A/N: Just want to give a big THANK YOU to all those who have reviewed, followed or favorite the story.


Chapter 4

"Holy crap," exhaled Kagome as she finally managed the courage to glance into the mirror. The outfit had been harmless enough while it dangled on the hanger, but now that she had put in on, it was downright scandalous.

Gazing back at her was a girl dressed in a white one piece suit with black trimming along the edge and a black lace imitation corset wrapped around her stomach below her bodice. Sheer white lining covered her breasts giving a hint of modesty even though the material itself was transparent. The back was cut low, swooping down to her lower back and exposing skin. Mid-thigh high white sheer stockings completed the look.

Everything had been provided for down to the strappy black heels. Whatever measurements Jin had taken had clearly been for naught as it was a size too small and therefore fitted to the T.

Kagome leaned forward placing her elbows on the edge of the basin and brought her hands to her temples to rub her nervousness away. Granted she was no stranger to revealing clothes, but to wear something like this with her butt cheeks sticking out for all to see, in front of strangers no less.

It was way too late to back out now, she knew that. She had missed her chance back at Jakotsu's place when Jin had escorted her and another girl, a brown skinned named Rhea, into a black car with a baldheaded driver whose name she hadn't caught that drove them here.

Downstairs a woman in a silk robe introduced herself as Eris and led them upstairs to bathrooms with the instruction to take a quick shower. Kagome had searched the room high and low for any signs of camera before she removed her dress and did the deed.

Kagome turned the tap and dabbed some water on her face. Under her eyes were a little puffy from her micro naps throughout the day. Instead of going to class she had emailed Hojou her paper, never mind that she was a few pages short, and begged him to hand it in. The rest of the day was spent sleeping in the hopes of being semi-presentable for her first day at work.

A knock sounded at the door, "Are you finished?"

Kagome stepped back, gave herself a final glance and breathed out. She reached for the knob and opened the door to find Eris's olive eyes looking her up and down. "Good," she finished when her gaze settled back up. Beside her Rhea was dressed in a similar fashion with white lace ribbon cuffs wrapped around her wrists. Her expression was dull, almost bored like making Kagome feel all the more guilty that she was the only one that felt out of place.

They made their way to a small room with makeup supplies lined in order on a dressing table. Full length mirrors stood on opposite end of the table and Rhea stepped towards one with a tube of lipstick before anyone said anything.

Eris smiled then took Kagome's hand and guided her to the seat by the dresser. She picked up a brush and gathered Kagome's hair into a high bun, much like hers and Rhea's. As she worked she asked, "This is your first time?"

Kagome cleared her throat and gave a small nod and a weak smile. Eris wrapped her hair around the scrunchie. "Don't be nervous. It's not so bad" she advised then urged her to turn in her seat. To her left Rhea had taken to sitting cross-legged in front of the mirror with her beauty materials in her lap. While Eris stepped away Kagome watched as Rhea leaned forward and lined her eyes with the liner. Finished, she blinked then looked up to find Kagome's stare and scowled.

"Look, I'm not interested in girls ok," she drawled capping the pencil.

Kagome grimaced. Ever since they met Rhea had been throwing off an attitude. In the car Kagome had tried more than once to strike up a conversation and she acted like she was invisible. Now a nasty retort was on the tip of her tongue but Eris's voice interrupted.

"Why don't you try and play nice," she scolded approaching the dresser and placing some things down. Kagome heard Rhea hiss her teeth but missed her look of disgust as Eris's body was now blocking her from her view.

"Don't mind her," Eris spoke softly while dabbing foundation on Kagome's face. She worked quietly for a while turning Kagome's head from side to side to apply a little blush. Finished she made Kagome stand and look at the lightly applied make-up job.

"Now," Eris breathed leaning against the dresser, "Is there anything you want to know or ask before we head out?" Bubbling with questions and nerves, Kagome worked hard to keep her voice light, "Uhh well why did we have to bathe just now?"

A loud snort erupted in the room followed by an obnoxious laugh. Kagome looked down at Rhea as she smacked her lips and turned. "Star was it?" she drawled then gave another snicker.

Eric clucked her tongue, "This is your second warning," then turned back to Kagome while Rhea muttered under her breath. "Demons have very sensitive nose," she answered, "So the perfume you were wearing may be mild to you and me but it would be intense to them. Also Bankotsu just prefers his women to be natural."

"Bankotsu?" Kagome repeated.

"Your employer. Did Jakotsu not brief this?" Before Kagome could respond Eris continued, "Never mind. Ok Jakotsu works more or less like an agent and supply women for jobs. Bankotsu is the Oyakata of this house. He likes to entertain his colleges and throw parties herein where we enter."

"Umm, ok." Well there's nothing else to say other than that right?

Eris eased off the dresser and reached forward to tug and fix Kagome's clothes. "I keep all of you ladies in check at his command." Tugging the material away from Kagome's chest, she glanced down at her naked breast then let the clothes fall back into place. Kagome stood wide-eyed and watched as she made her way to the lipstick section and back with a tube.

"One rule," she said applying the lipstick onto Kagome's lips, "Is that all the ladies must have the same colour lips as the shade of their nipples." She finished and waited for Kagome to smack and rub her lips together.

