Chapter 3

The day began with the sun barely peeking through tinted clouds. Cold damp breeze blew throughout the city forcing the occupants to seek warmth in cloaking fabrics. Kagome shivered in the light shawl and reinforced the white drape around her shoulder. It was the only covering she could find that went the black strap dress without lowering her appearance from semi-casual to casual.

Her makeup was light, a little blush and red lips to make her look older not old and her hair was swooped back and curled to give a friendly and approachable feel. She sneaked Sango's shiny black pointed shoes because the heel was low enough to walk around in and they had a small cute bow at the sides.

The interview was scheduled for two but as a rule of thumb she was half an hour early. The address she jotted down took her to a neighbourhood rather than a business strip and immediately warning bells started firing off. Taking a breather, she forced herself not to jump to conclusions. Many people worked from home nowadays and even had well established home offices that were cost effective. Besides the area, though inviting, didn't exude a family environment. The houses were spaced and packaged neatly side by side and as she walked down the road they grew bigger and wider.

Kagome found her destination at the end of the cul-de-sac barricaded by a large gold painted fence that was three inches above the top of her head. Beyond laid an extensive passage engrossed by a bright green garden with pinecone trees, shrubs perfectly shaped and a large fountain positioned before a mansion-like house.

She was more than a little overwhelmed, standing there leaning forward on the iron gate gazing at a whole other world before her. Whatever horrors she was expecting, this certainly didn't fall anywhere close to it. A voice startled her from her daze and she jumped away from the property, feeling guilty then ridiculous.

The voice sounded again low and close and Kagome looked around until she spotted the intercom etched on the wall. Above the column was a beige camera that followed her every move.

"This is a private property," said the firm voice.

Kagome placed her cloaked umbrella under her arm and held up the advertisement paper for the camera to see.

"I'm here for an interview."

"Press the button."

Kagome lowered and looked around for a button or maybe buzzer on the wall to open the entrance. A tired sigh escaped from the intercom as the stranger offered, "Press the button on the intercom so I can here you."

Rolling her eyes at her own daftness, she leaned in front of the device and pressed the silver button below the speaker. God, she must have looked like a beggar holding up a 'Please give me money" sign.

"Uhh...I'm here for the interview… for the server job," she exhaled then added,
I have a two o' clock appointment."

There was silence for a while and a cold damp breeze blew by causing goosebumps to form against her exposed arms. She hoped the rain would come and go by the end of the interview. The bus she had taken dropped her off in a central area leaving a little ways to walk before reaching here. She would have asked Hojou for the ride but she didn't want to bother him. Even though she was using him, she didn't like to impose.

"Please wait one moment."

Kagome waited then watched as a vehicle, well a cart car really, emerged from behind the fountain and slowly made its way to her. The gate shifted sliding apart and opening as the driver, a tall man, stood before her dressed in a cut and fitted black suit with a pristine white undershirt that gleamed even in the lack of sun and decorative silver buttons lining down the front flaps ending with two layer silver chains tailoring the flaps together.

Kagome was lost for words and numbly moved her feet as the driver gestured for her to take the passenger seat. The gates rolled together and shut behind her as they made their way back to the house.

She sat stiffly in her seat, every now and then glimpsing at the gentleman beside her (because truly, there were no other words could describe him) and the scenery around. This close she could make out the faint lines around his eyes and mouth which seemed to be set in a permanent flat grimace. There were grey strands peeking from the side of his dark hair and he wore close fitting white gloves on each hand.

Kagome searched her mind for conversation or even a means of greeting but when she opened her mouth it was only to clear her throat. Manners be damned, she was felt lost and out of place. What had she gotten herself into?

They came to a stop and Kagome gingerly climbed out. Her courage now plummeted from the initial ninety percent to a steep fifty-five.

She followed uncertainly as they stepped through the oak door onto shiny marble floor that had large winding staircases on opposite side leading to the second floor. 'This is straight out of a movie,' she gulped and clutched her umbrella to cling to reality.

A movie where the innocent, naïve country girl gets called in for an interview and ends up cast in a porn film, forced into drugs and sold as a sex slave or worse, killed in a snuff film.

Oh God!

"This way," the driver, who she now realized was also the voice from the intercom, directed. They walked across the room, her heels clicking loudly and synchronized with the pounding of her heart.

