Collide
By animechick262003
Chapter Two

Foot Meet Mouth

Three hours and six wardrobe changes later, Kagome stood in front of her bedroom mirror admiring her latest choice in attire. It had taken nearly half the morning, but she'd finally settled on a simple above the knee black skirt, a white button down blouse and blazer. To top off the outfit, she'd adorned her favorite string of pearls and matching earrings. A gift from InuYasha.

Kagome did a half turn to get a better look at herself. She looked pretty good. Besides making her look as though she had an incredible ass, the skirt made her look confident without being over bearing. She'd even managed to arrange her unruly mass of waist length blue black tresses into a tidy little bun, with just a few free flowing strands of air.

She was definitely dressed to impress. And according to Kohaku, she needed to be prepared to do just that. Mister Kouga Akira it seemed was not a very pleasant man. From Kohaku's story, it appeared Mister Akira got a kick out of tormenting those he selected to work as his apprentice. For the normal person, Kohaku's tales may have scared them away from the interviewing process, but not Kagome.

A quitter never succeeds was her motto. And it had kept her from turning tail in some of the most trying of times. Besides, she'd worked too hard and come too far too simply give up because of some old farts bad temperament. Kagome's resolve was cloaked with a steely determination to be trained by the best. At that moment, Mister Kouga Akira was the best. And today she would convince Mister Akira that she was best suited to be his apprentice.

Kouga stared down at his latest design with disgust. He had a very important job coming up and he was scheduled to make his presentation at the end of the week. There was no way he could present the drawing that lay before him. The work had to be his worst yet. Kouga tore the sketch from his drawing pad, wadded up, and tossed it across the room. Then stood, and walked over to his office window.

Kouga hadn't wanted to acknowledge it, but the low hum had steadily become as loud as a beating drum. He'd tried to ignore it, the loneliness he'd been feeling as of late. But it hung over him like a dark cloud. He couldn't just ignore it anymore. The truth was, there was something missing in his life. For all he had, there was something he didn't, Ayame. Ayame's absence had left a gaping hole in his life. A hole he was desperately trying to fill, but couldn't.

It just kept getting deeper, and threatening to swallow him whole. The thought of seeking therapy had crossed his mind, but therapists were for crazy people, and he sure as hell wasn't crazy. Just restless. Incredibly restless, and in need of something he would probably never know again. But there was nothing he could do about that. Kouga looked at his watch. It was five minutes to ten.

"Perfect." He whispered and headed out his office. "I'm going down stairs to the Star Bucks for some pastries and tea, Hakkaku. I'll be back shortly." He chimed as he passed the man stationed behind a desk just outside his office. His next interviewee wasn't scheduled until eleven. He'd been sorely disappointed with the first three he interviewed earlier. Hopefully the next one would show some promise.

Kagome stood in front of the glass door, prepping a final time. Once she passed through the door she'd be well on her way to meeting the man that would open the door to a world she'd only seen in books. Today, she would become the apprentice to Kouga Akira, and she wouldn't take no for an answer. Kagome entered into the Building on 233rd Obito Ave.. The corridor was alive with customers as well as those that worked in various office locations throughout the thirty story building. This was where she would report for work. Of course after she wowed Mister Akira with her work. Kagome stared down at the long black tube she carried. Some of her best work was contained inside it. Once Mister Akira saw what she had to offer, there was no way he would turn her away. No way.

But first things were first, she thought placing a hand over her stomach. The pings of hunger were sounding and she needed to heed the call. A building as large as this was certain to have some sort of eatery. Kagome scanned the open lobby for signs of a store or restaurant. It didn't take her long to spot the Star Bucks. Kagome took one last glance at her watch to gage time, then headed over towards the coffee and pastry outlet.