Thoughtless Kagome did so then blushed when she caught Rhea looking, her lips painted brown. Before she felt exposed but now she felt bare, even more so her embarrassment grew when she realized the intimate details of the others.

Rhea stood silently and Eris went to the mirror to check herself. Fiddling with her fingers Kagome tried to calm down. Her cheeks were flaming and she had the impulse to fan them.

"Get it all out while you can," Eris spoke standing straight, "When we go downstairs I won't accept any excuses." She untied the sash of her robe and let it fall to the ground. Kagome bit back her gasp as her cheeks went from flaming to scorching.

Eris turned and stepped out of the pile and her breast jiggled from the lack of support in the cut out bra. Their only support was a thin line of material that circled above and below the naked breast into a strap and tapering to a hook around her back to provide a means of lift. Below she had on a garter belt that covered the front but exposed her whole butt and the thin piece of material between. The whole get up was black, including the mid-thigh stocking and her heels.

"Try not to stare," she advised walking out of the room and leaving them to follow. They walked through the passage and down the stairs. Kagome opted to glance around rather than ahead where Eris's butt bounced with each step. Thankfully her outfit was more tapered around her derriere holding it up and in place.

The house had a Victorian theme with antique looking furniture and an obscure overpowering feeling. They made their way into a spacey kitchen with a table in the centre. Two dark haired girls dressed like Eris stood talking by the table that held platters and wine glasses. Across from them were two male chefs dressed in full white with scarves wrapped on their head. One was stirring something over the stove and the other stood by a counter whispering with another girl. Another girl was leaning by some cupboards, one leg stretched out before her.

Eris made her way to the two girls and tucked a loose strand into the bun of the shorter one. "Everyone ok?" she asked and they all hummed and nodded. Kagome glanced at Rhea but she stood arms folded and staring at the paint on her nails.

"Phoebe," Eris called and the girl by the chef looked up. Kagome noted she was the only one with her hair loose. It was dark, as all the rest were, and chopped ending by her ears. Eris nodded towards them by the doorway, "Please show Rhea what to do."

Phoebe turned back to the chef who placed a finger coated with brown, what Kagome guessed was mousse, before her and smiled. She tittered, leaned with an open mouth and closed around the digit. Slowly she eased up revealing the now clean finger and stepped away, sauntering towards them. Rhea met her half way and they went out the room through another entrance.

Eris walked around the room, commenting and sorting through things until she ended up by Kagome with an open bottle of wine in hand. "Let's do some practice." They walked over to the table and Eris placed six empty glasses in front of them. "Pour," she ordered then stepped back to watch.

Kagome held the bottle with her left and placed right arm out and bent before her. Using it as a slope, she rolled the neck of the bottle along from wrist to elbow until an appropriate amount of liquid was in the glass. She stepped back and looked to Eris.

"Not bad," she critiqued then took the bottle poured the right way as she spoke, "Try not to put too much pressure or lean forward. That'll make you spill or pour too much." Finished, she handed Kagome the bottle again and told her to practice until she return.

By her third pour the girl leaning leisurely by the cupboards had made her way over. She picked at the grapes in a dish and brought the fruit up to her mouth, "Just go slowly." She chomped for a while then added, "The last thing they'll be looking at is how you pour." Kagome held the bottle and looked at her but her eyes were averted. Eris entered, "Ok we're ready." She took out a new full bottle, this time champagne, and handed it to Kagome, "Let's go."

Through the entrance and just a few steps down was a dining room. It had the same gaudy old feel as the rest of the house with an elaborate set table. "Just follow me. Don't speak, don't stare, just do your job."

Eris made her stand at the head of the table, a few feet away but by her side. She cleared her throat, smiled and placed her feet together and her arms behind her back. Kagome followed holding the bottle upright in one hand and folding her other behind her.

They stared straight ahead as the door in front opened and people came pouring in. Kagome was immobilized. This would be her first time in a room filled with demons. She hadn't realized she was holding her breath until her lungs started to pinch. Giving a slow shaky exhale, she took the time to look around making sure her eyes weren't burning a hole into anyone in particular.

They all seemed to be in their own world though as they chatted and laughed amongst each other while making their way to the seats. There were so many, twelve she figured after a quick count, each with so many unique varying features such that she wasn't sure where to begin. In fact, she felt a bit overwhelmed.

A tanned gentleman came through the door in a suit and lavender tie. He made his way to the front, his walk confident and cocky, then turned, back now to Kagome and Eris, towards the others leaning by the head seat. His hair was dark and braided into one, the length of which came to an end by his lower back.

"If I'd known so many of you sorry sons of bitches were gonna show up I would have hired a bigger catering service." His voice was deep and even though he spoke low, his words seemed to bounce off the wall demanding respect as the others became quiet and attentive.

"We'll take whatever we can get," shouted a short stocky man pressing up against the table. He had wrinkly almost purple-ish skin with marking, red and circular, below his eyes and on his chin. The others around chuckled shouting their agreement as Mr. Ponytail took his seat and muttered aloud, "Just make sure I don't hear any bitching and moaning later."

