Chapter 2 – Merger

Nazuna giggled as she showed Kagome how to use the computer. They'd been laughing about old times until Sesshoumaru came out and glared at them. Kagome had instantly replied, "I'm so sorry, Sesshoumaru-sama we'll keep it down. I'm sure you have a lot of work still needing to be done." Kagome had become the major suck up after high school and she wasn't told about the development.

Glancing over at Sesshoumaru's office she got a wicked idea. Shaking her mind mentally she got rid of the thoughts. It wouldn't work anyway because Sesshoumaru had no interest in women unless for sex, and Kagome would figure out what she was doing. Besides they weren't close enough to make it work yet anyway.

Kagome saw her glance and turned toward the door to find it opening. She looked at Nazuna before writing down the next step for the computer system. She really didn't need to write it down since she had a perfect memory but it always helped to have it down.

Sesshoumaru glanced out of his office once again. He'd heard them giggling to each other and wanted to know what was, so damn funny? He just figured it was because they hadn't seen each other in so long were fitting in their conversations while working. As long as they got their work done he wouldn't complain though.

Looking around he nodded before going back into his office. Kagome had already proved she was a good choice to have around, but only as his assistant. Dating between colleagues never worked and he wasn't about to try. Walking back toward his chair he sat down and pulled out the contracts needed for tomorrow. He reread them for the third time making sure everything was, as he wanted. He needed it to be perfect or one of their companies could take his down while plummeting to the bottom.

Like it was said you either sink or swim in the business world. He believed this saying to be true because if you didn't swim then your company went down under, or sunk to the bottom. He wasn't about to lose his company after only a few years of owning it. His father had put his very soul into the company and he would make his sire proud that he was following in his footsteps. He'd always looked up to his big business man of a father who bought him anything he asked for, and patted his head childishly. Oh course, that all changed when Izayoi, Inuyasha's mother came into the picture.

Shaking his head free of his thoughts he sighed. I will not think about that woman, he thought to himself as he brought out another important piece of business. It was an invitation for Bankotsu's yearly ball. Black and white were the traditional colors to wear and he would need to inform Kagome to get something suitable within two weeks time. Also he would tell her when he'd be there hoping she wasn't one of those women who made you wait for an hour before finishing with make-up or other things.

Nodding at that thought he pressed the intercom button and spoke, "Kagome, will you please come in here."

"She'll be in, in a moment Sesshoumaru-sama we're just finishing up with the computer. I hope you don't mind, sir?" Nazuna's voice sounded through the quiet room. She sounded somewhat scared that she had said such a thing and he could understand, last time she'd nearly lost her job.

"That is fine Nazuna," Sesshoumaru said. Sighing he picked up the invite again, just like Bankotsu. It was flashy but yet elegant. Well he guessed it must have been Jakotsu who made them for only he had the talent. It clearly read the time, date, and where it was held, also to bring your invite for it was invitation only. The front though was a dark blue with golden around the rim, the words, 'Lee Corporations Annual Black and White Ball' in a bold white.

Beginning to get impatient he was about to press the intercom button again when there was a soft knock at his door. He figured it to be Kagome who decided she would rather knock before entering. It was a good idea to since you'd never know what someone was doing while in an office. Especially his with no window on the door, and the door was thick so it was hard to hear even if you pressed your ear against the wood.

The door then began to open and Kagome strolled in shutting the door behind her before walking to the chair before his desk. Sitting down she gave him a smile and waited for what he wanted. She was no fool and knew not to ask what he wanted. So she sat and waited for what he had to say. He didn't say anything though and just handed her an invite.

"Oh, Mr. Lee is throwing his annual ball this early?" Kagome asked looking down at the paper. She looked up to see Sesshoumaru had an eyebrow raised as if asking how she knew what it was? "Mr. Menomaru, used to take me to social events as well," she said softly glancing down at the floor in embarrassment.

Now this he found amusing. He didn't show it but the blush on her face made him want to smirk. Forcing it down he nodded before saying, "You will wear something that suits the event and I will be at your apartment at 6:45p.m. That way we can be there as it starts."

"Of course, Sesshoumaru-sama. I will make sure to be ready by that time I hate making people wait for me," Kagome smiled a bit when she thought about it. At the last one she went to she had been done early and waited for Kouga to come to the door. It took him a while to get there and so she waited on her couch just lounging around.

Sesshoumaru nodded and waved his hand dismissing her from the room. Well, that was another point for Miss Ki. Most women took forever and yet she didn't like making others wait on her. It was a rare trait to find in women but it wasn't enough to make her his type. Sure she was beautiful and all… but was he thinking? He would never date a colleague so why were these thoughts running through his head?

