Kagome doesn't remember what time it was when she finally landed in bed. She avoided looking at the clock. Reading the numbers would only confirm what Kagome already knew: she wouldn't be getting much sleep.

This is why when her alarm sounds, she angrily swats at her phone. Her aim isn't accurate. The chime continues. Annoyed, Kagome sits up and jabs her thumb against the screen. Yet the noise persists. Bleary-eyed, she checks to see what is wrong with her phone. What she sees displayed on the screen nearly sends her tumbling out of bed.

Kagome swipes to connect the call. "Hello?"

"Good morning, Miss Higurashi."

"Mr. Taisho?"

"Were you expecting another call?"

"No."

"I thought we could ride into work together. Are you almost ready?"

Kagome blinks to clear her vision. She reads the time at the top of her screen and has to fight to keep herself from screaming. "Mr. Taisho, it is five-thirty."

"I get to the office every morning by seven," he says as if that explains the early hour. Kagome massages her temples. No wonder people are scared of Mr. Taisho. He lives his life to the extreme. "If you're not ready. I can wait."

"No, please don't. I'll take the metro in later."

"It would be quicker to drive," he argues.

"It would but my team doesn't start until nine each morning. There is no need for me to be in two hours early. We can meet up after work," she suggests.

"For someone who claims not to be interested, you certainly appear eager to share a meal with me again, Miss Higurashi."

Kagome smacks her forehead. "No! That's not what I mean! I don't expect you to buy me dinner. I was just saying—."

"If you're so impatient, why not start now?"

"Huh?"

"Let's have breakfast together. I'll have Mr. Ueda move my meetings around so you arrive at your desk during the usual start time."

"Mr. Taisho, that's very generous but I'm not even dressed."

"That's fine. I'll wait. See you soon."

There is a click as the call disconnects. Kagome stares at her screen in disbelief. What just happened?

For a moment, Kagome wonders if she's dreaming. Everything feels so surreal. To check, she pinches her cheeks and immediately winces. Okay, so not a dream. She scoffs. No, it's more like a nightmare. Kagome runs a hand through her hair. If he had to wake her up this early, couldn't he at least have taken his shirt off? That would be more enticing than breakfast. She wouldn't complain about getting up then.

Instantly, her skin grows hot. Will you accept me? Kagome swallows as she recalls the way he looked at her in the lab container. No one has ever asked her that before. If Kagome didn't know any better, she'd think Mr. Taisho was serious.

She pinches her cheeks again. Snap out of it, girl! The only thing that guy is interested in is fooling his dad.

Kagome frowns. Why does her chest hurt? Maybe it's because she barely got any sleep. Or maybe it's from all the energy she used up last night. It's been a while since she sparred with someone. Work and the shrine renovations have taken up all of her time. Kagome has fallen behind on training. She's out of practice. Yeah, that must be the reason. It can't be anything else. It's not like she has actual feelings for Mr. Taisho. That would be stupid.

The problem with one-sided romance is that you don't know you're in it until it's too late. Loving someone who doesn't see you as anything more than a friend is heartbreaking. Kagome is convinced that is why people call it a crush— because that's how you feel the whole time: crushed. She won't make that mistake again.

Mr. Taisho made it perfectly clear that he doesn't intend to ever take a mate. Any interest, perceived or genuine, that he shows in her is a product of what happened on the roof at La Perilla. She can't read into it.

So what if their conversation last night was one of the best she's had in recent memory? And the sparring? Typical considering his background. It's not like he was flirting with her. Taking her into a high-security lab and introducing her to one of his oldest friends? Meaningless. He probably does that with all his dates. It doesn't matter that he's been secretly tracking down rogue yokai and keeping the city safe. He's not Bruce Wayne. He's an arrogant daiyokai who cares about power and control. Just because he has a few things in common with her favorite crime-fighting superhero doesn't mean he is a good guy. Everything Mr. Taisho has done is for a self-serving purpose. She can't forget that.

She also can't forget how it felt to have his hand wrapped around her own. Kagome opens her palm. The mark resembles an intricate henna tattoo. It is darker than her natural skin tone and gleams in the light. She wonders if the mark will fade over time or remain a permanent reminder of what transpired between her and Mr. Taisho.

Kagome traces the outline of the mark with her fingertip. She can still feel the pulse of their combined energies flowing through her. Kagome has been aware of her reiki for as long as she can remember. The power is ingrained in her the same as her instinct to breathe. Now, however, she is conscious of another signature— Mr. Taisho's yoki.