She was too distracted to take in the beautiful furniture, the eloquent vase placed in the centre to draw your gaze or the still paintings of body parts framed in gold trim and taken in shadowed poses.

They walked through a short corridor and into another opening, this area seeming to be an entertainment section that held a closed glass down on the other end. Standing before it she held in her quiver as a faint buzz emitted and the gentleman held the door open for her.

Kagome pushed herself forward and squeezed her eyes shut, waiting maybe for a club to knock her into unconsciousness so they can drag her body out and dump it in the back. Instead the soft click of the door shutting behind her made her open her gaze and relief washed through her when she noted the young lady sitting before a desk.

An office!

A simple carpeted room with a desk, computer, lounge seats and a ringing phone.

Courage notching up to seventy percent, she approached once the phone conversation was complete.

"You're late," said the girl sparing her a quick glance. She typed on the keyboard with eloquent precise movements then sighed. With a flick against her short black bob-like hair she laced her fingers together and rest her chin on the formed bridge to stare at Kagome through dark slanted eyes.

Kagome wanted to protest but a quick glance at the clock which hung above proved the girl right. The little hand was on two and the big hand pointed to the one. Well she did have to wait at the front and ride up and walk through the big place. Tardiness was such a bad first impression.

"I..."

"You can have a seat," she dismissed going back to the computer.

The urge to tell her to relax and remove the stick from her ass was strong. She looked about the same age as Kagome though the red comb clip snapped in her hair knocked her down to pubescent.

Instead Kagome sank into the leather couch and gathered her resume in hand. Time seemed to slow and she found that there was little to stare at and nothing to do. Her eyes wandered over the header of her resume for the fifth time. The rhythmic clacking of the keyboard was interrupted occasionally by the odd phone call or girls sigh as she momentarily stared at her red painted nails.

The sound of a door opening drew her attention to end of the room where another dark haired girl emerged, a folder clutched in her hands and a triumphant smile on her face. As she made her way towards the desk, the phone buzzed. The bob hair girl answered in hush tone and hung up at the end of two 'ok'.

She turned to the new girl, "You won't be hearing from us."

The entrance door buzzed open to reveal the driver who quietly shuffled the stunned young lady out the room in a fluid motion. Kagome tried not to stare at the harsh scene.

Then it was as if nothing happened. The clacking continued, the odd phone calls chirped in and Kagome debated with herself if she had used the right size font. Maybe she should have used a different font all together. So engrossed was she in the debate between Arial and Times Roman or if she should have been spontaneous and used a more self-expressive one, that the sound of a hand clapping almost had her jumping out of her skin.

"It might help," bob hair drawled leaning on her wrist, "If you paid attention."

Kagome blushed certain one more stab from this chit will have her sporting the finger as she made her exit.

"Your turn," she pointed down the hall presumably to the door the other girl had left.

Kagome opted to leave the umbrella on the seat. She stood, straightened her dress and strode to the closed door. Mustering up to a maximum on hundred, she knocked on it then opened at the invitation.

Directly ahead were ceiling to floor windows overlooking the garden. The room was also carpeted and spacious with a broad bookshelf and a one arm sofa in one corner and an oak desk, computer and two guest seats in the other.

She stepped in and quietly shut the door. A shift to her right made her aware of the southern area of the room. Beside her was a low stylish coffee table surrounded by plush leather two seaters. In the other corner stood a slanted cabinet, one of the drawers being closed by someone in a lavender coloured kimono.

…Ok…

The person, a tall woman with a heart shaped face, long slender neck and ebony tresses rolled and pinned into a high bun, motioned to the seat by the coffee table. The very motion was so delicate that Kagome instantly knew she was dealing with a person of high standard. When she, back to the wall, she ensured her posture was straightened and her legs curved together at the ankle and flanked to the side.

With light steps, the lady joined her with a dainty descent in the opposite seat. They had yet to speak and so Kagome took the initiative, "You have a lovely home."

The lady smiled with stunning high cheeks, "Thank you." She gestured for Kagome to hand over the resume and placed it flat on the table to glance. The next second she leaned back into the seat and spoke flatly.

"This is how we will proceed," Kagome leaned forward and listened earnestly.

"I will describe the job and then if you are interested we will discuss particulars." Kagome nodded.

