Author's Note: Do not own Inuyasha, but I do own this story.
Sorry for the delay in the re-write everyone! I am writing while at work. My goal is to have everything rewritten by next Friday then I can continue to story. For past readers, the re-write definitely have changes and is worth the read.
I appreciate all of the comments, opinions, and criticism. Thank you all for reading!
Behind Closed Eyes
Chapter 3
A Meeting With The Boss
Kagura was sobbing in Kagome's arms, unable to answer the question. No words would come out of her mouth.
"Please Kagura," Kagome pleaded.
"He-said-he-didn't-want me," She said through her sobs.
"Oh no honey... What happened? I thought you were going to ask him out. You even said he seemed to like you."
It took a few moments for Kagura to gain her composure enough to talk clearly, "I lied, I just wanted him so badly. But, when I asked him on a date, he turned me down and said I was dishonorable."
Kagome kissed the girl's head and got up to get the coffee. Two cups poured, she walked back to the couch and handed one to the other woman. The sat in silence for a few minutes while Kagome gathered her thoughts and Kagura calmed down enough to drink the coffee. Voices were coming from outside of her door, leading her to check the time. 0800. The office was beginning to fill with people, all here for their daily grind. The noise reminded her that she had quarterly reviews to type up for a presentation to her boss on personnel and productivity in her department.
"Kagura?" Kagome called for the other woman's attention.
"Yes ma'am?"
"Take your time to compose yourself and then make your way back to your desk. I have to take care of a few things before stepping out of the office."
This will give me a reason to talk to Sesshomaru. I will go find him later so not to incite suspicion about my intentions. She mused.
Kagura nodded and stood to make her leave, ignoring the request. Kagome placed a reassuring hand on her arm and easily pulled her back down to the couch. Kagome stood and made her way to the neatly organized desk to turn on her computer. Sitting in the chair, she pulled out a singular file to work on and opened it to read her notes. Most of the other department heads insisted they needed someone to help with composing the files and numbers, but she found it too much of a hassle to constantly have another body doing the same work and having to talk circles around the subject.
The file laid out the possibility of a merger. Every department within the company was working on a similar file. There were actually quite a few of the same files within each department. One file to present to Tengu Corp to show that we are the best company to buy their bankrupted company. Another file to prep all employees in a department on the merger and their roles before during and after we have acquired their departments and employees. The last file was completely internal and only for privileged eyes to show research and development aspects specific for each department. Inuyasha has it the easiest, only working on graphic design for all of this. Her mind was absolutely not on the work of the day.
Every time she began to read the file, her mind wandered. This morning was a disaster. She did not want to have any confrontation with him. She had worked so hard since high school to have better composure and to handle her hot-headedness. This whole situation with Inuyasha was testing her years of growth and almost caused her to lose control this morning. It might be time to take a trip home. I think I need to visit the shrine.
She sighed heavily and closed the file on her desk to move her attention over to the computer screen. Pulling up the annual review folder she open a single file and picked up where she left off. This was one of the tasks she considered especially tedious as it had brought many faults to her attention and even had to replace people based on their performance reviews. Hiring and training new personnel was such a tiring task when there were other responsibilities that could have her attention. Catherine Michaels. She was sent over from the American branch eight months ago to be another educated brain within the product research team. This was a temporary assignment for her and it would end at twenty-four months. Her review, in Kagome's opinion, should happen more frequently if it was allowed because of how high her importance and recommendation was from overseas.
Kagome reread the first page, reviewing her original input and ensuring that nothing had changed. Attendance: Excellent. No missed days since first day scheduled on site. Her attendance was outstanding and she even made it a point to come in early or stay late. It was still early on in this project for her, however, and that could change. Enthusiasm: Very good. Could make more of an effort to understand coworkers. Team work: Very good. Obviously prefers an independent work environment, but attempts to contribute to the team. Should work with the team to come to a conclusion instead of finding the conclusion and presenting it to the team.
