Three weeks later, Kyoko was waking up at the Darumaya. She rubbed her eyes and stretched. She got up from her bed and opened her bedroom door to go to the bathroom. Upon taking a step, however, she tripped over something and caught herself on the opposite wall of the hallway. When she looked down, she found a large white box with a red bow. The letters JH were embossed in gold on the top. Her mouth went dry. Kyoko took the box into her bedroom and removed the bow with shaking fingers. When she opened it, she gasped.

The box was full of the most beautiful clothes that Kyoko had ever seen. A bright pink envelope lay on top of them. When she opened it, there was a card with roses on the front. The inside read:

Hello Kyoko!

I've had several calls to Kuon about what you might like to wear. I hope that your new clothes find you well, and that you enjoy them! If there's anything else I can get for you to go with them, just give me a call!

All my love,

Mother.

Next to the word Mother was a large pink lipstick kiss. Anything else she says! How could I possibly need anything else!?, thought Kyoko, her head spinning. She pulled the first article out of the box. It was a blush pink top, that was soft as butter. It had an off the shoulder illusion neckline. The soft mesh of the chest and arms was dotted with tiny crystals that shimmered in the light. She couldn't help the squeal that came out of her as she clutched it to her chest.

She put it to the side, and pulled out a pair of jean capris… with tiny silver fairies embroidered on the back pockets. As she ran her fingertips over the embroidery, tears stung her eyes. She still didn't feel worthy of such gifts and generosity, but she couldn't help but feel excited at the sight of all these beautiful things.

After wiping her eyes, she pulled a soft silk floral sundress from the box, followed by two more tops and another pair of jeans. The final article she pulled from the box… was inside its own dress bag. She unzipped the side of it, and her hand flew to her mouth. She pulled the dress out of the bag and held it up. It was an off the shoulder pastel aqua number with a sweetheart neckline. The floor length material seemed to float on the air before her.

Her phone rang, startling her out of her reverie. She put the dress back in the bag and answered.

"Hello, Corn."

"Good morning, Princess." She could hear the mischievous smile in his voice. Ah, so he knew about this. "Are you having a good morning so far?"

She smiled sadly. "As I'm sure you already know, Mother sent me a box of clothes."

He paused. "You sound upset. Kyoko, what's wrong? She didn't send anything risque, did she? I told her not under any circumstances-"

"No, nothing like that… they're just all so beautiful, Kuon. I'm… not used to this. It's just a lot for me to handle."

"Have you tried them on to see if they fit yet?"

She blushed. "I couldn't-"

"Kyoko-chan." Oh no. She could hear the pout in his voice. "Please? For me?"

Her fingers wandered absently over the dress bag. "O-okay."

"And send me pictures."

She went scarlet. "What!?"

"I just want to see how cute you are. Listen, I have to get back to work. I'll call you later." He hung up before she could protest. Kyoko stared at her phone, her mouth opening and closing for several seconds, and then put it down on the table by the window next to her Sesshomaru plush.

She picked up the pink top and held it up to herself. It was the simplest piece that had been included, along with the jeans. Maybe this one won't be so bad… She got dressed in them and looked in the mirror on the back of her door. They fit her like a glove. It might have been the cutest outfit she had ever worn. The capris were just the right length, and to her shock, made it look like she actually had a butt. She wiggled it in front of the mirror excitedly. So cute…!

She picked up her phone and took a picture of the outfit in the mirror from the side. She wanted to get one of the embroidered fairies in the shot. She hit send and tried on another one of the tops.

Her phone chimed. She picked it up and saw the return text from Kuon. When she opened it, she blushed bright red. Did you mean to send me such a perfect picture of your butt? If so, thanks. ;)

She texted back with shaking hands. I meant to send you a pic of the cute fairy on the back pocket. She put a blushing emoji on the end.

Across town, Kuon was getting undressed after filming a quick guest spot on a drama. He had lied to Kyoko about needing to go back to work; he just hadn't wanted to give her a chance to argue about trying on the clothes. When he had gotten the picture, he had first reveled in the look on her cute, bashful face, but then his eyes had strayed lower. The pants that his mother had made for her fit perfectly, hugging her hips and butt, and he couldn't help but admire them, or compliment her on them… or imagine what she might have on underneath them. When he got her embarrassed return text, he decided to up the ante.

Kyoko was in the middle of trying on the third top, a pastel blue and yellow chiffon piece with butterfly sleeves, when her phone chimed again. She picked it up, and when she opened the text, she dropped it. HE DID NOT. She stood there for a moment, completely flabbergasted, and then picked her phone up with shaking hands. There on the screen was Kuon in nothing but his black boxer briefs, taking a picture in the mirror, and smirking, over his shoulder. The text read, Don't be so embarrassed, we all have butts.