He felt the usual headache coming on as he pushed the thoughts from his mind. The woman hadn't even been there for more then a day and he was already being distracted by her. She didn't even need to be in the room even it seemed. Not quite understanding the feelings he had Sesshoumaru stood and walked over to a small cabinet with some Tylenol inside. After taking some he walked back to his seat intent on getting some work done before going home.

Rubbing his right temple he picked up the invitation she'd left on his desk. Well, if she'd been to an event like this one then she knew what to wear. It would be a good thing too because he didn't need some whore dressed onna hanging on his arm. It looked very bad for his reputation and no one would ruin that without facing the consequences that followed. What was he thinking even from the clothes she wore now he could tell her tastes were very good and she never would downgrade herself by wearing something like other women he'd had?

He felt like banging his head against the desk after that. What did he know about her? Not a lot so, why was he thinking about her? Sighing once again he pushed all thoughts of his new assistant from his mind trying hard not to allow them back in.

oOo

The day was easy for Kagome, and she could say she enjoyed it. Sure she was working for a totally hottie but she wouldn't go for someone like him. No, she wanted someone who loved her and wouldn't think getting her gifts would settle her troubled times.

With that in mind Kagome entered the elevator with Sesshoumaru. He had said that he would be leaving and she could go as well if she was done. So here she stood waiting for the elevator to stop at the lobby floor. Glancing over at him she mentally told herself today had been great. She was really looking forward to tomorrow because there would be no Kouga and no 'Kagome is my woman' shit. Yeah, she loved that part.

Sesshoumaru noticed her smile was getting bigger and he wondered what she was thinking about? He had already had her get everything ready for the meeting tomorrow and she was done with everything he'd asked. He liked that he had her to work with because she worked well, hard, and did everything he asked without question. Damn, when he asked her for a cup of coffee she'd even asked what kind he liked so she didn't bring back something he didn't. He gave her a few more points for that because Kagura had just brought him a cup of black when he asked.

Kagome grinned when the elevator stopped and skipped toward the door. Who cared if she looked like a kid in a candy store? She didn't so she exited the building and went straight to her car. Once she entered she started it up and began her drive toward home.

Sesshoumaru had to wonder what brought on her good mood? Not that he cared but she had skipped to the door. No one that worked for him did such a thing, yet she seemed to like working with him. Kagome Ki was one strange person that was sure.

Pulling out his cellphone he dialed his drivers number. A few rings came before the baka Jaken picked up with, "Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Jaken I'm ready to come home. Get down here and pick me up," he snapped before closing the lid. He just loved making Jaken shake in his shoes. The old man had worked for his father and now worked for him. Jaken would do anything to help him, and Sesshoumaru made it his daily job to scare the old man.

A limo pulled up after fifteen minutes and Sesshoumaru quickly got in. Once inside he told Jaken to drive him home and sat back in his seat. His mind went back to Kagome Ki for some dumb reason. He just figured it was because she was something he didn't understand and his mind was trying hard to understand it… her. Maybe she was so happy because she knew Inuyasha, and Bankotsu and said they were very good friends and she couldn't wait to see them.

Shaking his head he tried his best to get her off his mind. After a while it worked and he nodded in approval. He knew if he tried hard enough she would leave him alone. It wasn't like he liked her other then the way she worked. No and that was just the way he liked it.

oOo

Nazuna sat in her office chair. She'd seen the way Sesshoumaru-sama and Kagome worked together. They made it seem like they'd been working for years together. Either that or they loved each other and knew everything about the other one. Now that was silly and she knew it. Still they had worked like there was no tomorrow and did it well. Kagome acted like she'd worked beside Sesshoumaru-sama forever, and Sesshoumaru-sama seemed like she'd always been there. It was strange to her but she couldn't get that part off her mind. Why did they work so great together? Was it because they both were good at there jobs or was there something else? Was Kagome not telling her something that she should know? Nazuna quickly put that thought away but then shook her head at it. There was no way Kagome knew Sesshoumaru-sama before this, was there? She sighed with that. True they'd worked like they'd known each other since who knows when but it didn't seem likely that they'd known each other before this. She would just have to wait and see who things went before getting her 'nosey ass' as Sango used to call her involved.

oOo

Kagome awoke the next day with a smile. Today she'd get to see Bank and Inu. Oh and maybe Jak if he showed up. She quickly got ready for work before running from her apartment. Stopping by her car she groaned and ran back to close, and lock the door, which meant going back up the two flights of stairs.

Shaking her head she made her way back to her car and got in. It was such a nice little car but her mind wasn't on it at the moment. Starting the engine she fired it up before driving off. She was lucky because she only lived twenty blocks away from Taisho Corp. It didn't take her long to arrive and she was surprised to find Bankotsu walking into the building.