There were two more categories on the first page that Kagome still agreed with before moving to the second page. She checked the clock 0930. Time was passing quickly, where did the last two hours of work go? Looking away from the computer, she realize Kagura had left the office and shut her office door behind her. She stood to open the office door, liking to give the appearance of approachability even if no one took her up on the offer. Kagura was sitting at her desk, going through what looked like Kagome's schedule.
"Is everything alright, Ms. Higurashi?" the smile she plastered on her face far from reaching her eyes.
"Yes it is Kagura," Kagome returned the smile. Feeling like her mind was in a fish bowl, she needed to take a walk. "Do I have any appointments before lunch?"
"No ma'am, it looks like your next appointment for today is for the Tengu Corp review this afternoon," Kagura tapped her pencil on the desk while reading over the schedule.
"Thank you," Kagome turned to walk back in her office, "I am going to take a quick stroll. I have my cellphone is anyone needs to get in touch with me." She went back into the office to grab her purse and made her way towards the elevator at the far end of the building after closing her office door.
Most people looks up from their desks when she walked by, some greeted her politely. She noticed many people click out of programs on the computers and begin to look busy. I have to remember to make notes of each individual's productivity and lack thereof as I walk through. The elevator on the south end of the building was rarely used by any ranking official in any of the departments since they all parked in the north end garage where the assigned parking was. It was not nearly as well kept and obviously only used by employees where no one from outside of the company would see it. The doors opened and she stepped in, pressing the '1' button and waiting for the ride down.
Her mind was all over the place. Would she try to go to the house after work or stay somewhere else? She had a couple changes of clothes packed neatly in her car in case of a business outing after work and would not immediately need to go back to the house. She could always take an extended lunch tomorrow and go by the house. Tomorrow could even become a 'sick day' and she could meet hired movers at the house and go apartment hunting with Sango. She would call Sango tonight and together they would come up with a plan. The entire situation with Inuyasha was tiring and draining her of energy.
The elevator hit the first floor and she stepped out, making her way out of the back door in search of the nearest café. The sun was shining today, no sight of rain in the clouds and the birds' songs were mixed with the sounds of traffic. She inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh air, looking up at the clouds.
"Oohhff" The air was taken from her, her pace stopped. She looked up and was met with softened golden eyes that did nothing to show the elder man's age. "I am so sorry Mr. So'unga." She stepped back and bowed at the waist, trying to show her respect and apology all in one.
"Ms. Higurashi, you are out of the office early," Mr. So'unga pointed out with a polite smile.
"Yes sir, I was heading out for a cup of coffee; it would seem I am out of supplies in my office. This will not happen again. My apologies." She stayed bent at the waist, silently praying that she could keep his wrath from her person.
"Your behavior is far too formal for a woman who lives with my youngest son," Her eyes shot up to meet his and blushed. He brushed a loose strand of silver hair behind his pointed almost human ears.
"Again, I apologize. I leave my personal life at home when coming to the office."
"Smart woman, I knew there was more than one reason you have made it as far as you have. So very successful for a woman of your age."
She stood straight and smiled politely at him, "I hope you have a great day sir, I am sure we will talk more at the afternoon meet."
They exchanged polite farewells and she went about her way, extremely embarrassed and slightly curious. He is rarely out of the office, I wonder what he was doing on a stroll outside. The Father of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, Inutashio So'unga, was one of the oldest inuyoukai in the world, having lived through the mass eradication and discrimination of youkai everywhere. Centuries ago he ruled the western lands and was known to be the most powerful king of them all. Now he led a multiple chain company that researches and developments medicine while also advising the leader of the country. There were many other smaller activities that the company had a hand in but none that were even close in recognition by the world.
Out of his two sons, Sesshomaru was very obviously goes to follow his father and take over the company one day and he was highly feared even though women everywhere fawned over him. Inuyasha, on the other hand, was very out of tune with the workings as a whole and was better suited to focus on one department. However, Inuyasha still had not gained the ability to run the entire department and had not even made it to vice-president. Kagome had made it to Vice president of her department within four years of entering the company and there was talk that she would earn another promotion within the year.