The door opened distracting Kagome for the moment. The lady however continued whilst bob hair girl entered with a tray and tea set.

"I require a waitress with the ethics of silver service to work at private functions in lingerie that will be provided. There will be other girls, some of whom will have more responsibilities. The pay is two hundred and fifty dollars per hour and the nature of employment will be on a freelance basis."

The speech ended with a soft thud when the tray was set on the table, right on top of her resume.

Lingere…private…two fifty an hour…

The hand caressing the curls of her hair shook Kagome from her stupor. Bob hair was leaning beside her twisting through the locks and Kagome had a slight fear she would yank it.

"What lovely hair you have," she teased. Kagome wasn't sure if she was being genuine. She had a certain allure that could be read either way. Her eyes drooped down into a dreamy state, her fingers now caressing the scalp.

"Right Jackie?" she purred.

The lady smirked, "Why yes," she replied softly, "Lovely indeed. Are you a natural born raven?"

Kagome shifted uncomfortably, this had all gone from ok to creepy in the blink of an eye. She gingerly gathered her hair and forced a polite smile, "Um…yeah."

"That'll be all Yura," Jackie spoke and bob hair pouted then left the room. Softly lowering the sleeves of the kimono, she leaned forward and poured some liquid from the kettle.

"Would you care for some?"

Kagome struggled, she didn't want to refuse and appear as a bad guest. Before she would have accepted but that little hair stint kinda propelled her to be on her toes. Softly she refused and waited as the lady leisurely sipped from her tiny cup.

"Do you have any questions thus far?"

Yes, Kagome thought.

"No," she replied

"I see," Jackie placed the cup on the table. "Within the contracts of this arrangement a means of mutual trust will be enforced. My clients are very private people and I am obliged to tell you there will be heavy penalties for any breeches of discretion."

Heavy penalties..."Ok."

"Please ensure you are clear to these terms," she chided.

Kagome felt stifled by the reprimand but really, her brain couldn't process anything more than simple two words answers. It was still jumping hurdles over the description, the hints, the frank honesty and the just plain weird. Would she be catering to drug dealers and pimps, maybe old geezers with a gazillion bucks and filthy minds?

"How familiar are you with the subculture of youkai?"

Kagome blinked. Demons? Most demons kept to themselves or hid amongst humans, blending due to their similar features, but keeping the abnormalities hidden. She only had one such friend as they were such a rare kind. The most she knew about demons came out of history texts and folklore.

"I know as much as much as the next person," she admitted.

Jackie sighed, "Unfortunately the next person's knowledge has proven to be a limited morsel."

Kagome blushed.

"My clients include youkais of varying nature and descent. Most, if not all are business owners, dealers, inheritors, anything of the esteemed sort. Herein I remind you of the utmost importance of discretion."

"Will I be safe?"

"You will be under my protection," Jackie answered with assurance. "If you provide obedience and adherence you will have nothing to fear. They may be demons, but they are respectable people."

A twinge of shame washed through Kagome. She didn't practice prejudice but when left with the unknown she had little choice.

"Do I have your acceptance with my proposal?"

"Yes," Kagome agreed. She decided to think it over when she was safe and sound in her apartment. For now she would just listen and absorb, after all she was well within her rights to refuse the job at any given time.

"Good," Jackie smiled, "Now stand up for me please and strip."

Her mouth was on the floor. Kagome shut the gap before any fly could wander in, "E…excuse me?"

Jackie chuckled and stood, "I can assure you there is nothing there I haven't seen before." She made her way to the phone on the other side of the room while Kagome peered around to keep a close eye on her.

"Jin," was the only word she uttered to through the line then hung up.

Kagome stood, "I think I should g…"

"Please," Jackie stopped her. She beckoned her forth, "I won't force you do something you are unwilling to do. This is a safe environment and I want you to remember that. Either one of us can terminate our arrangement at any time."

"Now," she breathed leaning against the oak desk, "I must inspect and guarantee that there are no foreseeable abnormalities on your body. My clients have very peculiar tastes. You may remain in your undergarments."

Kagome swallowed. Can she really trust that smile?

The room remained quiet and in a surge of, screw it—let's just do this and get it over with, ( her nerves exhausted from the up and down turmoil) she reached back and unzipped the dress. It fell to the floor and Jackie helped her step out.