She stared at the screen, the muscles of his back and shoulders mesmerizing her. Then there was his butt. Had there ever been a more perfectly sculpted butt? It filled her with a strange feeling. Her clothes suddenly felt too tight, and she wondered hazily what it would feel like to rake her fingernails down his back. Then her phone rang. She tapped the button to answer.

"Y-yes?" She said, perhaps a little too high-pitched.

He paused for a moment. "I just realized that what I just did might be way too much, and I wanted to call and personally apologize." He sounded so contrite; if she had been angry, he would have been forgiven immediately.

"Please don't. I-" liked it. Just say it, Kyoko. You liked it. "Didn't find it offensive." She smacked her forehead on her bedroom wall. Coward.

"So… what did you think of it then?" She hadn't prepared for 20 Questions with The Emperor today.

"I– itwasverynice."

"Very nice?" His voice was so deep.

"Stoppickingonme!" she squeaked.

His answering chuckle sent a tingle running through her body. "I'm just happy to know that my girlfriend likes my butt as much as I like hers."

"Kuon…" her voice came out in a breathless moan.

She heard his breath hitch. He made a silent vow to make her say his name like that again. "Anyway," he said, trying to get himself under control, "I have to get ready for an interview that I'm doing this afternoon. I was told they're asking questions about InuYasha."

Kyoko smiled. "Oh? We haven't done any press for it yet."

"I think this is the first trickle of information about it to the public. It'll be on Channel 20 if you want to check it out. Koga's doing it, too."

"Well if Koga's doing it, too…" she giggled.

"What, you won't watch if it's just me?," he asked, mock-offended.

She smiled, "I don't like watching your interviews. They always want to ask about your love life, and it's irritating. If I have to hear one more question about Kana Kusunoki, I'll puke."

He laughed. "If it's any consolation, there is you and only you, Princess. Anyway, I'll talk to you later, okay? I love you."

"I love you, Corn. Bye."

Two hours later, Kyoko parked herself in front of the TV and tuned into Channel 20. The host was a middle-aged woman with her dark hair in a chignon and too much botox. Koga Hiromune was already on the couch beside her.

"We have another guest today, here to announce a new project with Hiromune-san. Please welcome Ren Tsuruga!"

The roar of the crowd was deafening as Kuon walked across the stage, waving to the audience as he went, and then bowed to the host. He took his seat beside Koga on the couch.

"I think I speak for every female in the audience when I say it's lovely to see you again, Tsuruga-san," the host purred. Kyoko was unamused.

He smiled his professional smile. "That's really too kind of you, Mika-san, but I feel like I'm playing second fiddle to Koga here."

The audience laughed. Koga rolled his eyes. "Oh please, Mr. Gorgeous Star."

Kuon actually laughed at him. Kyoko was glad that they were friendly with one another now.

"Anyway," Mika continued, "I heard that the two of you have been cast in a live action film based on the manga and anime, InuYasha, is that correct?"

Koga nodded. "Yes. I'm playing InuYasha, and this guy next to me got cast as my stupid brother, Sesshomaru."

Kuon smirked. "An apt introduction from my jealous little brother."

Mika covered her mouth with her note cards and giggled. "You two seem to get along rather well."

"There were some bumps at first, but I think it brought us closer. Would you agree, Koga-kun?" Kuon smiled sweetly, remembering their flooded bathroom at the ryokan.

Koga stuck his tongue out at Kuon, who had to cover his mouth and look away laughing. The audience laughed along with him.

Mika asked some more questions about the setting, the story, more details, and then asked, "What about your other co-stars? Who are you working with?"

Koga nodded. "I've been working very closely with Itsumi Momose, who has been cast as Kagome, as well as Hidehito Kijima who is Miroku, and Kanae Kotonami as Sango."

Mika turned her attention to Kuon. "And you, Tsuruga-san?"

He smiled. "Sesshomaru is kind of a lone wolf, though I have been privileged to be a part of the acting debut of Miss Maria Takarada as Rin. Maria and I have known each other for several years, and I'm very excited for her."

"What about the bad guys? Naraku? Any incarnations?"

Kuon lit up. "Our Naraku is being portrayed by Taira Murasame. And, for those of you who have seen Dark Moon, we have the absolute best bad girl in the business as Kagura, in Kyoko Mogami."

Koga laughed. "Bad girl? No no no. For those of you who have seen Lotus in the Mire, she's the best kunoichi, Momiji."

Kyoko buried her face in a pillow from the couch, unable to look.

Mika continued. "It seems you are both fans of Mogami-san?"