The sensation is difficult to describe. His yoki is entwined with her reiki yet retains its independence. Kagome isn't sure how she knows that, only that she does. It's something that she's never questioned. Some people would call it clairvoyance. Kagome just accepts it as one of those universal phenomenons she isn't meant to understand, only accept.

Will you accept me?

Kagome drops her hand. She can't think about that moment right now. She needs to get ready for work…at five-thirty in the morning.

With a groan, Kagome trudges over to her closet. This had better be the best damn breakfast ever made! she thinks as she tosses her pajamas into the hamper.

She scans her options. The idea of having to wear tights for an extended period of time causes her to cringe. She chooses pants. Walking around in heels for an extra two hours is torture enough. Kagome doesn't need to add the unforgiving pressure of tights to her day. She pairs the gray trousers with a white button-up blouse and her beige jacket. To finish it off, she slips on her black pumps.

It's not a stylish ensemble like the ones Kagura bought her but it is comfortable. That's key. Since she's operating on less than four hours of sleep, Kagome is more interested in comfort than style.

Quietly, Kagome carries her outfit into the bathroom. She doesn't want to wake Kagura up. If there is one drawback to living with her best friend, it is that Kagura hates early mornings. Her demonic heritage becomes apparent when she's woken up. Kagura's sclera turns crimson and anything within a three-meter radius gets swept up in a wind blast. It happened once at university. Kagome doesn't want to see a repeat performance.

She freshens up, brushes her teeth, and washes her face. As she runs a brush through her hair, Kagome spots the makeup Kagura purchased for their ruse. The products are lined up on her side of the basin, next to her skincare routine. Curious to see if she can remember how to apply them, Kagome picks up the foundation.

A few minutes later, she steps back to examine the result. Her face appears fresher. She certainly doesn't look like the femme fatale character Kagura created. This look is lighter. Her skin doesn't feel weighed down by multiple layers of product. She feels more like herself. Hopefully, he'll like this version too.

It isn't until she finishes getting dressed that Kagome realizes she's never worn makeup to the office before. Why is she trying to impress Mr. Taisho? Kagome shouldn't care what he thinks. They aren't dating! She considers removing it— she doesn't want Mr. Taisho to get the wrong idea —but that will take even longer. She can't keep him waiting.

Kagome tip-toes out of the bathroom, past Kagura's room, and exits the apartment. She makes sure to keep the handle turned while shutting the door to soften the sound of it closing. Once Kagome is sure Kagura hasn't woken up, she heads to the elevator.

She can't stop her foot from tapping during the descent. Kagome checks her watch, biting her lip when she sees it's been over half an hour since Mr. Taisho hung up.

The second the elevator doors open, she sprints across the lobby floor to exit the building. Her heels clack the entire way. The sound is amplified by the tile flooring and empty walls. Kagome is glad no one is around to witness her exit. The only thing more embarrassing than rushing out to meet her boss for a 'sort-of-not-really' breakfast date would be having a witness.

But that's exactly what happens.

The instant Kagome steps outside, she's met by the sight of Mr. Taisho. Her company CEO stands in front of his car, scrolling through his phone. When he hears the doors open, he glances up and smirks.

"Still eager I see."

Kagome can't bare to look him in the eye. Nervously, she tucks her hair behind her ear. "Sorry for making you wait."

"The fault was mine. I did not consider how your schedule differs from my own— a detail that I will not overlook again."

She freezes and peers up at him. Did Sesshomaru Taisho just apologize to her?

He offers her his hand— the one that bares the companion mark to her own. When Kagome gives him her hand, his fingers curl around her and he pulls her close. "I was slightly eager as well."

Kagome gapes at him. She can't tell if he's serious or mocking her. Their dynamic is too confusing right now. Over the last twelve hours, they've gone from employer and employee to contenders to allies and, finally, to confidants. Somewhere between all that exists a ruse that has done more harm than good, especially where Kagome's feelings are concerned. Add in her sleep deprivation and Kagome can't separate truth from fantasy. Nothing seems real anymore.

Mr. Taisho isn't discouraged by her lack of response. He simply leads her to the car with the same gentlemanly flair as last night.

Kagome wonders if she's still asleep. This has to be a dream, right? There is no other explanation for her company's CEO picking her up and treating her to breakfast.

Wait, is this a date?

Mr. Taisho opens the car door for her, waiting until she's tucked inside to close it behind her. It's nice. Of course manners of this caliber are to be expected from someone like Mr. Taisho. He's from a prominent family. It would be more surprising if he didn't open the door for her.

