InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Universe of Illusions ❯ Chapter 3 Shikon Institute ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter 3: Shikon Institute

 

“Look this way, Kagome.”

 

“Now this way, Kagome.”

 

“Please smile, Kagome.”

 

“Miss Higurashi, do you use products from Shikon Cosmetics?”

 

Before Kagome had a chance to answer, Sesshoumaru hastily answered the reporters for her.

 

“Of course, as a model, her career depends on her appearance. Hence, what other product could she use?”

 

Kagome continued to smile broadly, although she had to draw on her professionalism to acquire it. She had been moved onto a platform with a great reproduction of Shikon Cosmetics products on the set and before her, stood the media and executives from the Shikon firm. Feeling like a puppet with Sesshoumaru as her puppeteer she smiled like an idiot.

 

She couldn't deny she had been dressed in an outfit that was spectacular; the skirt made of white chiffon with undertones in rose and metallic gold stitching, the bodice consisted of a simple gathered and crossed strips of the same material tied at the neck and back, leaving her midriff baring the provocative sight of her navel. Her tights had the same undertone, though almost transparent.

 

The contract specified that the model was obligated to dress according to the dictations of the campaign manager for Shikon, something Sesshoumaru hadn't failed to remind her while hearing her protests. This said a lot of what she signified to him: a body, a face, and half a yard of onyx mane, simple means to sell a product. Nonetheless, it was too late to back out; a substantial part of the advance was already destined to cover the spending to her mother's credit card and pay the second installment for her brother's registration.

 

The Press Conference Sesshoumaru had summoned was taking place at the elegant Mayfair hall of the Shikon Institute. The gathering had awoken a mass interest, even beyond the stretched confines of the world of fashion, now that its predecessors had triumphed in Hollywood once finalizing the contract, and another had been married recently to an aristocrat. Everyone was impatient to learn who would be the successor.

 

“Will you be assisting the presentation of the new collection in Paris for this year, Kagome?” a female reported inquired.

 

“Kagome is already engaging with a designer” the campaign manager stated, “and, of course, her contract with Shikon does not hinder from walking the catwalks of Paris, or, for example, on the cover of Vogue. Although we do have our preferences, I believe we will have her excessively busy.”

 

“Do you have a beau, Higurashi?”

 

“I don't have any prospects at the moment.” she answered before Sesshoumaru could do it for her.

 

“What is the product from Shikon Cosmetics you like the most?”

 

Sesshoumaru let her know she could reply to that question with a look from his eyes. Unfortunately, he hadn't bothered to demonstrate to her any of the products from the new line for what he was responsible to promote, and that she, personally, considered too expensive.

 

“I believe a hydrating cream is always a good investment for a woman.” Kagome responded smiling.

 

That amiable commentary appeared to appeal to everyone. The rest of the questions were referred to the campaign which Sesshoumaru took cared of. Some of the photographers wanted to take additional shots to which Kagome consented. At least they constituted an opportunity to appear on the pages of current events and not just fashion magazines.

 

Finally, Sesshoumaru ended the conference with the reporters.

 

“Thank you very much, Ladies and Gentlemen. At the back you can pick up a printed press copy where you can find any information you are interested in regards to the Shikon Girl campaign.

 

When all began to abandon the hall, Kagome relaxed and released a small sigh of relief. Sesshoumaru sent her a smile and offered her a hand to help her climb off the platform.

 

“Tired?”

 

“Absolutely.” she responded removing her hand.

 

“Well, you still have another hour of work. There is a reception for the executives of Shikon. The manager had told me he wishes to meet you.” he informed her.

 

While speaking, his golden gazed traveled the expanse of Kagome's curves without concealment. A subtle reminder, though she didn't needed one, she belonged completely to her buyer.

 

“I think he divorced for the third time a few weeks ago; consequently, if you play your cards right, you could become the fourth Lady Ishimura.” Sesshoumaru teased. “Or perhaps it would be the fifth? I am afraid this Sesshoumaru has lost count.”