Kagome stepped forward and with lowered eyes poured the champagne in the glass to his right. Seat by seat she went around the table pouring respectively. They barely seemed to notice she was there, jeering and laughing as they cracked wise jokes with each other.

Of the twelve there was one female, a blonde with green eyes and dressed in a suit as the rest of the guests were. With elbows pressed against the table, she placed her chin in hand and watched as Kagome poured. A dark forked tongue slipped through her mouth sliding along her lower lip and she winked as Kagome moved to the next person.

Once the conversations came to a lull and Kagome was just about finished, Eris stepped forward by Mr. Ponytail's side. "This evening we will be serving black salsify mousse with vendace roe, breast of veal with a truffle sauce and whipped potatoes followed by grilled venison with braised farro and rapini. Desert entails fois gras terrine with a side of white truffles," she announced all eyes now focused on her.

She continued, "First, to open your palates we will be starting with the almas caviar appetizer." She stepped back and other girls came out with serving trays. This time there were new faces as they worked cohesively in pairs of three on either sides of the table. Two held the tray and one served, Rhea she realized was serving on the left side.

Kagome went back to her original position and watched as they carried away. Mr. Ponytail she soon realized was Bankotsu. He was soft but spoke his mind. From her glance when refilling his glass for a third time, she realized he was very handsome. The bangs on his forehead framed and almost shield a violet pointed marking. His face was angular and his eyes appeared a darker shade of cobalt.

Now that she thought about it, most of the people in the room were good looking. Yes Bankotsu surrounded himself with beautiful ladies of a certain type, but the demons themselves were very attractive. At the end of the table to the right was a guy with shaggy spiked brown hair and grey almost silver like eyes. He held an air of solemnity that made him unapproachable but when he cracked a grin his whole face lit up and made her quiver.

Beside him was the youngest looking of the lot. With long bangs and a light green, maybe mint, coloured hair sat a tall man with broad shoulders that totally contrast against his round cherub face and dazzling light blue eyes. He looked out of place with the lot of older gentlemen and whispered lowly to shaggy hair every now and then.

Slowly she went over each person's appearance. There demon features held an exotic charm that she soon found quite appealing. Each line, markings, pointed hair, unusual hair and eye colour made her all the more interested. They acted normal raving, shouting, talking with their mouths full, barking with laughter, throwing snide insults. They were basically human.

Around the third course Kagome found herself smiling against the kitchen counter at her revelation. She had long forgotten about her scanty form, instead immersed in a sense of satisfaction that she had made a decision that made her more open and understanding as a person. No, better yet as a human.

Grabbing the bottle of wine, she made her way back into the room. With each course, the meals grew larger in size and greater in abundance. As men they held large appetites, but as demons they seemed to consume even more. Kagome wondered if Bankotsu would have arranged a seven or eight course meal had he been given the chance.

At the end of the meal Bankotsu asked Eris to have some of the guest escorted to the drawing room. The blonde haired woman, shaggy hair and mint green stood and offered farewells. Before leaving the room blonde hair's slit green eyes found Kagome and she tilt her head and offered another wink. Mint green grabbed shaggy's arm and pressed up close against him, leaning over to whisper in his ears.

The four closest to the front stood as Bankostu rose and declared that they should follow him to his office to finish business. Eris came back into the room and beckoned Kagome towards the kitchen.

"You did great," she complemented handing Kagome the brandy from the top cupboards. One of the chefs sat on a stool eating, the other was out of site. Kagome smiled and turned to walk out but the Eris stopped her with a hand to her shoulder.

"Actually, "she took the brandy from her and placed it on the counter, "That's it for today." She slid a manila envelope across the counter to Kagome.

Kagome stalled then picked it up, "Really?"

Eris smiled and led her out of the room and they eventually found themselves back in the powder area. "What about Rhea?" Kagome asked when she spotted her dress folded in the corner. They had arrived together and therefore it was only fair that she asked. Eris leaned against the door and answered, "She has other business to attend to."

"Ryu will be waiting for you downstairs," she said then closed the door. Kagome changed quickly, much like the welcoming mood downstairs did. Secretive walls were starting to build and they had made sure to exclude her. She placed the outfit where her dress had been and hurried along.

The baldheaded driver stood at the bottom of the stairs. He escorted her directly to the car, placing her in the backseat, and they drove out. The radio was low and after a few minutes of watching the scenery she nudged open the envelope. Fresh crisp bills stared back at her. Kagome giggled and threw herself face down across the seat. Two fifty per hour for the last four hours was what, a thousand dollar? In one day? Fuck yeah!

Her bag was on the floor of the car forgotten since Eris had instructed that no form of personal or mobile items were to be brought into the home. Kagome scourged through the bag for her phone.

She leaned forward into the space between the passenger and driver's seat. "Are you dropping me back at Jakotsu?"

"Is that where you want to go?" Ryu asked with a gruff voice. His head was smooth and clear and Kagome had an impulse to touch. Instead she opened up her phone to text the one person she felt like celebrating with.