"Do you have a preference?" Mr. Taisho asks as he gets in.

"For breakfast?" Kagome almost laughs. "Is there anything even open at this hour?"

"I know a place." He shifts the car into drive and they are off.

When Sesshomaru decided to invite Miss Higurashi to join him for a meal, he didn't plan on that meal being breakfast. Unfortunately, it's his only option. Today's schedule is tight. He will be working right through lunch until his monthly dinner at the Taisho family estate.

Sesshomaru considered declining. Then his father mentioned that his half-brother would be in attendance. Inuyasha has been on the move for the past few years. He rarely stays in one place for long. If he is back in Tokyo, there must be a reason. Sesshomaru doesn't know what Touga wishes to discuss but he is certain it has to do with Inuyasha's reappearance. It's imperative that Sesshomaru is at dinner. Regardless, he regrets waking Miss Higurashi so early.

She turns toward the window and stifles another yawn. He contemplates stopping at a cafe. There are a few decent ones close to the office. Considering how hard Miss Higurashi is trying not to let her lethargy show, Sesshomaru is certain she'll appreciate a boost of caffeine.

Almost as much as she would have appreciated a decent night's sleep.

It's his fault she's barely able to keep her eyes open. Humans require regular periods of rest. Sesshomaru knows this yet he insisted on seeing her. His desire is selfish. He wants to consume everything from those rare, shy smiles to that fiery anger she possesses. It's irrational— this need burning in his veins— but Sesshomaru doesn't try to extinguish it. He allows it to grow.

The more time he spends in Miss Higurashi's presence, the more he becomes aware of himself. Just as his energy signature changed, so too has Sesshomaru. Feelings that he has repressed for centuries spring up with renewed life. He treats some, such as curiosity and intrigue, like old friends. Others are less familiar.

Guilt remains a new concept for Sesshomaru. There was no place for such emotion on the battlefield. Sentiment clouds the mind. Empathy hinders progression. Attachment weakens resolve. These are the lessons of survival. Without them, he and his clan would have become extinct.

Though the risk of exposure remains a concern for his kind, it has lessened significantly. Illusions and barriers have kept yokai safe for the last couple of centuries. Those with humanoid forms were at an advantage. Some ancient demons, like Bokuseno, were able to adapt. Other, lesser demons, like his vassal, Jaken, were not as lucky.

Despite the imp's centuries of servitude, Sesshomaru did not shed a tear when Jaken passed. He felt nothing. There was no remorse or loneliness. Sesshomaru simply accepted that what had once been was no more. By comparison, this morning's events are considerably less impactful, yet he experiences regret.

Sesshomaru has never allowed anyone or anything to control him before. His motivations have always been centered around his goals. He has never been prompted to change course for another's needs. However, no other has ever challenged him the way Miss Higurashi has. No other has demanded so much of him while expecting nothing in return. She is truly a unique woman.

"Where are we going?" she asks.

"To the lab."

Her eyes go wide. "Your want to eat in there?"

"Not in the lab. We are merely visiting that department to select our food. We will be enjoying our meal in the comfort of my office."

She continues to stare at him. "Mr. Taisho—."

"Sesshomaru."

"Huh?"

"I believe we are acquainted well enough to speak informally when we are outside the office. Don't you agree?" He displays the mark on his palm.

Miss Higurashi chews on her lower lip. "I guess that's true."

"If it makes you uncomfortable, I will continue to refer to you by your surname."

"No, Kagome is fine."

"Kagome then." He appreciates the fresh flush that appears on her cheeks when she hears him say her name. "Bokuseno's lab produces the freshest materials within the city. I assure you that it will be a finer meal than the one you enjoyed at La Perilla."

"Is cooking a hobby of his?"

"No. Bokuseno prefers raising his seedlings. Parting with them— even if for noble means —required some convincing."

She smiles. "I wouldn't call breakfast a noble pursuit."

"But it is a necessary one."

"Maybe for me. I know you're doing it to keep up appearances."

"I take it Miss Narkau does the same?"

"Yeah, Kagura never liked eating very much. It wasn't something she did at home. Once she started attending school, she would just sit in the corner by herself, staring at a piece of fruit or a slice of bread. I don't think I saw her actually eat something until the day I brought her home with me."