 

Kagome addressed him with a heated glare, and preferred not to respond to his taunt. It was the first time they saw each other since she signed the contract. Since that time, she had been able to clear thing up in regards of her feelings for him. She couldn't continue to lie to herself pretending she felt nothing for him. It was evident there was an immense physical attraction between them, too real to ignore. And Kagome very sure he knew he also felt it as well, in spite of not giving the least indication he remembered their first meeting.

 

While the last of the reporters left the hall, an editor of a magazine for the youth, a red head wearing pendants that looked like spare parts of a Harley Davidson, came by the dais and glanced at Kagome without hiding her disdain.

 

“`I believe a hydrating cream is always a good investment for a woman'” she repeated to her companion with clear intentions of having Kagome overhear. “What a small empty head!”

 

Kagome felt extremely bothered. Once again she was forced to listen to opinions of irritating stereotype remarks that reflected off of models with the brain of a mosquito. She should have known that coming to the conference meant being ready to be treated as if her intelligence quotient was just as small as the size of the dress she was currently wearing.

 

However, Sesshoumaru didn't give her the opportunity to present a different image. Kagome's roll was clear, she was to only concern herself with looking her best and leave the talking to him.

 

Sesshoumaru noticed the effect that comment from the red head had caused on Kagome.

 

“I supposed you heard that. You should not let it bother you, she is just jealous.” he tried to comfort in his own way.

 

“Well, I don't care.” replied Kagome giving him a frigid stare. “But maybe it should bother you. I don't think it is good for Shikon to have people believing that the models working for the company are empty headed.”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded, recognizing she did have a point.

 

“What do you suggest?” he asked in a tone belaying his amusement. “An appearance at a talent show on the television?”

 

“There is no need to exaggerate.” said Kagome dryly. “Just permitting me to answer a few questions would be sufficient.”

 

“I believe I did.”

 

“You only allowed me to respond to two questions. And I had to lie on one.” she reminded him.

 

“Ah, and which one of the two was that?”

 

Kagome smiled maliciously. Finally she had achieved to egg him. She offered Sesshoumaru her back as she quickened her steps toward the first floor where the reception was taking place, but he managed to grab her arm.

 

“Which one?” Sesshoumaru insisted his eyes narrowed.

 

She returned a defiant glance. Sesshoumaru was grasping her arm painfully but she wasn't about to plea to him to let her go.

 

“Why do you want to know? Could it be you are jealous, Matsuki-sama?”

 

Sesshoumaru laughed, but released her arm.

 

“You have signed a very lucrative contract. And you will not have the time to tend to your boyfriend. When we are traveling, I do not want you daydreaming over some lover you left at home.” Sesshoumaru warned.

 

Kagome suppressed the outburst from her ire that those words had provoked, and shrugging she reassured.

 

“There won't be any problems.”

 

“I am glad to hear that.”

 

At that moment, the jovial voice of the manager of Shikon, Myouga Ishimura interrupted their arguments.

 

“Greetings Sesshoumaru-sama, we have been waiting for you. It is not polite of you to keep the new Shikon Girl all to yourself, you know? If you do not introduce me, I am going to have Ami-san do it for me.”

 

“I am sure you don't need any introductions, Lord Ishimura.” Ami stated as she moved closer to him.

 

He sported a navy three-piece suit with a vertical striped vest giving him a serious and elegant aspect, and a gathered silk scarf around his neck. Next to Myouga, and due to the contrast, Kagome felt the unpleasant sensation of being almost naked.

 

The manager handed his hand.

 

“It is a pleasure to meet you, dear. You have carried yourself marvelously in middle of this entire muddle. I have been observing you have not stopped from smiling a single moment.” Looking at Sesshoumaru, he added, “You have made an excellent selection, Sesshoumaru-sama. An excellent selection.”

 

“I have no doubt,” Sesshoumaru agreed, “Higurashi-san was the best adapted to our requisites.”

 

“That is right. She possesses an exquisite beauty, a true work of art.” complemented the manager.