Fifteen minutes later, Kagome stood scanning the small shop for a place to sit down and enjoy her small meal of bagel and tea. But the place was packed with the exception of an open chair at the table where a man sat reading the morning papers. Kagome paused a moment to consider her options. The last thing she wanted was to ask some random guy if she could join him. He may get the wrong impression. Then again she didn't much care for starving to death either, she thought as her stomach let out a grumble loud enough to cause a nearby patron to give her the stare down. Her situations had suddenly changed from risk being hit on by guy behind paper or have her stomach embarass her again. Suddenly having anonymous newspaper guy hit on her didn't seem too bad. Besides, it wasn't as if she was obligated to return his advances.

Kagome strolled up alongside the table. The man hadn't seemed to even notice she was standing there. This was fine with her since she just wanted to claim the empty chair anyhow. Her stomach growled again and she couldn't wait a minute longer. She had to eat, but before she had a chance to probe on the availability of the empty chair, he suddenly spoke startling her.

"Your service sucks. I requested a refill on my tea over a half hour ago. Don't expect a tip." He snarled from behind the paper, as he lifted his empty tea cup as if he expecting to be served.

Kagome stared at his extended hand then back to him, and fell into laughter. "I hate to make you even more upset, but fortunately I'm not your waitress since she won't be receiving a tip."

The hand was lowered and so was the paper. Kagome laughter quickly subsided as she was greeted by a knee weakening sight. Every thought she had disappeared leaving her jaw lax, and her mind empty. This man was sinfully handsome. Skin that looked as if it had been coated in honey, piercing pale blue eyes and long chest nut colored locks all came together to create one glorious orgasm.

"Who are you?" He snapped narrowing his eyes and snatching her clear out her trance.

"No one in particular." Kagome quickly recovered. He was hot, but not hot enough to make Kagome abandon her rule of never giving strangers her name.

"Well, no one in particular, why the hell are you standing near my table?"

"Is this seat taken" Kagome said ignoring his question, and making an inquiry of her own.

"No."

"Good." Kagome pulled the chair out and plopped down.

"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?" the stranger tossed his paper to the table, and shot her a disbelieving glare.

"Preparing to eat." Kagome replied, tearing the wrapper off her bagel, and chomping down.

"I didn't say you could sit here!"

"Look, I needed somewhere to sit and eat," Kagome said pointing to her bagel. "And this chair was the only one available. Now you can just go back to reading your paper and pretend I'm not here."

"What if I say I don't want you here?"

"Well that could prove troublesome, but I'm sure we could easily find a remedy for it." Kagome smiled. "For starters, do you own this particular franchise of Star Bucks, mister?" Kagome asked

"No."

"Do you own this chair or table?"

"No!" the male answered, the crease in his brow increasing.

"Well then, suddenly what you want has become, oh I don't know, not all that important." Kagome grinned, leaning back in her chair. They engaged one another in a stare off, but Kagome knew she'd won since he didn't offer another word of protest, and instead picked up the paper and continued reading.

"Do what you want. I don't give a damn." He snapped.

Sinfully handsome was genuinely aggravated with her, but for some reason Kagome was bothered by this. In fact she was rather enjoying tormenting him. Not to mention when he lowered that paper he insisted on putting up in front of his face it was actually a treat. You just didn't happen onto men like him everyday.

"So what are you reading, mister?"

"The paper." He replied curtly

"Anything interesting inside?"

"Look, is it so difficult for you to sit there and be silent while doing it?" he lowered the paper and she could have fainted. A face like his was a masterpiece.

"Well, since we're sharing a table, I thought we could talk a little before I have to go up for my interview."

"Interview?" he asked narrowing his eyes.

"Yep. I am meeting with the old fart that owns Akira Designs. I'm going to be interning for him."

"Oh really. Interesting." The man replied resting the paper on the table.

"Isn't it." kagome gushed." It's my dream to be a world class architect. I believe he can make it happen for me. Have you heard of Akira Designs?"

"I have heard a little something about the company, but I'm really interested to know what you've heard. " The man replied.