Quickly she caught up to him with a, "Hey Bank."

"Kagome what are you doing here?" Bankotsu asked looking back at Kagome. He really wanted to know because he didn't known. In fact he still wasn't sure if she had a job yet.

"I work here," Kagome, said happily following him into the elevator and hitting the floor button. The ride was short with an explanation of how she came to work at Taisho Corp. and then the car stopped and the doors opened.

"Oh Kagome you're here already," Nazuna said from her desk. She smiled at Bank and said, "Hello Mr. Lee, Sesshoumaru-sama said to wait in the boardroom until Mr. Tashio gets here."

"We also have to wait for Jak he's still down in the car," Bank laughed as Kagome showed him to the boardroom before making her way to Sesshoumaru's office.

Kagome was about to knock when the elevator opened again and in walked Inuyasha and Jakotsu. She smiled and made her way to them saying, "Hello Mr. Tashio, Mr. Lee if you'll follow me to the boardroom Sesshoumaru-sama will be there shortly."

"Kagome what are you doing here?" Inuyasha asked instantly.

"Here it Ms. Ki to you Mr. Tashio and I work here. Please follow me," Kagome said smiling and walking toward the boardroom the two men behind her. Jak like always-looked great and Inuyasha was wearing his normal red suit. She had to wonder if he wore anything but red at times.

After leaving them to themselves, with donuts, and coffee Kagome made her way toward Sesshoumaru's office. Knocking she waited a second and then opened the door sticking her head inside. Sesshoumaru sat behind his desk staring at her and she opened the door before walking toward his desk. Standing before him she said, "Sesshoumaru-sama your guests are here and waiting for you in the boardroom."

"Thank you Kagome. You may go back to your office now," Sesshoumaru said watching as she nodded before leaving him to himself. Well here it was. Standing he rubbed his neck before walking from his office and toward the boardroom. He saw Kagome close her door before he did and shook his head thankful for once his mind didn't betray him.

"Hello gentlemen, I have the contracts ready and you may read them before signing if you wish," Sesshoumaru said closing the door, making his way to his chair, and sliding the two contracts toward their owner.

Bankotsu nodded and began reading over his. He took notice that Inuyasha also read over his before nodding in approval. "I believe this will do Sesshoumaru-sama," he drew out the 'sama' as if it was a bad thing. Really he was only trying to make a joke but when he received a glare he shut his mouth.

"Yes, everything seems to be in order," Inuyasha said reaching forward for a pen. Before he signed though he slides over his own contract toward Sesshoumaru. He watched as his brother read over the contracts before nodding and signing them. Smiling he too began to sign.

Bank had already signed before Sesshoumaru read over his and nodded when Sesshoumaru said his was acceptable. He had expected that and smiled anyway. He watched as Sesshoumaru signed his before sliding it back over the large table.

"Well if we are done here gentlemen I believe I shall be getting back to work," Sesshoumaru said coolly. He shuddered when Jak acted like a lovesick girl when his voice came out. He would have chuckled when Bankotsu hit his lover but it wasn't his thing. He fought it down and took notice that Kagome said 'good-bye' to each of them. Bank used 'Ms. Ki' while Inuyasha said, "You're my friend so I'm calling you Kagome, Kagome," Inuyasha said smiling down at the woman. Kagome in turn shook her saying 'whatever'.

Kagome waited until they were gone before walking back to her office. She didn't make it before she heard Sesshoumaru-sama's voice.

"Why don't you call them by their first names Kagome, you are friends?" Sesshoumaru asked an eyebrow rose on his face.

"I would if we weren't at work Sesshoumaru-sama but we are. If I were to see my friends outside the office then yes, here however it is not respectful to you. If you gave me permission then I would have but unlike Mr. Menomaru you have not and I will not be disrespectful to you," Kagome said kindly smiling before walking into her office.

Sesshoumaru walked inside his as well. She hadn't lied, he could tell. Well at least she showed him respect unlike Kagura. That was a good thing and he nodded in approval.

oOo

"Your hired," Kouga said to the onna before him.

Kagura smiled and nodded in thanks. After that she walked from her new bosses office and into hers. She'd found work quickly at least and was kind of glad she did. She needed the money and she finally found a job at Howling Inc. that paid it. She'd heard some girl named, Kagome Ki used to have the job and thanked the girl for quit-ing silently as she began to put away her things. Her mind however couldn't get off of her 'Sesshoumarus-sama'. She wondered what he was doing. Maybe he was thinking about her, after all she was no longer his colleague and could now be his girlfriend. So she hoped at least.