It was great to see the elder youkai's happiness with her and she feared that would change when he found out about the separation. In her rational mind, she knew that the elder male would understand immediately and not fault her for her decision. Her sporadic and emotion mind was terrified that she would have to look for a new job. She had worked too hard to be kicked to the curve and she would fight for her job if she had to.
The smell of coffee and pastries brought her out of her stupor and her eyes found the café. Perfect. She crossed the street with the cross sign blinking, telling her it would change soon. Quickly, she made her way inside and order a large coffee with her oversized cinnamon roll and departed the café to make her way back to the office. The walk had done her little good. She made a goof of herself to the biggest boss in the office and that had led her to think of both of his sons and her job! She had not given one bit of consideration to what she would do about her living situation and about her personal belongings.
Actually, I feel more relieved now that I have given the situation even less thought. She would need more time to think about what she would do with her personal belongings, but that was a conversation and lunch that could wait until later. Her purse vibrated against her side. Ignoring it, she continued on to walking around the outside of the building while drinking her coffee. She finished the cinnamon roll is a few bites, found a trashcan for her napkin and walked into the front door of the company.
The north end elevator was in much better condition with shining chrome, magenta and silver carpet and smelling of fresh flowers. The door slid open and she stepped inside, admiring the detail of the carpet before hitting the button for her floor. She was going to put her purse down before stepping up a few floors to attempt a conversation.
The elevator came to a stop and she looked up. The number read 5, not her floor. She stepped to the side for whoever was getting on and went back to her internal musings, finding that her decisions were leaning more towards that is my fucking house too, I should not have to leave until I get settled somewhere else. The door slid open and she was able to control her almost vocal gasp. His silver hair caught the light to shine against the metal of the door and his golden amber eyes seemed to burn into her soul. She suddenly was at a loss of thought. Why was she going to go talk to him?
"Good morning Mr. So'unga," Kagome bowed slightly at the waist with her greeting. I can see why he is the talk of the office. I wonder why I never noticed before.
"Ms. Higurashi." He stepped into the car dressed in black slacks and a white dress shirt, his assistant behind him.
She knew demons had different ranks and abilities, most outlawed years ago, but she never did quite understand why they chose to use such wear and distasteful glamour over being themselves. The small toad-like appearance of the assistant had glamour that did nothing to hide his true form. It would seem the only thing that changed was his skin color and height. He was still covered with bumps and disproportionate. The pen in his hand was moving across the paper attached to his clipboard, taking note of whatever was said before the doors had opened. He stood on the opposite side of the elevator with her boss in the middle facing the door.
"I would like a word with you, if you are not too busy sir," she tried to hide her nervousness behind politeness.
"I am leaving for lunch, make it quick." Everyone knew he was well breed with the best schooling and teachers they could find, but his ability to be rude startled her. She didn't realize how late it was.
"I am sorry to disrupt you on your way I—" She was cut off by a glance in her direction.
"Make it quick."
The elevator doors opened to her floor but she did not move to get off. Kagura was standing across the hallway talking to another employee. She locked eyes with Kagome, immediately looking at the floor and turning away. Kagome watched the elevator doors shut and the ascent continued towards his office.
"How many business meetings do you have that involve Inuyasha?"
His head remained angled towards the door, "None."
"Oh," she was right about where he was last night, but she knew that already. The conformation was unnecessary. "Kagura told me what happened, and I am sorry to be so forward, but why would you say that to her knowing she has to come to work. She's no use in my office if she's torn to pieces."
Her ruthlessness on the subject shocked him but he kept his emotionless facade.
"Humph." The elevator opened on his floor and he stepped out, "Was that all?"
"Yes, sir," She bowed slightly at the waist and waited for the door to slide shut again.
"I need notes on the research of the latest tech project we have in place at our America branch," his sudden words shocked her into an upright position.
"Yes, sir. I will leave them on your desk while you are at lunch."
"I need them now."
"If I may be so bold, I will join you for lunch and we can talk over the most recent reports."
"Garage. Ten minutes." The door began to slide shut and she could hear his assistant making comments about lunching with humans and the dishonor of it with his high rank and prestige.