I told her to drink up

Selecta play the song that I asked for

The corridor was narrow and packed with bodies pressed against each other and the walls. These were the non-dancers. Some gazed longingly, waiting desperately with drinks in hand for someone to pull them onto the dance floor. Others tried to making small talk against the blaring music. To the untrained eyes they appeared to be lounging, but for him they were a sea of potential clients. But for now, he only had one person in mind at the moment.

And there she was, blending into the crowd save for the lights that flashed sporadically revealing her green suede dress. Her arms flailed back and forth as she moved her hips to the pounding beat of the song.

The music was loud, already sending his delicate ears into overdrive, but he liked the feeling. It felt like the music resonated in him, pounding against his chest, pulsating down to his toes and echoing this eyes and mouth.

C-c-c- Count with me

1. Glass of champagne for me

2. Glass of champagne for you

Music like this was his favorite. Meant to dance to for those with rhythm and jump at for those that ain't got none. Either way, any girl can look sexy to this type of thing as long as she can find a catchy motion. Add in the flashing neon lightsand your good to go.

Energized, he took a long final draw of his blunt and threw the remains on the floor. Making his way to the floor he squeezed through pressing bodies and thrashing limbs. The smoke settled down his throat to caress his lungs.

She turned and recognition slowly seeped into her laden eyes. A wide sloppy smile started to form and before she could utter anything he pulled her forward and latched his lips onto hers.

A hint of green apple and strawberry tingled from her tongue. Tilting his head up he bit her bottom lip to get her mouth to open up more and exhaled. Stepping back the rest of the smoke fizzled out of nose.

Kagome breathed in deep. Even though it didn't feel as strong as getting it firsthand from a joint, she still found herself swaying and smiling as the familiar tingle filtered down her chest and then out.

The lights flickered as a new song faded in with another catchy beat. Her body felt alive. She threw her arms over Kouga's shoulder to pull him in while her hips thrust forward. His hands wrapped around her waist and they moved along with the crowd as people close by whooped and shouted with the music. Kagome leaned her head back and stared up as the lights flashed into a sequence that matched the light rhythm of the songs as the bass prepared to drop. Her bag banged against her side, hanging on her arms from it thin strap.

I GOT THE NO PUSSY BLUES!

The floor throbbed as everyone bounced about to the uncontrolled synthesizer. Everyone bumped into each other with raw, new found energy. Kagome let go and thrashed her head from side to side as the song took control. At this point, she wouldn't call what she was doing dancing, more like jumping and twisting. But who the hell cares? She felt wild and untamed.

Her eyes squeezed shut and drew all of what she had inside onto the floor. Before her Kouga licked a line off the side of his thumb and threw his head back then beat at his chest. Red, green and yellow lights rushed and illuminated the length of his throat.

As the song slowed down and another change over took place, Kouga turned Kagome around and pressed her to him once more. This one was slow, with an echoing beat and an underwater feel. She quickly found her gyrating tempo, a nice slow glide back and forth. He placed his head in the crook of her neck and Kagome could see his grin from the corner of her eyes.

Na Na Na Nah Nah Nah

She lift both hands and stretched behind her to wrap around his head and delve into his ponytail. Grounding her hips into his she smiled when he opened his hand in front to reveal a small white pill.

Why can't you want me?

Why can't you want me?

Why can't you want me?

He breathed into her ear, whispering something she didn't quite catch due to the music. Whatever it was, she didn't care. She had always trusted Kouga when it came to things like this, and he always had the best supplies. Without question she stuck out her tongue and sighed when he pressed the tablet in.

It wasn't hard to swallow it dry. Not when he was nibbling on her shoulder or his body moving into her. Soon she floated above everything, right up to the ceiling where the music soaked into her body causing her to swell and explode.

"…off it."

"How….you.….her here?

"She…fucked up! What….to do?

"Put her in a cab!"

Kagome snorted and slowly, very slowly, began to come out of the throes of sleep.

"Who is she?" demanded a very irritated feminine voice.

"Come on— "

"No, you always do this shit! Constantly fucking around…"

"I'm not fucking around! I was out working. Look on the nightstand and you'll see the cash I raked in from last night."

"Shut up! I'm so sick of this."

Kagome sat up slowly. The voices seemed to come from the afar but her head was too messed up to focus from where. Rubbing her eyes she sat up, on what she now realized was a couch, and licked at the trail of drool at the corner of her lips.

Stomping footsteps pounded growing closer and closer until a petite flaming red head turned the corner. She grabbed a white jacket from the coat hanger and ruffled it roughly while muttering curses under her breath. With sharp movements, she put her arms through the holes and turned.

Her mouth was set in a defined grimace, her lips parted only to reveal two sharp pointed teeth. Her eyes sparkled with rage, almost glowing, and Kagome stiffened with worry and realization that she was staring in the face of a very angry demon.

"Get your shit and leave before I get back!"

The door slammed, groaning against the support. Kagome deflated against the cushions.

"Don't mind her," Kouga lurked into the room and collapse in the one seat couch across. Dressed only in boxers, he stretched his legs onto the table and crossed his ankles.