Kuon nodded. "Koga and I share custody of her as our kohai. She's doing incredible things, and we're both very proud."

Koga grinned. "Some of us are more proud than others." He sent a knowing look Kuon's way. Mika caught onto it like a hawk.

"Is there something going on between you and Mogami-san, Tsuruga-san?"

Kyoko was white-knuckling her pillow, ready to scream. KOGA, WHY? She peeked over the top edge of it at Kuon, who was chuckling.

"Me? Goodness no. I'm not Mogami-san's type. She's into blondes."

Koga's eyebrows shot up into his hairline; he had been sure there was something going on between the two of them. And what was this about blondes now? Certainly Ren doesn't mean that fucking punk from the ryokan… Koga hoped that his dumb little sister wasn't THAT dumb.

Mika patted Kuon's knee sympathetically, and perhaps allowed her hand to linger a little too long. "Oh, don't let it wound you, Tsuruga-san. I'm sure there are plenty of other women who would have you." Kyoko felt her grudges flaring. What she wouldn't give to launch this woman into the sun.

He smiled politely. "That may be, but I'm not currently interested in any other women. I'm married to my work."

"But if you had to marry someone, what qualities might she possess?"

Koga laughed. "I thought this interview was about InuYasha, not Ren's love life," he said, trying to rescue his friend after accidentally putting him in this predicament.

Kuon smiled slyly. "She'd have to be a great cook, my parents would have to love her as much as I do, and she'd have to be drop dead gorgeous."

Mika giggled. "That's a tall order for one lady."

Kuon winked. "She's out there. I'm sure of it."

Kyoko squealed into her pillow.

The interview concluded and the screen switched over to a commercial. She lay on the floor, unable to move for a few minutes. Until her phone rang. She answered it."Where are you?"

"On my way across town for a modeling job."

"So you're in your car?"

"...Yes?"

"KUON WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" She heard him break into laughter, but she was fuming. "You can't brag about me like that!"

He composed himself. "Relax, Princess. Koga was bragging, too. Bragging is what's going to elevate your position in this business." He heard a loud thump. "Kyoko-chan, my love, please don't smack your forehead on things. It'll bruise." He sighed. "I'm sorry if I laid it on too thick, Princess, but I can't help but brag. You're very talented."

"You're very biased."

He smiled. "Perhaps. Are you free tomorrow after six? I feel like we haven't seen each other in forever."

She rolled her eyes with a smile. "It's only been a day."

"Like I said, forever."

She giggled. "Yes, I'll see you then."

The following night, when she stepped into his apartment, he shut the door behind her and then stopped.

"You're wearing one of your new outfits."

She had chosen the pink top with the crystals on it and a pair of jeans. She had decided to leave the cute fairy capris at home; they seemed to be too much of a temptation for Kuon.

When she looked back at him, he was wearing the softest, warmest smile. "Y-yes. Mother went to all the trouble of having them made, so I wanted to wear them."

He went to her and kissed her forehead. "You look beautiful. I need to send Mom a couple of pictures."

Kyoko blushed. "Does she really need pictures?"

He laughed. "Have you met her? She'll be on a plane to take pictures herself if I don't send her some." He pulled his phone out. Kyoko, who was feeling very self-conscious, paled.

"K-Kuon, I don't know that I really want to do this." When she looked at him, the puppy pout was in full force. "I-Don't look at me like that! I can't say no to you when you do that!"

He chuckled, "That's the whole point, Princess." He set his phone down on the back of the couch. "If you really don't want to do this, I won't make you. I just know my mother, and I know how happy she would be to see you happy with your new clothes."

Kyoko frowned at the floor. "I just have trouble believing that anybody would want a picture of me just wearing some clothes. Why would anybody want a picture of me?" Suddenly he was walking away from her. "Kuon, where are you going?" He didn't say anything, he just disappeared into his bedroom. He returned quickly with his laptop. He opened it, set it on the back of the couch, and opened up an email. He turned back to her.

"I want you to read this email. Please."

Kyoko swallowed and read the email. It had been forwarded from Yashiro to Ren that morning. The first part was from Yashiro.

Ren,

I received this interesting email today from R'Mandy. Thoughts? - Yashiro

She read further down.

Yashiro-san,

We hope that this email finds you well. We wanted to get in touch with you to establish a relationship with Miss Kyoko Mogami. We were unable to find her management information on the LME webpage, but upon calling LME we were told that you were representing her for the time being.

We saw her on the Dark Moon special with Tsuruga-san and were smitten with their chemistry. We would like to hire her for a clothing commercial with him for our winter line. If she has no other obligations to another designer, we would love to use her, if her schedule permits. Please let us know as soon as possible whether she is available or not. Thank you in advance. - The R'Mandy Group

Kyoko's mouth fell open. "Is this real?"