The elevator ride back to her floor passed quickly and she stepped out before the door finished the slow slide open. Kagura was nearby, obviously anticipating Kagome's return to the floor. Kagome continued on her way towards her office, feeling the other woman's presence following behind her.
"Kagura, are there any messages or appointments that came in last minute? Anything that needs my attention before I step out to lunch?"
"No ma'am," a question was hanging in the air between them and it made Kagome anxious.
"Ummm… Kagome?"
"Yes?"
"Are you going to lunch with Sesshomaru?"
"We have to go over the American tech reports that were faxed in last night after I had left for the day." There was no need for an explanation, she was the boss after all but she felt bad for Kagura's breaking heart.
There was an audible release of relieved air behind her. Kagura left her to sit back down at her desk and begin typing again on the computer. Kagome went into her office, grabbed the large file that was composed by her people and left again, making her way down to the garage. She pulled out her cell phone from her purse. Three missed calls, two voicemails, and four text messages. She opened the missed calls first and decided to ignore the voicemails when she saw that Inuyasha had called. All of the text messages were from Sango; apologizing for her heart break, confirming their lunch tomorrow, and two slideshows of different apartments.
She stepped out of the elevator, immediately greeted by his assistant. He led her to the silver Hummer, idling in wait for her with Sesshomaru behind the wheel. The door was opened and she said her thanks before sinking into the black leather seats. The silence that stretched between them was comfortable as they pulled out of the parking garage. Uncertain where to start the conversation with her mind still outside of her work, she remained quiet and let the silence stretch.
The silence followed them through the car ride and into a driveway of a small aged house. He exited the vehicle and uncertain what to do, she followed. His long legs carried him much quicker to the house than her shorter legs. He had bounded up the steps in a graceful glide before she had made it half way across the lawn. A swift knock on the door and they were greeted with a pleasant smile of a short elderly woman dressed in the traditional red hakama and white kimono shirt of a miko. Kagome recognized the woman immediately; she would come to her family's shrine and help her grandfather frequently. She was also the woman who raised the woman who had complete power over her now ex.
"Good afternoon Kaede!" Kagome threw her arms around the older woman who much love and appreciation.
"Kagome! I have missed ye. Ye spend too much time working and not enough time with ye family." Kaede knew and understood the demands of her job and spoke in a joking tone.
"I miss you and my family, one day soon I will be over there to help grandfather. He told me he is saving the well house just for me." She could feel her smile finally reaching her eyes and was immediately glad that she had joined Sesshomaru for lunch.
The elder woman turned her attention after the man who had already walked himself into her home. He had rounded a corner when there was a high pitched squeal and the patter of feet on the floor. Kagome followed Kaede around the corner to witness a young human child, possibly 5, wrap her arms around Sesshomaru's right leg.
"Yay! Sesshomaru is back early." The child exclaimed.
"I am just on lunch to transport you back to the house." He sounded so cold and it caused Kagome's heart to hurt for the little girl. She was obviously so attached and loved him so dearly.
"AW! Rin never sees Sesshomaru anymore!"
"It is not polite to complain about your life, you must remain grateful for all things." He looked down at the girl and Kagome could have sworn she saw emotion, "Inukimi would like to spend time with you, Rin."
"Yes sir, Rin is sorry." Rin's smile did not falter. She released his leg and ran about the room, obviously gathering her belongings within a backpack.
Sesshomaru turned towards the two women; Kagome was stunned to see him interacting with a human child and even more surprised that he had responsibility for her. He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his wallet. The wallet was either new or in pristine condition because she could smell that it was real leather and was without wear in the folds and seams. He handed a prewritten check to Kaede and began to leave. Rin was right on his heels, having gathered all of her items within her fox backpack. Her black hair and yellow dress bounced with each of her steps. Such a happy little girl. How could she get along with such a grouch!
"Rin is Rin," the little girl smiled up at Kagome, once they reached the large vehicle.
"I am Kagome. Nice to meet you Rin."
"Kagome is very pretty."
"Thank you Rin." Kagome returned the smile, "You are very beautiful."
