him from Sesshoumaru and his occasional gripe. It was a fight to wipe the smile off his face, and in the end, Miroku let it remain and tried to talk around it. "Excuse my outburst Yamakawa-shachou, but I agree with Jouryuu-san. I'm a friend of his brother and it's as he says; Inuyasha isn't good with handling women."

"These people are very good, I assure you. If you're worried about my choice in location, please don't be. They're professional and very attentive."

Miroku adopted a somewhat sly look, fighting a smirk. What woman wasn't in that aspect?

Sesshoumaru, seeing he wasn't going to talk his way out of this, closed his eyes and leaned back in defeat. "If it will make you happy to have him come along, I will discuss it with him shachou-san. But I do not guarantee his attendance."

Yamakawa-shachou nodded. "That leaves one more person to fill. Is there someone else any of you know of to bring?"

It wasn't that hard of a question, even if the mental image was not one any wanted to consider. "Kyouda-san has done some calls for us while we had things of our own to check out." Houjou piped up. "If it's possible, he could go with too."

There was a split second of silence in the room as everyone took into account the man's age. Despite the fact that they were all men, no one wanted to think about Myouga having a meeting with a woman possibly younger than him...MUCH younger. That wasn't to say the president was a spring chicken. It took a while for someone to gain presidency status and not a lot of people would fully trust their jobs and essentially their lives to someone who didn't know what they were doing. Yamakawa-san gained the position from his father, having worked his way up from a medium-level position to taking over at the man's death. Still, their now former client was closer to Sesshoumaru's age than Myouga's.

"We can ask and see what he'll say." Sesshoumaru answered.

0-

"This is it?"

"Charming little place isn't it?"

"Stuff it Enzen. Let's head in."

Sesshoumaru watched raven flow back as his brother passed him and made to open the doors. Footsteps from behind met his ears as the others followed and Sesshoumaru picked up his step to cross the final path on the practically non-existent walkway.

0-

"No."

"I knew your answer before I even asked you, but I told the president I'd try."

"No."

"I don't want to shame the man despite the oddity of his 'gift', since he apparently is going to spend a lot of money hiring these women."

"No."

A white brow ticked as Sesshoumaru fought not to glare. "I know your vocabulary is small, but try another word." He practically bit out.

Inuyasha gave a less-than-amused look and narrowed brown eyes. "You want vocabulary? Here's some...I have no need to go and fuck a woman I don't even know who I will never have any connection with. I don't give a rat's ass about YOUR old client's emotional reputation when I can do MY job in the time you'll be out screwing some high-paid bitch."

Like trying to persuade a brick wall to pick up and move. Sesshoumaru's face turned to direct some annoyance on the wall next to the chabudai. The need to grate his brother's nerves urged Sesshoumaru to talk, but a good fight was needed rather than making the idiot mad. Inuyasha practically owed him for this, since most of his salary went to paying the bills - especially the electric bill! - and almost dishonoring their father by not following in his footsteps.

"Listen Inuyasha." Sesshoumaru began, setting his teacup down. Disregarding manners, elbows rested on the wood surface, fingers crossing in lawyer-like seriousness. "I know how horrible you are with women, but that's due to your inexperience with them."

"Kiss my ass."

Sesshoumaru ignored that jab. "You can't be so high-and-mighty by closing yourself off and refusing to work with others.(3) What will people think of this family? Our name is known in Tokyo and I for one don't want it stained because my ototo doesn't see fit to blend in with society."

"I'M high and mighty? You're one to talk! You don't like involving yourself with people either, so don't go lecturing me on that. My 'ignorance' with women doesn't concern you in the slightest; you just want to make nice with your client to keep your word and reputation."

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed a little. With a detached face, he leaned forward on his arms. "You WILL do this for me." He calmly stated, looking into brown eyes. "Don't think just because we're both adults that I've forgiven you for what you've done with your life and how I have to support you simply because I'm older. I made a promise to chichi-ue before he died and I'll continue to live up to it. But it sickens me to have to live with someone I call family who can't be a man and disgraces himself on a daily basis."