Kagome smiled and leaned forward. She was about to engage in two things she enjoyed, talking about her work and well talking about dirt. Hell, who didn't like a good piece of dirt.

"Ok, I don't know a whole lot, so you'll have to share what you know with me as well. Agreed?"

"Agreed." The man replied, propping his elbows on the table and leaning in close. "Do tell everything.

Kouga watched in silence as the young woman that sat across from him blabbered on. He could hardly contain himself as she delivered what she believed to be factual information on the mysterious Mister Kouga Akira. So, far he'd learned he was old, gay, going bald and bitter. Last he'd checked, 27 weren't exactly having one foot in the grave. He wasn't going bald, and if he was gay, he had to be a lesbian. And sure he was a little rough at times, but bitter. He wasn't bitter. He was honest, and some people just couldn't cope with this fact.

Winded from having talked non stop for nearly fifteen minutes strait, the girl finally fell back in her chair, and to his relief, shut up.

"So is that all you know about him?" Kouga asked, testing to see if she'd told him all the rumors about himself.

"Yes, that's all I was able to find out." Kagome said picking up her cup and taking a quick sip of tea. "The guys a complete Jack ass."

Kouga bit the inside of his jaw, forcing himself to remain silent. It was amazing the things people said, but even more amazing the things people believed.

"This Mister Akira really sounds like a prick, and yet, you're determined to work for him. I'm baffled by the notion that you would consider going through with the interview knowing what you know."

"He may be a complete jack Ass, but he's still my idol. I worship his work and it would be such a privilege to work under such a talented person." The girl smiled in a way he hadn't seen her smile up until that point. She looked at him and her large brown eyes seemed softer. Kouga eyes widened slightly. He'd not paid her much attention in the beginning. Possibly because he was busy being aggravated with her presence, but looking at her that moment, he couldn't ignore just how attractive she was.

Her skin was as white and as smooth as porcelain. Large chocolate eyes were encased in a softly contoured face, and she had a few pieces of free flowing strands of her silky blue black hair that fell towards her face. She was definitely easy on the eyes. But despite her flattering words of praise and pretty face, she couldn't be forgiven for sharing those rumors about him as if they were fact. He would make her pay starting now.

"Well, I guess it's my turn to tell what I know Of Mister Akira." He said as a devilish grin spread over his face. "It's just as you said, he is a complete prick. I heard he's really hard to get along with as well. You're not the only one who's vying for this internship, are you?"

"No, I'm not. Do you have some advice for me?"

"Absolutely. I'm positive if you follow what I tell you to do to the latter, you'll be hired on immediately."

"Really?"

"Really," Kouga's grin widened. "Why don't you stand for me, and we can get started."

Hair teased out, skirt shortened, and the first three buttons undone on her blouse, Kagome stood on the elevator staring at the numbers on the elevator as it carried her up to the 22and floor. She'd been so occupied with that man whose name she'd never even gotten, that she'd lost track of time and was now running late for her interview. Still, it was well worth it. His insight into the mind of Mister Akira would prove a big help, although she wasn't quite sure where fire engine red lipstick and teased out hair fit into the scenario, but he said it would be the key to landing her the job. And as it stood landing the job was all that mattered.

The elevator bell chimed, as it slowed. Kagome took the opportunity to get a final glance at her reflection in the polished panel. She was practically spilling out of her shirt, but she would do what it took to get the job. If the old fart needed a boob to look at she'd give him one or two. The doors opened and she strolled out of the compartment and into the luxurious office suite.

As expected, the place was astonishing. It wasn't the usual office environment with the over abundance of cherry wood furniture. The place of was a mixture of Japanese history and an exotic island setting. Kagome would never have thought of putting the two together, but the set up somehow meshed. She would have expected no less from Mister Akira. He was a genius in his own right.