The door opened soundlessly and the driver emerged. They walked around her throwing out questions and instructions. Sanding with her feet apart, Jin bent and ran his hands down her thighs searching for scars.

"Do you have any piercings?" Jackie asked running her fingers down her arm and turning over her wrists for observation.

Kagome tried to concentrate on the question and not the fact that some guy had his face in her crotch. "No."

"Any tattoos?"

"No."

Jin stood. She sighed in relief, only to find it short lived when his palm cupped her but. Her impulse was to slap him across the face, something instilled in her from years of dealing with a perverted roommate. The only thing that stopped her was the hand that cupped around her one of her breast.

Speechless, she stood frozen as the two pairs of hands squeezed moving from one globe to the other, heat radiating through the thin fabrics.

Then it was over.

Jin stepped back and Jackie went to lean against the desk.

"There are two indentions on either side of your hips," Jin pointed out.

Kagome glimpsed between the two of them, "I donated blood and bone marrow recently."

Arms folded Jackie spoke, "Are you on any medication?"

Jin removed the tape measure from around his neck and applied it against her Kagome's form. He moved swift and committed the measurements to memory.

"Antibiotics, anti-depressants, Prozac, allergy tablets, the pill?"

"Get dressed," Jin instructed.

Kagome bent quickly and scampered for her dress and shawl. "No."

"Your honesty is appreciated. I will be gathering the records from the hospital to ensure it is conclusive."

Kagome turned to stare at Jackie. Could she do that? Those are private documents and that would be illegal.

Jin clasped the zipper from behind and Kagome jumped.

"On to the matter of silver service," Jackie started moving forth. While Jin zipped up she aided in fixing the straps along her shoulder. Kagome felt uneasy from all the attention.

"From which side does one server the drink?" she asked with a staring gaze.

"The right," Kagome answered automatically.

Food and nutrition had been her favorite subject in high school. She loved to cook and bake so her mother encouraged her to attend the etiquette afterschool program. Here they dabbled in the various cultural mannerisms practiced in the home, at the dinner table and in public. This drove her to enter college with the intention of being a chef. With high hope dreams of opening her own restaurant one day she didn't fathom that she needed to know the chemistry behind the food. By the end of the first year she had depressing grades and forced herself to reevaluate her dreams.

"Good.'

They both stepped away and Kagome felt as though she could finally breathe.

Jin opened the door and waited.

"You are very beautiful," Jackie commented pressing a button on the phone. Yura sounded over the speaker.

"Please give our guest the necessary proceedings."

She turned and walked Kagome to the door. "We'll be in contact."

"Thank you for the opportunity," Kagome supplied.

"Her name," Jin interrupted.

"Ah Yes," Jackie agreed stroking her chin, "We have to do something about that."

Kagome didn't see anything wrong with her name.

"Bankotsu likes to give them astral themes," she thought aloud.

Clasping her hands together she brightened, "Oh I know!" She clutched Kagome's hands, "Form now on you'll be Star!"

"Uhh…"

"Very original sir," Jin remarked sarcastically.

"Oh can it you old coon," Jackie snipped.

Kagome slowly retracted her hands…wait sir?

"You like it, right Star?" Jackie asked with an excited smile.

Kagome gulped, "Uhh…sure."

"Sir I don't thin—,"

"It's official," Jackie spoke up. She raised her arm and twirled a finger in the air then landed it softly on Kagome's head. "I hereby dub thee STAR."

"Squire would you be so kind as to escort the lovely STAR princess to the gates?"

Kagome saw Jin's eyes twitch.

"Ensure STAR doesn't get lost. And of course show STAR to Yuna before STAR leaves."

What kind of bizarre twilight zone had Kagome stepped in? One minute Jackie was all cold and serious, the next she playful prancing around with a wand finger. When she reached by Yura, the young girl handed her a business card.

Kagome observed the card while Jin waited for her by the door. On the front was a simple two line address.. The back held an emblem in red ink.

"YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAA!"

The muffled sound travelled through the walls. Yura gave an annoyed enraged sigh and mumbled under her breath. "God I hate that guy," she gruffed.

Guy?

Kagome squinted, "Guy?"

Yura rolled her eyes. "Oh honey," she soothed, "He's a fag."

"YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAA!"

"A big cross-dressing, cock eating, ass fucking fag," she added growling.

"YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAA!"

"USE THE GODDAMN INTERCOM!" she shouted jumping to her feet.

Yura huffed and fell ball back in the seat, "Just give them the card," she dismissed, and then eyes the phone evilly as it buzzed.

Awkwardly, Kagome retrieved her umbrella and followed Jin out.


"Did you do something to your hair?" Sango asked watching her roommate getting ready.

Kagome blinked applying eyeliner to her eyes through the bathroom mirror. Once she had slashed on a thick layer to one side she moved to the other. "Do you like it?" she asked stepping back. Shaking her head she grinned as the riveting curls separated into two pigtails bounced about.

The address on the card had directed Kagome to salon. After a quick glance at the emblem, the attendant took her in to wash and treat her hair. While under the dryer they gave her a pedicure and manicure. Then they led her to a back room and treated her to a facial and body massage. They even pressured her into a leg and bikini wax, a mandatory procedure for clients with the card. Everything had been free of cost.

Now that she had relaxed from the ripping and tweezing, Kagome felt smooth, powerful and sexy.

Sango clucked her tongue, "I don't really care for the hillbilly style."

Kagome applied lip gloss, "I was going more for naughty high school cheerleader."

"Well you got the naughty part down," Sango grinned eyeing the get up. The half shirt sported the numbers 01, had a plunging neckline and stopped below her breast. A frilly tiny mini skirt and knee length socks followed.

"Wait, is that my…did you cut up my jersey?" Sango accused following behind Kagome as she entered her room.

"Maybe," Kagome admitted bending down to retrieve her sneakers.

"G— turn the other way!" Sango cried out covering her eyes.

Kagome flopped on the bed and unlaced the shoe. "You can open your eyes now."

Sango blinked. "God your ass is eating up that thong," she shivered.

Kagome laughed. Sango had a great distaste for wearing insensible panties. Miroku would tease and mope about her love for comfortable over sexy.

"I guess you won't be coming back home tonight then," Sango said watching the perverted smile slide across her friend.

Kagome stood and put on a long coat. "Nah I'll be back. Hojou's mom has a strict no sleeping over policy."

"Oh my God," Sango groaned.

Kagome kissed her cheek and head out the door. She opted to take the bus in the hopes of surprising Hojou. Once she made it to his house, she took out her cell and called. The light glowing behind the curtain through the window on the second floor was an indication that he was in his room.

"Are you lonely?" Kagome asked silkily when he answered.

Hojou sighed into the phone, "My cat's keeping me company."

"I know another kitty that wants to play," Kagome purred.

Hojou chuckled, "Is that so?"

"Look out your window," Kagome instructed seductively.

She stood on the lawn and waited for him. When he popped his head out she unbuttoned the coat to let him see.

"Oooh f-fuck," Hojou stuttered.

Kagome giggled, "Are you going to let me in?"

Hojou ducked back in. She could hear fast heavy footsteps through the cell as he stumbled about. "Of- of course," he managed bursting open the front door.

Kagome tugged the coat shut and stepped into the cozy house.

"Your parents' home?" she asked glancing around.

Hojou closed the door. "They're at a gallery unv—"

"Perfect," Kagome interrupted removing the coat and tossing it across the sofa.

She heard Hojou gulp, his eyes growing wide as he oogled her chest then travel down her body. He often confided in her that he had a thing for girls in cheer outfits and the likes. She was pretty sure all his blood had rushed to one place, the only place that mattered at the moment.

He stretched out a hand to touch and she smacked it away.

Slowly she walked up the stairs, bouncing so that the skirt hiked up and expose her butt. At the top she turned and caught his gaze. Hooking her fingers in her panties she peeled out of it and threw it down the steps.

"Come and get me," she smirked turning towards his room.

The stampede barreling up the steps behind her was an indication that he followed.


"Something's sticking me in my butt," Kagome sighed coming down from her post-coital bliss. Hojou was bent over her, his head resting between her neck and shoulder. The sound of his ragged breathing and a cat's meow was her only reply. The exertion on stomach grew cold and sticky.

Shifting slightly, she reached behind her to remove the object, a pen. Turning her head she found an open book beside her. "Were you studying?" she asked.