It was always a touchy subject to bring up their parents and the job choice Inuyasha made. It was the weapon used whenever Sesshoumaru needed to prove a point and he made it as often as possible. Inuyasha worked by himself as much as he could, interacting with his agency only when heading to turn a project in. Despite being an adult, Inuyasha remained indoors a lot, playing with his computer in a job Sesshoumaru disapproved of. It was a daily occurrence to bite his tongue when what Sesshoumaru really wanted to do was force his brother out into the working world - or at least into the cubicle provided by the agency! - and get some people skills.

The anger deflated with those words and guilt took its place. Inuyasha slumped a little, staring hard at their eating table, jaw set. He hated Sesshoumaru for always bringing up something he was good at. Sesshoumaru, regardless of his personality, had no problem dealing with people and didn't empathize with his need for space. His brother didn't understand the need for a programming job, since he didn't even use a computer at his office.(4) Having been to A.I.L.O. in the past, Inuyasha knew the building and some of those who worked there - especially the research team working for him. Everything was hard copy paper in triplicate.

He wanted to argue, wanted to throw back another stinging fact at Sesshoumaru, but Inuyasha was in a corner...as always. Part of him did resent not being able to keep a good enough memory of his father alive by taking a job in the same social field, but working with computers was something he was good at and liked doing. So what if numbers didn't talk to you? It was a job and it was something he knew would be in higher demand in future years. In spite of the 'traditional' way things were 'supposed' to be handled, Japan was going to keep changing.

Knowing Sesshoumaru was waiting for an answer, most likely gloating at winning to boot, Inuyasha glared at the table. "Fine. I'll go. But don't expect me to play nice."

Sesshoumaru's face smoothed of all bad emotions, the only evidence of his happiness. "You'll behave yourself well enough I imagine."

0-

Half of the group jumped back as the door slid open before either could take initiative, showing a young woman in a pastel tsukesage. She bowed as deep as possible around the obi for at least half a minute before righting herself and stepping back to allow them entrance. "Welcome. Please forgive me for keeping you standing out there."

The door slid open for them and all walked the few steps to what looked like a wide wooden hallway. Each took their shoes off and made for the provided slippers, ignoring the girl who immediately moved to put them in order.

"Welcome to our humble establishment. You are the group Yamakawa we have been expecting, yes?"

The group of five eyed the elderly women sitting behind a western-style desk. A hand reached out of view for a split second before she stood and slowly walked toward them, cane in hand. She was possibly the shortest elderly woman any had ever seen. Though Japanese were naturally short, she seemed to not gotten enough food as a child. That didn't seem to be the case now with her stout figure covered in houmongi.

Hearing his name, Yamakawa stepped forward and gave a bow. "I am Yamakawa madam. I hope we are not late for our appointment."

He received a bow in return, if it was possible for the woman to do so without falling over. The urge to give an arm and help an elder stand, despite the cane she was already using, nearly made Yamakawa step forward, but he restrained himself, not wanting to be impetuous

"You are all right on time Yamakawa-san. I am Gachi Kaede and I welcome you to my soaplady hotel." Kaede bowed again, good eye sizing everyone up in an instant. Having had so many years dealing with men, it was easy to figure their personalities by their style of dress, the way they stood, the looks on their faces, and how they kept their physical self. Her eye looked over to her helper standing in the corner that was avidly watching and waiting for something else to do. "Rin."

"Hai." The girl jumped to and shuffled past the group of men, feeling a little intimidated at their unannounced high stature and kept her gaze on the floor. She stopped next to Kaede and immediately offered an arm as the woman's hand extended. The pair moved back to the desk and Kaede sat, going for a pen. "May I have each of your last names?"

"Yamakawa."

"Enzen."

"Kyouda."

"Jouryuu Sesshoumaru."

"Jouyruu Inuyasha."

Kaede looked up at the first names in dumbfoundment, simply nodding and adding their kanji as well. "Would any of you gentlemen care for some refreshments for later? Sake? Ocha?"

The group watched her write and thought. "I'll take sake." Miroku piped up.