Sesshomaru opened the back door on the passenger side to lift Rin into her car seat. Buckle snapped into place, he walked around and slid into the driver side. Kagome was in the passenger seat in a flash, buckled and ready to get back to work. She had decided that this was a bad decision and should have just left the papers with him before he left. She was confused and hurt to know so little about Inuyasha's family yet he had claimed to love her so. They pulled out of the driveway and onto the main road, driving towards the more rural part of the city.
"Did you bring everything that was sent over?" His sudden words startled her so much that she physically jumped in the seat. He was watching her out of the corner of his eye.
"Yes, though I have not taken the time to look it over yet." She was mentally counting to ten to calm down, "over the past few months that have made many advances applying and reducing basic magic to science. We are very lucky to have a branch over there with the American laws leniency of youkai kind."
They really were lucky. Japanese laws had so many restrictions on youkai and their natural basic magical abilities that Sesshomaru's father opened up a branch in America to research and develop magical accessories that would benefit the lowest ranking youkai who were unable to leave restricted lands because they could not control their senses. The research would mean that all youkai could walk around, seeming human, and would not accidently hurt a person with their aura.
"Where did we stand with the last report?"
"The scientists had just finished their first artificial magic band for the trial."
The researchers at the lab had first discovered that they could create these bands with magic many years ago. It was in a recent study that they discovered they could break down magic into basic science. The past five years within the American lab had been spent rebuilding the properties of the broken down magic to make an accessory for the youkai without having to obtain a powerful miko to perform the spell.
"Has the time between the two reports been enough to have an accurate trial run of the band?"
"Unfortunately, no. They would need to not only conduct a short term but also a long term trial run inside of a restricted area and among normal civilization. This report should contain the results from the short term trial."
"Hmph," That ended the conversation and prompted her to open the waiting file to read the reports.
She could see the wrought iron gate up the road blocking a long driveway and realized she had done very little reading. She vaguely had the concept of the reports but her mind had gone to tonight. What am I going to do about tonight? They pulled up, he punched in a code, and they continued on their way. Oh my, the house is beautiful. She was in amazement of the beauty of the place and slightly upset that Inuyasha had never brought her here. Her thoughts traveled to him. He never took me with him for any family event. She was realizing that dating for many years before an engagement really meant nothing to him. All of those lost years were really damaging her soul with all of the lost time and wasted moment. They all mean nothing to him.
"Come." He was so short with people, she realized.
He parked the car in front of the brick steps leading up to the double doors of the house. Rin had stayed quiet the whole ride and Kagome turned to see the girl was sleeping peacefully with her head resting against the side of the door. Sesshomaru opened his car door, causing Rin to immediately wake up alert and unbuckling herself. Kagome followed suit and they were walking into the house through the large dark mahogany doors before she had time to take in the front flower beds.
She realized they were on private property where youkai could be without glamour when a maid appeared with her pointed furry ears and large fluffy tail in full view. She had to be a hanyou though Kagome had never seen one with a tail before. No one ever said much about the ears of any youkai or hanyou, but tails were a little harder to ignore.
"Rin, go with Kikuko to get changed." He motioned her towards the maid, "We will be having lunch in the kitchen. Kikuko, tell them to leave the car; we will be leaving after lunch."
The maid bowed deeply and departed with Rin at her side. The brief interaction allowed Kagome to admire the high ceiling. It is like it touches the heavens. She could barely see the point where one angle connected with the other to make the point of the house. She could, however, see the marvelous chandelier. The hanging ornament was lit up and all of the little dangling crystals were sparking and making rainbows on the floor. There was a door under the stairs and one on each side. There were openings on each side of the room as soon as one would walk into the house. There was a mirror at the top of the stairs with a table holding a beautiful flower arrangement. I feel out of place.