Kagome sat back and sighed. Her head felt heavy and light all at the same time. She had a vague memory of what happened last night, like much of her nights hanging with Kouga. Even though they always got fucked up and flirted, they had never gone all the way. He was the only demon she knew, though she wouldn't go as far to say they're friends, just a pleasant twenty-seven year old drug dealer that she saw from time to time.

"What you been up to?"

"Nothing much," she worked around a yawn. "Working, school, the normal stuff. Have you seen a bag?"

He gestured to the floor. "I'd offer you something to eat but the wife went out to the store."

Kagome dug through the bag for the envelope. After doing a quick count to make sure everything was there, she took out some and slid it across the table.

"No need to worry," she checked her phone and groaned at the miss calls and texts from Sango, Miroku and Houjo.

"Won't be staying long."

Kouga hummed, "Just be careful around those demons yeah?"

Kagome paused mid-text, "Huh?

"You have their scent."

"You can smell me?"

A chuckle, "You need to brush up on your history study college girl."

Kagome rolled her eyes and sent off the text, "Ass. I mean you could smell me in the club, with all the other stuff and scents around?"

Kouga slicked the cash in his hand and folded it into the band of his boxers. "I'm a wolf demon," he gave a pointy grin, "We have heightened abilities smell, hearing, strength. It was faint, but I could smell them."

"Hearing you say it out loud, it kinda feels invasive."

"Why'd you say that?"

"Like," she licked her lips, "you know my business. If I were with you, how would I be able to cheat?"

Kouga snorted, "Honey if you were my woman you wouldn't need to cheat."

"Ok fine. So if I'm on my period, could you smell it?"

"Why is it that whenever I talk to human girls about this stuff they always bring up that shit?" Kouga scowled.

"Wow I don't feel special."

"Did I give you the impression that you were?"

Kagome flipped him off. "Just answer the question."

"Your period's coming next week right?"

Kagome gasped, "H-how? That so…"

"Lucky guess."

She jumped up, "That's it, I'm going home."


Jakotsu wasn't kidding when he said the job was freelance. For three weeks she was on her own and life went back into its usual motions. Sango grilled her about the new job, to which Kagome gave very very little detail. At the mention of Kouga an all-night reprimand ensued.

She managed to pay a small amount to the school hoping now that money was being handed over they would lay off. The rest went into rent and by the second the second week she was broke again. This time around she managed to get a small work on her first search. Nothing fancy, just helping out in the office at school and even that seemed like an occasional thing.

The second time around was much like the first. Ryu drove them both to the house and Eris oversaw the whole process. The guests were different, not as rowdy as before, and only men were present. Bankotsu wore a white suite to dinner and he was all the more handsome with that dark skin contrast.

After dinner Kagome busied herself with stacking away glasses in the kitchen. The other girls had disappeared and the chefs sort out the leftovers. Eris was off settling the guest in the other room. It was quiet, save for the clinking of glass and scraping against plates.

"You don't have to do that," Eris came through the door. With a smile she handed over her pay, "The others will get at it later."

Kagome picked at the edge of the envelope, "Later?"

"When they're done."

"Doing?"

"The rest of their job."

Kagome's forehead crinkled, "Which is?"

Eris smiled and this close Kagome saw that she had a small dimple on her left cheek. "Something you're apparently interested in." Shifting some plates out of the way she spoke, "You know, there is room for a raise. Some…clients are have taken a liking to you."

Kagome swallowed and cursed her curious nature. Of course she knew they were doing those kind of stuff but she just had to try and get someone to spell it out.

"You should think it over," Eris finished then walked her to the front where Ryu stood waiting. Brushing stray stands behind Kagome's ear she gave a small squeeze on her arm, "Your vagina will not be penetrated."

Kagome blushed.

Now the money felt dirty in her hands.


Kagome didn't know much about Hojou's friends like he knew about hers. Granted her friends consisted of mainly two people who she happened to live with and therefore it would have been inevitable for him not to know them, but now that the shoe was on the other foot, her most basic reason was that she simply didn't care.

Hojou was her friend, a good friend at that, but she didn't see the point in investing on his side of the world. She didn't have the time and they weren't romantically involved for her to feel the urge to do so. A bit self but that's the basis of a clean cut hookup.

When he asked her to go with him to a house party with his friends, her main reasons for saying yes were: free food, owing him for the paper and the other times she dragged him out of his house to go dancing and a hopeful quickie before she head home.

She found that like Hojou they were a bit bland in the personality department. They were nice, happy, chatty people and the so called party was just sitting around watching a movie. When the popcorn finished and credits were rolling they took to playing games. Kagome did one round of twister then went to the stereo to find good track.

At that moment a sense of déjà vu took over. Laughter filled the room as someone toppled over and they tried to figure out who won. She felt like a thirteen year old at a friend's sleep over. At that point she told herself she'd lighten up. Maybe Hojou wasn't the immature brat, maybe he and his friends had been able to retain a youthfulness that should be admired not judged.

They played 'Who am I' for a while until they got fed up that the same person kept winning. Then, eating hotpockets they did a round of walking down memory lane. Most of them seemed to be highschool mates with Hojou and they laughed and shared insides jokes.