"I also will have sake." Myouga added.

"I'm fine." Inuyasha mumbled, making sure to be loud enough in case the woman had bad hearing.

"Green tea is fine." Sesshoumaru replied.

"I am fine without." Yamakawa finished.

With a nod, Kaede wrote down all orders and handed the paper to Rin. "Give this to the girls and tell them to be ready. I will see the gentlemen to their selected rooms."

Rin gave a nod before running as fast as possible for the back stairs and hopping the steps to the top floor. She tried to read the paired names and room numbers in curiosity without tripping.

Kaede slipped off the chair and approached the group. She bowed again before turning for the hallway. "If you will all follow me please. I apologize that the girls are not here to greet you themselves, but they will be down very shortly. When they arrive, they will explain things to you. Please don't hesitate to correct them if need be." With that, she started off and stopped at the first door on the right. As best as possible, Kaede opened the sliding door and bowed. "Enzen-san will be here." Without a word and filled with curiosity, Miroku removed his slippers at seeing tatami and headed inside. Kaede shut the door behind him and continued on.

The process repeated to the door on across the way to the left. "Yamakawa-san will be here." All rooms seemed to be identical and in that aspect, Yamakawa did the same as Miroku with his slippers. Continuing to the next set, Kaede put the brothers across from each other in the same manner and shut the fourth door behind Jouryuu Sesshoumaru. She turned at last to Kyouda-san with a bow. "If you would accept this old woman's humble company, I will be your companion for tonight."

Myouga bowed a little as well, also possessing a cane and bad back to boot. "This old man will take your company Kaede-san." There was a small gleam of good humor in his eyes as they both rose. "I am not as...rambunctious as the other youngsters, so I will take the soft presence of a woman. I will be happy if you entertain me with good humor and good sake."

Kaede smiled, finding Kyouda-san to be kind enough. It was possible that she would be denied and then she would have to call one of the other girls. None would object and would take the job to obtain the money, but it would be a little disgusting to have a man easily their grandfather's age. With men this old, she was the only logical choice...though many DID like their women decades younger. Kaede was glad he settled for her, as old as she was and with her disfigurement.(5)

With another bow, Kaede turned for the stairs and tried to keep off to one side to walk next to the man. "If you will please follow me then Kyouda-san and I will see you to your room. I will make sure to do as you ask and hope it pleases you."

I am a BEGINNER Japanese learner, so if these are not 100 correct, please let me know if you care to do so. I only have a web page and a dictionary to learn from. This spot dedicated to new vocabulary only.

Translations: Ototo-Little brother - Shachou-san-Mr. president - Chichi-ue-Father (very formal and old way of saying it) - Tsukesage-Less fancy kimono for both married and unmarried women

Houmongi-Formal, but it could be semi-casual kimono for both married and unmarried women - Gachi-artistry/good taste/elegance/grace - Sake-Alcohol made with rice instead of wheat

Ocha-General word for tea, also for green tea

Having done much research, this story will be highly Japanese orientated and probably confusing at points. Numbers at the end of sentences will describe the whole sentence, while numbers next to a word will describe only that. If any of these are wrong, please correct me.

1:Twin: Eri and Yuka look so much alike in the anime (which is what I'm going by with this story for some things) that I made them twins. They also have similar personalities as well.

2:Ayame: Kouga is dating the girl he's engaged to in the anime. They're not in this story though and Ayame won't get much mention in it.

3:"You can't be so high-and-mighty by closing yourself off and refusing to work with others.": Japanese who don't work together or with others a lot of the time like IY does consider that person to be really uppity and snobbish.

4:His brother didn't understand the need for a programming job, since he didn't even use a computer at his office.: Computers are lifeless and anyone who chats with others using one knows this. For people in Japan who do business face to face, this would be seen as uncaring and cold. Sesshoumaru is also older than IY and not as flexible to change (which is the timeless conflict of youth vs. old in ideas).

5:Kaede was glad he settled for her, as old as she was and with her disfigurement.: Kaede has only one eye in this story and I will explain why in later chapters.