Sesshomaru turned and swiftly left towards his destination. Kagome had to almost job to keep up with his long strides. Everything about the house was gorgeous. The colors very openly said 'this is the So'unga house'. Silvers, magentas, golds, and blacks. The floor was black marble, pictures of an ancient long lost japan adorned the wall, grey walls to compliment the marble and rugs covered walking room and muffled footsteps. She was in amazement at the beauty. There were many antiques rest on dark wood tables against walls and fresh flowers in oriental vases. When he turned to gaze to Sesshomaru once again, she caught the very ends of his hair turning into an open room. Delicate scents of cooked beef and buttered bread seeped through the open doorway to her. It was heavenly.
She walked into the room and found the small kitchen table set for three with plates already compiled of the lunch they were to eat. When did he have time to notify them of an extra guest? She sat across from him at the table and waited for him to begin eating and then she followed suit. They ate in silence, Rin joining them about halfway through their meal. Once they were through, he opened the door for conversation-strictly about work.
"I imagine you brought the folder inside." He moved their plates away to give space for the papers.
"Yes," She opened the folder and laid out the papers between them. "It would seem that the trial was not successful. Out of the ten subjects, all adults and all males with the same youkai ranking and abilities, eight had a negative almost allergic reaction to the magic. This is an artificial substance that is replacing a natural earthy magic that everyone is accustomed. It will probably take many more years to perfect the technology."
"Hm." He began reading the files, "Ensure they are following the proper procedures. Each negative reaction needs to have an answer. We also need to have an answer for the positive reaction. Why did only two people have positive results while the others reacted so violently?"
"Yes sir." She pulled out a pen from a pocket and scribbled a note on the pages.
"You asked me of Inuyasha, knowing my answer." He spoke while her head was still down. She refused to raise it, knowing her emotions would give way.
"Yes sir, I did, but it is not of importance any longer." Her voice crack. God damn-it!
"If you insist," Could he really be so calloused as to sweep her feelings away? "Yet you seem distraught about whatever caused you to ask the question."
"Why did you really turn Kagura away?" She was avoiding the conversation.
"She is of Naraku's blood and that in itself is dishonorable. He has been competition for many, many years and it is unsettling that she decided to leave his company to come work with us." He was offering more explanation that she ever thought she would hear. "Now, Inuyasha."
"He proposed two years ago but never stopped seeing Kikyo. He used you as his excuse to stay out all night with her and come to the house drunk." All her fears were coming true, she was going to cry in front of the boss about his brother.
"Crying will not help you to feel better. Come, we must return to work." He was standing already and had begun to gather the files.
They made their way to his vehicle after saying their good-byes to Rin who was left in the care of Kikuko. The rumble of the hummer's engine reached her aching heart as she sat with her eyes plastered outside of the vehicle. She was unaware of his looks and even further from knowing his thoughts. She could not decide if he was trying to show kindness to her or just prevent her from messing up at work. She inhaled deeply and counted to ten.
He wondered when it would ever be right, when he could talk to her freely. She had been working in his company for five years now and he had watched her mature from 21 to 26. He had watched her work so hard and enjoyed every minute of it. The promotions he gave her in hopes of her talking to him, but she never came up to thank him, she only sent his messenger back to him with a new message. He had admired her strength and pride in every aspect of the life he was shown. He had admired her even when she began dating Inuyasha in high school, going against the grain regardless of the ridicule. Then they became engaged and he knew Inuyasha had never given up Kikyo and that Inuyasha wanted to have them both. He had never told her and now regretted it.
"If there is nothing too terribly important going on, I would like to take tomorrow and possibly Friday off. I know it is last minute, but I would like to find a new place to live before the weekend." She still did not turn to look at him.
"Tomorrow, I am unable to come into the office. I will accompany you." There was no request, it was a statement. She could feel the energy coming off of him and knew he would not budge from his decision.
"Yes sir." She took a business card from her purse and placed it into the cup holder between them.
He watched her do it, knowing that it was pointless because he had all of the personnel records with current phone numbers, but did not stop her. He was happy that he thought of him enough to give out her number, even if it was such a small motion. She sniffled quietly, but he could hear it.
"I have a spare room at the house. Stay at the house tonight. I will go with you to gather clothes tonight." And that was the end of the conversation. The rest of the car ride was in silence.