 

Kagome gritted her teeth. Myouga was appraising like he was thinking to add her to his collection of master pieces. Though she couldn't blame him, in reality it was all Sesshoumaru's doings, the little garb he had picked for her left very little to the imagination, any man with eyes could see that. Summing up what little dignity the damn dress permitted, Kagome straightened up and accepted the manager's hand.

 

“Arigatou gasaimazu, Ishimura-dono.” she thanked with a confidence far from really feeling. “I am very happy to participate in such an exiting campaign.”

 

“Exciting? Hai, the truth is, it really is.” Myouga concurred entwining her arm with his own. “In Shikon, we must conserve our reputation. We are only pleased with the best, spare no expense. Spare no expense.”

 

Feigning laughter to his compliment, Kagome turned to see Ami capturing Sesshoumaru's attention. She felt a sudden disappointed difficult to describe.

 

Suddenly, a memory crossed her mind, a vivid image of times when the money seemed to grow on trees. She saw herself holding a large wad of yen before Sesshoumaru to pay for the first photo session in her life. With the experienced, Kagome learned that photographers don't work with silly little girls walking in from the streets, little did it matter how much they were willing to pay. There was no doubt now, Sesshoumaru Matsuki had wanted to teach her a lesson.

 

“Well, allow me to be your escort to the reception.” carried on the Shikon manager. “The food is exquisite; you must try some. I hope the watching of your figure will not hinder this opportunity.”

 

“Oh no,” Kagome said, “the truth is, after today activities I am quite famished.”

 

“Excellent!”

 

The reception was taking place in an elegant hall lined in wood and the floor in parquet. Kagome faltered at the entrance, the place was full of executives, everyone clothed in suits and ties, dreadfully somber. None, however, were able to avoid a certain concupiscence glow in their stare as they took in the sight of the gorgeous female in a revealing dress.

 

Her hate toward Sesshoumaru increased ten fold. Having to pose for many photographers in those clothes had been horrendous, but this was much worse. It was as if almost every man present imagined undoing the knot on her neck which held her top over her breasts together.

 

“What would you like? Some caviar, perhaps?” Myouga offered.

 

“Yes, arigatou.”

 

Maintaining the most erect posture she could mange, she walked through the gathered important figures, even though Kagome whole-heartedly wished the ground would swallow her up. But, Ami and Sesshoumaru followed behind, she wasn't ready to allow him to realize how terrible she really felt.

 

A generous buffet had been placed running the length of a wall covered in walnut wood and was being serviced by several waiters in uniform. Myouga handed her a plate with the same seriousness he must used to present to annual balance of the company.

 

“Tell me, how long have you been working as a model, Higurashi-san? Or may I address as Kagome?” he asked, confidant on an affirmative answer from Kagome.

 

“For almost two years.” she responded dismissing his question and confronting the many leering stares with calmness and a smile.

 

“And have you enjoyed it?” added Myouga.

 

“Oh yes, very much.”

 

Sesshoumaru kept his place on her other while quietly conversing with Ami. Kagome wished she could stab him with a fork. Never had she thought of herself as a violent person, but the desire to wipe that grin off that arrogant face was getting unbearable.

 

“Good. I am sure that you will be a wonderful Shikon Girl.” the manager complemented jovially as he patted her arm lightly. “I don't believe we have ever had one so lovely. Isn't that right, Sesshoumaru-sama?”

 

Inevitably Kagome blushed having been subjugated to Sesshoumaru's scrutiny once again; without being able to avoid it, she felt her nipples harden in way that the whole world would notice.

 

“You could be correct.” conceded Sesshoumaru.

 

The smile he displayed while vocalizing those words sunk Kagome, once again she found herself in a whirlpool of confusion. She couldn't stop wondering if he did remember.

 

“You know, she's not just a pretty face.” Ami joined in. “She studied at a university before deciding to become a model. I'm glad she change profession, Kagome is one of the best girls I've ever represented.”

 

“Is that's so? What did you study?”

 

Myouga looked surprised to hear that the butterfly attached to his arm had more than two neutrons between her cute ears.

 

“Veterinarian.” was the model's one word response, and she caught with satisfaction that Sesshoumaru was also amazed.