He nodded. "Now what were you saying about how no one wants pictures of you in clothes?"

She stared at the screen. "When were you going to tell me?"

He picked up his phone. "After I sent pictures to Mother so she could throw her own hat into the ring. She's chomping at the bit for you to model for her, as well."

Kyoko covered her face with her hands. "I don't know what to do! I'm not a model!"

He pulled one of her hands away and kissed all of her knuckles. "But you're a fantastic actress and you could fake it until you make it. I might be biased, but I think your runway walk is definitely ready to see some action."

She peeked through her fingers at him. "You're just saying that."

He smirked. "I'm saying that because I spent all night sashaying like a lady to teach you that walk, and you're being very ungrateful right now." He caught her before she could hit the floor for a full dogeza and hugged her, laughing. "I'm joking, I'm joking. Calm down." He kissed the top of her head. "We don't have to take any pictures tonight. You go ahead and cook dinner, and then we'll watch TV, okay?"

Kyoko nodded and went to the kitchen. As she prepared their dinner, she worried over making Julie upset, and worried about the R'Mandy modeling gig, and worried about disappointing everyone, especially Kuon. When she finished, she plated the food and brought it out to the dining room.

"Oh my goodness, look how cute you are!"

Kyoko almost dropped the plates. "MOTHER!?" She looked all around and then saw Julie waving at her from the screen of Kuon's laptop, which now sat on the dining room table. Kuon's mother's hair was piled up on top of her head in a silk scarf and she wore a luxurious light blue silk robe. The window behind her was full of darkness. Kyoko set the plates down on the table and waved at the screen. "How are you!?"

Julie giggled. "All the better for seeing your shining face, sweetheart! I see the clothes fit beautifully!"

Kyoko blushed bright pink. "They do, thank you so much!" She looked around. "Where did Kuon go?"

Julie laced her fingers together under her chin. "I asked him to go sit in his room so I can talk to you alone for a moment. Kuon tells me that you're very camera shy."

Kyoko frowned at her lap. "I've never modeled. I'm very plain, and… I don't want to highlight that fact right now. Not when Kuon and I are a couple. It's already going to be hard enough getting everyone to accept us without highlighting the fact that I'm not… cute." When Kyoko looked up at the screen, Julie was smiling.

"Well, I have good news. Plain is what most companies are looking for in a model. They want plain so their clothes or their products are the focus. However," Julie frowned, "I don't know who on earth told you that you aren't cute. You're very cute. You don't have to be a panty-clad lingerie model to be cute, my love."

Kyoko blushed. "You're just saying that."

Julie laughed. "Kyoko, if I thought you were ugly as sin, I'd say so. I would love my grandchildren just the same if they were ugly, but it's not an ideal situation."

Kyoko turned scarlet. "MOTHER!"

Julie laughed heartily on the screen. "Which brings me to my next point. You should take the R'Mandy job."

"H-he told you about that?"

Julie nodded. "As much as it," she gagged, "pains me to tell you to work for R'Mandy, it's a good way to start working with Kuon in the industry on equal footing. When the public sees how much chemistry you have, they'll be eating out of your hand."

Kyoko stared at her. "That… might actually be a really good idea. It's almost like you've done this before."

Julie winked. "I know my way around the industry and around the public, dear. And right now, I'm focused on manipulating the entire public to protect my precious children."

Kyoko bowed her head. She didn't want Julie to see her tears. "Thank you, Mother."

"Not at all. Any decent mother would do the same." Unbeknownst to Kyoko, Kuon had mentioned Saena to Julie. Julie was not a fan. She pulled a plate piled high with baklava into the frame and a mimosa. "Now, if you wouldn't mind fetching my son, we can have a nice international meal together."

Kyoko smiled. "I'll do that." She went down the hall and knocked on the bedroom door. Kuon peeked out.

"I hope you aren't angry with me."

Kyoko giggled and pushed the door open. She hugged him. "No. Talking to Mother made me feel better. Thank you."

Kuon kissed her forehead. "I thought I heard you yell at her, though. I hope everything went well?"

Kyoko remembered the grandchildren comment and blushed. "I- it was nothing to worry over."

He shrugged. "We should get back out there. She's probably already tearing into that baklava. I caught her in the middle of breakfast."

They went back to the dining room and enjoyed a lovely meal.

Welcome back to another episode of Bo Flies By the Seat of Her Pants. I feel like this chapter wasn't that interesting... but maybe that's because I know what's to come next chapter. Strap in, kiddies. This is just the calm before the storm. THANKS FOR READING! - BO