Kagome hurried over to the cubicle in the center of the office. Behind the desk sat a young man with spiky black hair and large black eyes. Busily he typed away on his keyboard and hadn't seemed to notice her. This was good she needed a minute to calm her nerves. She was so close, she thought staring at the office that sat directly rear of the cubicle. The name on the door gave her goose flesh. Kouga Akira, the name plate read. He was just behind that door. The man who would make all of her dreams come true. Kagome inhaled then exhaled, she hadn't another minute to waste.

"Ahem, excuse me."

The young man jumped then looked at her all wide eyed as if she'd scared the living crap out of him.

"C…ca..can I help you?" He stuttered.

"I'm Kagome Higurashi. I have an eleven o'clock appointment with Mister Akira." Kagome said flashing a confident smile.

"Yes, Mister Akira is expecting you. Have a seat. I'll let him know you've arrived." The male replied directing her to a near by sofa.

Kagome strolled over to the small sofa and took a seat. She listened on as the male behind the desk made the call to Mister Akira. After completing the call he turned to her and said.

"He will call for you shortly."

The days she'd waited for had finally come. She would finally have the job of her dreams.

It was now two hours later and Mister Akira hadn't showed. Kagome couldn't imagine what could be taking so long. Not to mention that she wanted to get the interview over and done with as soon as possible. The whispers from the employees were beginning to be too much. The men ogled her and the women turned their nose up in disgust. Sure she looked more like a street stroller at that moment than a professional, but if this is what it took to get the job, then so-be-it. But if another guy walked by dropping a slip of paper containing his number and her asking price on the floor in front of her, she would deck him good.

'Miss Higurashi." The Youngman behind the desk, waved her over.

"Finally," Kagome muttered as she hurried over to his desk. "Yes."

"Mister Akira is ready to meet with you now. Just go through that door." He said pointing to the office behind his work station.

Kagome politely bowed then made for the office. She paused outside to compose herself. Kagome placed a hand to her chest. Her heart was beating so fast. She could hardly believe it. She was seconds from meeting Mister Kouga Akira.

"It's now or never, Kagome," She whispered opening the door, and walking into the suite. "It is such a pleasure to finally be getting to meet you Mister Akira. You can't believe the wonderful things I've hear about you." Kagome said walking into the room and closing the door behind her.

"Really?" She heard the man say. "Well, I can't wait to hear all of the wonderful things you've been told about me, Miss Higurashi

That voice sounded strangely familiar, but there was no way. Kagome hurriedly turned to face the speaker. What she found made her legs nearly crumple beneath her. Kagome fell against the office door, her eyes pinned to the man that stood in the corner of the office watering a plant.

"This is not happening," She whispered, watching as he emptied his glass of the last of the water and then turned to face her.

"Oh, this is definitely happening, Miss Higurashi." He replied as he made his way over to his desk, and took a seat. "

Kagome stood glued to the door. That face and those piercing pale blue eyes, there was no mistaking it, Kouga Akira and sinfully handsome were one in the same? This was not happening.

"My door is bolted on the hinges securely so there's no need to hold it up with your back." He said, leaning back in his chair. "Please have a seat, Miss Higurashi."

"Yes, of–of course." Kagome stammered, somehow finding the strength to propel herself forward. Oh GOD! She'd called Kouga Akira a Jack Ass, an old fart, a bald guy. He obviously wasn't bald. Oh God! Kagome plopped down in the chair opposite his desk. Beads of perspiration formed on her brow and trickled down the side of her face.

"I am a very busy man, Miss Higurashi. If you don't mind, I'd like to get a look at your drawings so we can get this over with."

Kagome looked at the tube she clutched in her hand. She was so screwed. There was no way he would be objective after hearing those horrible things she'd said.

"Mister Akira I-"

"The drawings, Miss Higurashi." He snapped, cutting her off.

Kagome looked at him and found cool blue gaze watching her. There was no way now. She didn't have a chance in hell. That's what his eyes said. Kagome placed the tube in his outstretched hands. She didn't have a prayer.