When it started winding down and the mood went from fun to content, Kagome went around and collect the dishes to give herself something to do. One of the girls came followed her into the kitchen. She had brown hair to highlights and heart shaped face. Her name was Amber? Or Ally maybe.

"This is fun huh?" she sighed while Kagome stuffed the disposable plates in the trash. Another bout of laughter erupted from the other room. Kagome nodded.

Amber leaned against the island counter and sipped from her cup. "It's so good to see Hojou again. We hardly ever hang out what with the different majors and all. You're in his class right?"

Kagome head over to the sink and washed her hands. "Yea he is." Finished she turned and gave the girl her full attention, "But let's not talk about school. I'm still recovering from a quiz that raped my brain."

Amber laughed, a braying sound that made Kagome kind of regret saying anything at all. "Oh you are funny," she recovered. "Hojou is always saying you have a kinda weird humour."

"Hojou talks about me?"

Amber giggled, "Well duh." Threading her fingers through her locks she continued, "He's been talking about you ever since we got to Tamashikon."

"It's really kinda cool to finally meet his girlfriend."

"What?" Surely she heard that wrong.

Amber bit her lip and chuckled with an apologetic look. "Crap. Hojou said you weren't too keen on the title. Had to convince him to bring you to our couples party."

Amber tapped her cup against the counter and with each hit Kagome felt her eyes twitch. "Kenyu said he's planning on giving you his grandmother's ring," she whispered then hurriedly added, "Not in an engagement way. Just some type of proposal to take the next step in your relationship."

"I wish Kenyu would be spontaneous like that," she grumbled looking down and twirling the cup. With a huff she left it to stand and gazed back up. "Did I say too much? It was a secret so act surprise when he gives it to you ok?"

With a bright smile she walked out the kitchen leaving Kagome to stare at the red plastic cups with its indented edges and bite marks along the rim. Gnawing her bottom lip to the point of drawing blood, she willed herself not to go into the other room and cause a scene.

Arms folded she briskly entered stepping over scattered paper cushion and made her way to the front door. Without a word she opened it and exited the house, the door banging shut putting an end to all the laughter.

Kagome didn't know the neighborhood or where she was heading, just that she had to get out of there. The night air was chilly and her cardigan barely did a good job at providing warmth, but she took little note of that.

Halfway down the street a hand on her shoulder and a soft hey what's wrong made her stop and turn to face anxious brown eyes.

"What happened?" Hojou tested softly.

Kagome swallowed down her anger and asked tersely, "Why did you bring me here tonight?"

Hojou's brows furrowed, "To hangout. I thought we were having a good time."

"Really?" she tilted her head, "That's not what Amy said. According to her this was your big night to introduce your girlfriend. Show me off to your stepford friends right?"

"Amy?"

"Amber,"

"You mean Allison?"

"Whatever!" Kagome exploded. "That's not the point! She said I was your girlfriend. That you wanted to give me some ring to propose some step in our relationship. Please tell me it's not true."

The fact that he couldn't look her in the face said it all. He wasn't a good liar, he knew it and so did she. It didn't even make sense to try.

Kagome gave an exasperated sigh and turned away. "I can't keep doing this Hojou. This back and forth argument on being your girlfriend, I thought you understood. You told me you understood."

Rubbing her forehead Kagome squeezed her eyes shut and snorted, "It's really taking a toll on me."

"On you?" Hojou repeated darkly. He looked up and she found anger instead of grief.

"How do you think I feel? We do all the things that couples do but you want to cheapen it. I'm left with feeling used while you frolic about without a care in the world. For one second, just grow up and call this what it is."

Kagome sneered, "You really think this is a relationship Hojou? Really?"

A soft breeze blew and he roughly swept the bangs out of his eyes. The solemn glare he held aged him.

"All we do is fuck. That's all."

Hojou hissed his teeth, "Wha—,"

"No Hojou listen to me." With a leveled stare she looked him in the eyes. "That's all. We're just friends that fuck. There's nothing else here."

Silence fell between them and guilt started to seep into Kagome.

"Sometimes," Hojou finally spoke, "sometimes I wonder what happened to you before me. Who messed you up so bad that you can't even recognize love when it's staring right in your face."

Like knives his words pierced her into silence.

"Or if you can even love somebody for that matter?" he chuckled quietly.

"This might not be a perfect relationship, I don't believe any are. But at least I was willing to try. At least I've been in serious relationships. It sounds to me like all you've been doing your whole life is fucking."

Clammy hands instinctively slapped across his cheeks. The impact stung and stunned them both.

"I deserved that," Hojou whispered eyes averted.

He sighed wistfully, "You're so guarded sometimes. I apologize."

"I should take you home."


This time around it was a standard typical black and white maid outfit. Totally appropriate and had a cut and a knee length that were family friendly. Up top they were buttoned all the way up. Kagome loved it. Rhea bitched about it all the way to the kitchen.

"You look very happy," Eris commented.

Twirling, Kagome held the ends of the frilled skirt and posed with an infectious smile. "I want to wear this all the time."

Eris laughed. Her tailored the same way save for a red bow tied at the neck. "Well this is only for special occasions."