 

“Why did you change your mind?” Myouga continued on with interest.

 

Kagome, who didn't want anyone to learn the truth, much less Sesshoumaru, shrugged her shoulders.

 

“Oh, I was looking for a more exciting life. It's a career of five years and very demanding. I didn't really have the vocation.

 

“It was the correct decision.” Myouga approved. “Someone so beautiful such as you must not hide behind books. Right, Sesshoumaru-sama?”

 

“Certainly, it would have been a great loss to humanity.” Sesshoumaru acceded.

 

“Men!” admonished Ami with indignation. “They all think that a woman who is slightly attractive cannot do anything else but pose before them to be admired.”

 

“Being a model” intervene Sesshoumaru, “is what they are paid for.”

 

Kagome sent him an irate stare.

 

“Ha. Probably, with the progress in modern technology, they will end up inventing a robot that will replace us”

 

“No, I highly doubt it.” Sesshoumaru assured with smoothness. “Technology would have to advance greatly to be able to imitate the silkiness of a woman's skin, the rhythm of their movements… the fascinating undulation of their womb when they breathe.

 

Sesshoumaru pronounced those words looking straight into her eyes. Kagome tensed immediately, trying to avoid any movement from her womb. She hadn't been conscious of it until Sesshoumaru mentioned it. It felt like she was being accused of maintaining a seducing compartment.

 

He caught Kagome's slight blush and a tiny smirk form in his lips. Sesshoumaru had said those words on purpose, to make her feel more naked and vulnerable than before. Fighting to contain the ire she felt in inside, Kagome turned to Myouga.

 

“This is a very lovely building.” Kagome changed the subject. “This one is one of the many that belong to Midoriko Inc., right?”

 

Myouga looked somewhat disconcerted before that question, but answered amiably nonetheless.

 

“Why… Hai, hai, I do believe so, though I am afraid its interior had been remodeled on several occasions. Perhaps you would enjoy a tour of the rest of the building?”

 

“I would love that.” Kagome responded trying to keep her smile. “Before we go, could you pass me that delicious piece of strawberry torte, it is a weakness of mine.

 

“Of course, dear.” Myouga obliged taking her toward said torte. “It is marvelous to find a woman with such a healthy appetite.”

 

Kagome sighed in relief. With her clever maneuver, she manage to disengaged herself from Sesshoumaru's discomforting company, though while Myouga served her piece of torte she couldn't avoid realizing Ami remained fixed at his side. Which will only serve to feed the rumors that both had gotten closer recently. It was no secret they had been spotted together at theatres and eating at luxurious restaurants.

 

Actually, they made quite a fetching couple. Sesshoumaru's air of aloofness and cynicism was a good complementary challenge to the charming and sophisticated nature of Ami. Every now and then she would make a gesture, in which she would take his arm to emphasize a remark or she would take something out of his flap, and that attitude left no room for doubt: they were lovers.

 

Getting back together wasn't all that strange; after all they were both very attractive and had a lot in common. It's conceivable, that is the reason Sesshoumaru never settled down, and possibly he never got over loving Ami.

 

In the meantime, Myouga didn't stop lavishing Kagome with his attentions. Perhaps going with the flow openly was imprudent, but the fervent admiration she awoke in him did wonders for her tormented soul. She felt safer next to Myouga than if she was accompanying Sesshoumaru, at least Myouga was a real gentleman.

 

Finally, the clock made of mahogany signaled to two o'clock. Plenty of time had transpired and Kagome could abandon the reception without being rude.

 

“Gomen-nesai, demo I need to take my leave.” stated the tired model.

 

“Already?!” exclaimed Myouga inspecting his watch.

 

“It's two o'clock and I have a very important appointment.”

 

“Very well then, I do not want to keep you any longer. But perhaps if you're open for tomorrow at night, I would like to invite you for dinner.”

 

Kagome hesitated for a moment. The last thing she wanted to do was to disappoint the manager of the company with whom she had just signed a contract of three year. Although, she also didn't want to cause a misinterpretation that will surely arise from accepting said offer.