Hojou lowered onto her wrapping a leg over hers and drawing an arm across her torso. "I was finishing up the essay for Monday," he breathed contentedly.

Kagome shrugged him off and sat up. She hated cuddling.

"What essay?" she asked realizing that she had been lying on folder papers. Some were stuck to her sweaty skin and she picked them off.

"The one Heckler assigned," Hojou replied lazily leaning up on one arm.

"No…that's due on Thursday," staring at him puzzled.

"No Monday," Hojou corrected.

Kagome paused then shook her head, "No it's due the 25th, that's Thursday."

Hojou sat up, "Kagome, today's the 24th."

Kagome jumped up and head for his computer. Clicking away the screensaver she checked the date and cursed. She flipped open her and cursed again.

"Shit! I forgot to fix the date when I got back service," she groaned now pacing.

"That's a fifty page essay," she fretted aloud with more frantic strides.

She stopped and gasped. "Oh my God this is due tomorrow at nine," she realized with her hands over her mouth.

Hojoy approached ran his hand along her arm. "I'm sure you'll be fine," he soothed. "You must have started it already. He assigned it from last month."

Kagome thought about the single paragraph she written down which really consisted of line after line of repeating the same thought in different words. Hojou caught her blank stare. "I could help if you want," he offered.

"Just…just take me home," Kagome grumbled softly.

So much for satisfaction, she thought feeling the pleasure from sex slither away. As she dragged her arms through the coat, waiting on Hojou to retrieve the keys from his room, the front door opened. Kagome quickly wrapped the coat around herself.

"Oh hello dear," Hojou's mom greeted with a smile.

His father followed through the door. "I didn't know Hojou had company," he greeted.

Kagome forced a smile and kept her arms crossed to secure the coat in place. "Hi Mrs. H," she tipped her head, "Mr. H."

"I just came by to check up on some notes with Hojou," she chuckled nervously. "Was just about to leave actually."

"Nonsense," said his dad removing his hat. "It's been a while since we last saw you," he said approaching.

"Mom, dad," Hojou called coming down the stairs.

Kagome sighed in relief. She wasn't in the position or mood to sit and make friendly right now.

"Are you going out?" his mother asked noting the keys in his hands. "You have school tomorrow," she automatically began scold.

"Mooooom," Hojou whined.

Kagome rolled her eyes. I'm sleeping with a child.

"I'm just taking Kagome home," Hojou informed. "I'll be back in time for bed."

The mother glanced at Kagome and not for the first she sensed resentment from the stare. Then as quickly as the feeling came it went. "Alright," Mrs. H smiled, though lips barely lift.

Throughout the car ride Hojou gave pointers on topics to discuss. When he dropped her off he gave her a long kiss to express, what she hoped was a thank you.

Brewing a cup of coffee, her last resort for all-nighters, Kagome sat in the couch with her laptop in her lap and began. Every now and again she'd get texts and calls from Hojou asking if she was up or if everything was going ok.

Miroku came home around three and rekindled another batch of coffee for her. He stayed with her for a bit, allowing her a fifteen minute doze, then headed in. Kagome got up and stretched, flaying her limbs about to rid the sluggishness.

She moved from the couch to the kitchen to the toilet then her bed. Leaning on the mattress with the laptop before her, she didn't know when she drifted off. Her ringtone woke her up and she blindly reached for the cell.

"Yea Hojou I'm up," she yawned.

"This isn't Hojou," a familiar voice drawled.

Kagome sat up.

"Be here by two," Yura continued. "On time," she stressed then hung up.

Kagome looked at the time on her laptop, 7:30. She sprung from the bed to take a quick shower to catch the bus.


This chapter has a lot of firsts for me:

First i've ever updated so quickly

First I've ever written such a long chapter(even though it's not that long)

First I've ever almost written a sex scene(Was gonna do it but then that's for Kags and Sesshy only)

And yes Sesshy will come along soon. I have to build up to the moment but I hope your guys are enjoying so far

I feel like i'm evil to Kagome lol

And i looooooooved writing Jakotsu! I can totally picture him as an extravagant rich snob getting into catfights with Yura cuz they're alike in some ways .

Please review, share your opinions

(good, bad, questions, pointers)

Would love to hear from y'all