"What's so special about tonight?" Kagome picked at the chocolate covered strawberry on the platter. The flavours exploded in her mouth and unconsciously she moaned her appreciation.

"Maybe we should dress you like this more often," Eris wondered, "Makes you more entertaining." She followed suit and plucked the smallest strawberry of the lot.

"I'm always entertaining," Kagome chewed.

Eris chuckled. The kitchen seemed busier than usual with more chefs on hand shouting orders.

"Bankotsu's hosting a masquerade banquet. He's been planning it for some time."

"With demons?"

"And humans."

Kagome giggled then paused, "I don't think a mask would go well with this though."

"Good cause we're not wearing any. Guest only."

"Bummer, I've always wanted to be like a cinderella at the ball."

"Cinderalla didn't have masks. She had a glass shoe."

"Really? Wasn't that snow white?"

"Ok now I'm really starting to worry about you."

Eris led her out and down the passage, all the way down, to a grand open space at the back of the house. Much like a ballroom the floor was smooth, shiny and clear. The decorations were elegant and tasteful with a light brown and gold them. The ceiling was high and breathtaking with abstract paintings and an on over the top chandelier.

Stepping forward Kagome twirled looking up. "It's definitely beauty and the beast this time."

"Exactly," Eris smiled.

They spoke lightly for a while as everyone around went to work with the preparations. Eris briefed her on the tonight, a basic holding tray and offering what's on the platter ordeal. Tonight's crowd was going to be large, about fifty to seventy guest. They left the glass doors open to pull air in and allow guest to take a stroll outside.

"They should be arriving any minute now," informed a gruff voice. They both turned and found blue eyes.

"Oyakata," Eris breathed, holding her skirt she gave a low dip with and bowed her head. Kagome paused then did the same.

Up close, he was gorgeous, flawless skin, and sporting chic champagne coloured jacket and tie. Bangs swept to the side, now she saw that the mark was a four pointed star and it fit him very well. Made his face more appealing by standing out.

Hands in front and folded by her legs, Eris gave him all her attention. Kagome looked around and tried to give them some form of privacy, and also not to stare. His voice was hushed and dishing out orders sounded more like requests now that they were alone.

Finished, he glanced at Kagome, probably just taking note of her. Quick on her feet Eris made the connection. "This is Star," she introduced softly with a gesture. "The new one you requested from Jakotsu."

Kagome gulped and did another curtsy because it gave her something to do. All he did was stare then turned back to Eris and with a curt nod walked away. Kagome sighed and stumbled on quivering knees.

"I think he likes you," Eris said staring at his retreating form. Her eyes were soft and for the briefest of seconds, reflected an emotion that Kagome didn't quite grasp.

Then just like that she clasped her hands and was off to giving out commands.

By the time guests started arriving a band of violinists and such had set up in the corner. Eris admitted that she stationed Rhea and another at the front with the task of greeting and handing out masks because she was simply tired of her complaining.

They came in single, in pairs and groups. All were dressed in shimmering clothes and the room began to pack with each passing minute. The masks were deep somber colours and look nothing like the plastic things Kagome had in mind. Some were adorned with feathers, some held against the face with sticks, the others with a band around the head.

The ambiance was elegant yet cheery. There were no boisterous laughs, instead soft, light airy ones. Deep, throbbing masculine ones. Some swayed to the instruments while they made conversation. Couples paired and danced.

It was so sophisticated and Kagome found herself yawning with boredom. The music sucked and she had no one to talk to. Apart from Eris, who had enough on her plate as is, she knew no one. The girls kept to themselves and so even though this was her most open job she felt isolated.

As she walked around, offering her platter of what she wished were pig in a blanket, she decided to play a game. Conversations were hushed so she couldn't eavesdrop without looking like an outright eavesdropper.

So behind the masks she tried guess what colour eyes they had. Then when that got boring she tried to guess who was human and who was not. Pointed ears, toothy grin and sharp nails were dead giveaways, but some blended in so well that she found herself second guessing. She had to rely on body language, the way the person carried himself or lower half facial expression and hand gestures. How broad their shoulders were versus their height. How smooth and pert the butt looked.

Yeah, stuff like that.

The night carried on and Kagome made her fifth trip back to the kitchen to change tray. A few girls had taken to serving outside but she preferred to be on safer grounds. Just as a precaution. There were so many people here that it could take hours to realize one person going unnoticed.

Circling the room she stopped by a group of men that signaled to her. They chuckled and nipped at the food with enthusiasm. To her right th silver masked guy gave a friendly smile. His hair was black, wavy and half pulled into and high ponytail. The loose curls ran down his shoulder and blended into his standard black and white suit that, with a closer inspection, had a mauve tie.

She returned the acknowledgement, mentally putting a tick and tally on the human side. When they were done she turned to leave not noticing the strategically outstretched foot.

Everything stopped and the next thing she knew was that she was on the ground. Her hands burned from the impact and her tray twirled loud, so loud, around and around until it finally came to a stop.

Her cheeks were aflame as her mind raced to catch up with what happened. In slow motions she saw her feet snag into something, and mid fall she released a small, she hoped and prayed, tiny yelp as she went tumbling down. The crab cakes flew up into the air, landing on those around. The area slowly parted and people turned to look as her body thudded onto the floor, hip first then shoulder, as she landed on her side.