Sesshomaru is curious about Kagome's relationship with Miss Naraku. The two are close which is rare but not unheard of. Touga, for instance, is enamored with his human partner. Kagome and her roommate are different. Given Miss Naraku's family, Sesshomaru suspected ulterior motives behind the friendship. Miss Naraku proved him wrong. If there is one person she despises more than him, it is her father, Onigumo Naraku. That is the first thing she and Sesshomaru have in common. The second is their deep-rooted connection to Kagome.

"Yokai can struggle with adapting to human culture. You require a consistent cadence of sleep and nourishment. We do as well, though much less frequently. After a millennia of operating at will, having to adhere to a new standard of behavior can be uncomfortable."

"I didn't realize. I mean, I know yokai age differently but sometimes I forget how long you've been around." Kagome sighs. "Jeez, back then, Kagura must have thought I was being really pushy."

"I wouldn't concern yourself with the past. Clearly, your persistence worked in her favor."

Kagome tilts her head. "What do you mean?"

"The Naraku clan has been the subject of controversy for as long as I can remember. They do not possess the same history as the other bloodlines, yet their power suggests they deserve to be recognized amongst the daiyokai. Allowing them to be included in our ranks sparked quite a debate. Eventually, they were permitted in but distrust remains. I suspect Miss Naraku hasn't had many allies. You were likely the first person to reach out to her."

"But I'm not a daiyokai. I'm human."

"Irrelevant. Your compassion became the foundation for your relationship."

She is quiet for a moment. Then Kagome's lips twitch and she starts laughing.

Sesshomaru raises an eyebrow. "This amuses you?"

"I can't believe you said that!"

"Pardon?"

"You! Mister Yokai-Are-Superior-To-All just said that it doesn't that I'm human."

Sesshomaru stills. He didn't consider her status when he spoke. While there isn't anything untrue about that statement,— Sesshomaru maintains that yokai are superior —he acknowledges that Kagome is different. She doesn't fit into any classification. She's on a level all her own.

"Aren't you going back on your word, though?"

"How so?" Sesshomaru inquires.

"Last night, you said I could select today's activity, but here you are, picking me up and deciding where we're eating."

Sesshomaru briefly takes his focus off the road to check her expression. Kagome appears completely unaware of the opening she's left him. He plans to take full advantage of it. "That was when we were discussing our future dating plans. Our wager negated that unless you'd like to renegotiate, which I'm not opposed to. I'm interested in hearing your proposal."

Predictably, her face colors. "I wasn't proposing anything!"

"That is disappointing. I enjoyed our evening together."

"Really?" There is genuine surprise in her voice.

"Indeed. Though the night did not go as anticipated, I am satisfied with the outcome."

"But you didn't win the wager," she reminds him.

"I didn't lose either."

They lapse into silence. There is weight to his words. He can see her assessing them, trying to decipher the meaning. Likewise, Sesshomaru attempts to identify what is holding her back. Initially, he believed it was trust but if that was the case, their powers wouldn't have merged. Kagome must understand that he would never intentionally hurt her— even if only at a subconscious level.

Since he determines trust isn't the issue, Sesshomaru decides it must be another. There were no photographs featuring a couple on her desk. Kagome doesn't wear a ring. Whoever the person was, he either rejected her or is no longer around. Sesshomaru is uncertain which situation is worse. Neither offers an easy solution for him.

"I had a nice time last night," she admits quietly. "I like spending time with you as Kagome Higurashi rather than pretending to be Kagura Naraku."

"I prefer that as well."

"It's fun to be around someone who gets me. Most of my friends don't know about my abilities. They think the shrine is just a place where I grew up. They don't understand its significance. To them, yokai and powerful priestesses are characters in old legends. They think they're just stories. And the ones who do know…," she trails off.

"They expect you to behave a certain way," Sesshomaru concludes.

Her face lights up at his recognition. "Yes! It feels like they forget that I'm a person. They see me as a miko— not as Kagome. My family acts that way too, especially my grandfather. They pay more attention to my abilities than my feelings. Sometimes I wonder who the real me is. Am I Kagome or am I a miko?"

"You are whoever you choose to be. Your spiritual powers are a part of you but they do not define you. Your choices and your actions determine your fate. Only you can decide what that fate will be."

She is staring again. Her eyes are full of wonder. Kagome wears the same expression that she did when they created the glass sculpture from their power merge. It's a mixture of disbelief and awe as if she can't quite believe he is real.

Sesshomaru realizes how short-sighted he's been. Dating will never suffice. A ruse is out of the question. What he wants now– what he needs –is to make the fantasy a reality. He's going to court this woman until she agrees to be his mate.