Slowly she sat up, hissing softly. Murmurs surrounded her and a loud shriek drew her attention to the lady ahead. Crab cakes tangled in her hair, the sauce dripping down her face and landing on her crimson red mask that very much matched her lips that were quivering in shock.

Kagome meant to say something, an apology or even beg forgiveness, but she found herself stuck, embarrassed and alone on the floor. Hands on her shoulder helped her to stand and Kagome looked up to find Eris. With a quick apology she carried Kagome out of the room.

In the kitchen Kagome leaned against the counter for support as Eris made for the cupboards. When she came back Kaome found her voice, "I'm so sorry."

Eris nodded curtly and presented the envelope. Kagome looked at it and a sense of dread seeped in. "It was an accident honestly."

"I know," Eris replied though her voice showed no compassion.

"Are you mad at me?" Kagome whispered. "Am I fired?"

Everything had been going to well. Earlier they were joking and laughing but now there was an underlying tension.

"When we go downstairs I won't accept any excuses."

Eris took her work very seriously and Kagome quickly realized that she wasn't the only one embarrassed on the floor. Eris lift a tray of champagne glasses and sighed dismissively, "Just go home."

Kagome watched as she walked out the door and soon after limped her way to the front, envelope squeezed in her hand.


She totally expected the call from Jakostu the next day and on her way there Kagome prepared her speech. She refused to beg for something that clearly was an accident, an intentional one at that, she realized after playing the scene over and over in her head.

If anything they should apologize to her, she thought as the cart drove pass the fountain. This time Jin's silence was very welcome. After putting her through such an ordeal, embarrassing her, snickering at her and causing her physical harm.

They should grovel at her feet with money as compensation. Pay off her bills, student loan and hospital bill to get her shoulder checked. It still tingled at the touch, not to mention her hip. Warm bath did shit to help.

With determined strides she bypassed Jin to knock on the office door with solid force. The soft buzz granted her entrance and Yura once again bested her to have the first comment.

"Sit."

When Kagome stalled she narrowed her eyes and pointed to the couch, "Now."

Deflating slightly, Kagome did as told. Tapping her low heel on the carpet she waited and watched as Yura typed. A minute or so, Kagome really couldn't tell because her pumped up mood made everything happen pass by quickly, Yura gave the go ahead.

At the door Kagome stopped and breathed deep to collect herself. Focused, composed and ready she opened the door.

The room was bright from natural light that shined in through glass doors. The furniture was out of place, rearranged since her last visit. The desk now faced the windows with the two chairs in front, one occupied. The coffee table was no longer behind the door, instead to the left of the room. For a brief second she wondered if Jakotsu believed in office fung shway.

The person in the seat turned at the sound of the door opening. It was a lady with pale porcelain skin that contrasted with her big round dark glasses that took up half her face. On her lips was a ruby, crimson red colour that alerted Kagome to who she was. Crab cake lady.

"You can come in," Jakotsu's voice rang softly from the other side of the room.

Kagome shut the door while he sauntered behind the desk. Today he wore a white kimono with rich purple embroidery. Sitting he gestured to the empty seat in front, beside crab cakes.

A little ambushed, as she only expected to speak to Jakostu, maybe even Eris or Bankotsu, Kagome sat quietly and gave the lady a nod.

Jakotsu opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a soft feminine voice, one that sounded even lighter than his. "It's amazing," crab cakes breathed gaze still focused on Kagome, "I still can't believe it." Her voice held a sense of mirth and wonder.

"Look I'm sorry about last night ok," Kagome blurted then mentally kicked herself for doing what she swore she wouldn't do. This is why rich people felt superior, she thought grudgingly, because they always succeed in bullying people with their airs.

Crab cakes chuckled and removed her glasses.

Big brown doll like eyes stared back at her, much like her. Too much like hers.

"It's like staring into a mirror isn't it," Jakotsu whispered.

The same shaped face tapering down to an identical small pointed chin. Same small nose and soft cheeks. Even both their foreheads were covered in bangs though Kagome's was a bit more unruly.

Her reflection moved forward and took hold of both her hands. The touch was cool and the alabaster against cream had an unusual appeal.

"My doppelganger," it breathed. "My twin. My double."

Kagome gazed, entranced by her own stare.

"Bear my children."


Music:

Skepta - Rolex Sweep (Vandalism Remix)

Grinderman - No Pussy Blues (Adam Freeland Remix)

Giselle - Crave You (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix)

Meaning:

Oyakata - Master/Father Figure ( A Provider)

A/N:

Not sure I like how this chapter came out, but i had some free hours and this popped out.

But yes now we're finally getting to the whole premise of the story, hopefully the title starts to make sense.

My first club scene and cliffhanger/shocker, i feel proud.

Also like i'm really starting to push myself here with this long ass chapter.

Please review and let me know if you guys like it. Is it too drawn out, boring whatever. Just let me know.

I welcome critiques as long as its not flames.

Please excuse all grammatical errors.