 

“I am truly sorry, but I won't be here in Japan this weekend.

 

“In that case, how about the next week?” he insisted.

 

Kagome once again decline with a soft shake of her head.

 

“I don't believe it will be possible.” replied Kagome.

 

“Ah, I understand now…” Myouga read her unspoken reasons, he smiled, “It was very stupid of me to not to realize a woman as gorgeous as you would already have a commitment. Well, the only thing I can say is he's one lucky man. Anyways, it has been delightful meeting you. Simply delightful.”

 

He lifted Kagome's hand it to his lips for an old fashion gesture of gallantry, however, before she knew it Myouga pulled her to him and placed a kiss on her cheekbone. Kagome stiffened, but had no other alternative than to allow him to embrace her, she wasn't about to cause a scene in a reception packed with executives.

 

Several seconds later he released her and Kagome said her goodbyes with smile, a smile she was confident hid her relief, and she made her way to the exit.

 

Kagome had left her clothes in the suite of the director of sale's secretary, at the last floor. Since the elevator was too far, she took the stairs instead. Before she had a chance to reach the last floor, she tripped leaving one of the high-heeled slippers she was wearing on the landing she had just crossed. When she climbed down to retrieve it, Kagome bumped into Sesshoumaru, who had been trailing after her without her knowledge.

 

Sesshoumaru bent down and picked up her discarded slipper.

 

“Where were you heading, Cinderella? Did you not enjoy the ball?” he said.

 

“It's already two, I need to leave.” she informed while trying to keep her equilibrium on uneven feet.

 

“It looked like you got along very well with Ishimura.” Sesshoumaru teased. “Or is it, you strive for something more? He drooled so much; you could have him eating out the palm of your hands if you wanted to. However, if you are pretending to gain matrimony, I suggest you strategize.”

 

“I'll have you know,” Kagome retorted coldly, “I have no interest in marring Ishimura-dono. I don't use my profession to seduce a rich husband. Besides, I'm surprised you had time to watch Ishimura-dono when it appeared to me your concentration was wholly on Ami.”

 

Sesshoumaru laughed.

 

“Is that what was bothering you? Are you jealous?”

 

“Jealous?” she repeated incredulously keeping from blushing. “Of course not, that's ridiculous.”

 

Kagome snatched her slipper, without slipping it back on, turned on her only covered foot heel, and went back to climbing the stairs to her previous destination. But Sesshoumaru gripped a part of her dress, stopping her.

 

“Yes, yes you are.” he affirmed. “You are one of those women who are not satisfied if they do not have all the men they know flattering them. Am I correct? Well with me you are only wasting your time, this Sesshoumaru is nobody's lapdog. (t.n.: what about loverdog?) However, if it will make you happy to know,” Sesshoumaru added provocatively, “if I were to find you in my bed, I would not throw you out.”

 

“But what make you think you would have such an opportunity?” Kagome scoffed defiantly. “You are the last person I would consider sleeping with.”

 

“Vain little fox you are.” he spat with sarcasm. “You cannot admit nothing would please you more than having a great fighting cock such as me.”

 

Kagome felt hypnotized. Sesshoumaru was grinning maliciously, but at the same time, his amber gaze was full of sensuality, and it looked like he was about to kiss her.

 

“The Ishimura's of this world are good,” Sesshoumaru carried on, “but it would be a sin for a soft and sweet body like yours to be lost to a rich old-timer with trembling and frigid hands. What you need is someone with warm hands.”

 

He circled her waist with an arm. Kagome tried to remove the arm, but he pulled her flushed to his muscled form. Sesshoumaru tugged on the knot of her dress in way the chiffon material stretched over her breasts. Kagome knew with the slightest resistance on her part, pushing from him will leave her top less.

 

Kagome harden her jaw, yet her rebelliousness only served to provoke him even more. Sesshoumaru inclined his silver mane and kissed her. Slowly and deliberately he ran the tip of his tongue over the surface of her lips, and then slipped it in between, exploring the sweetness of his opponent, who little by little ceased her defense. Trapping Kagome's lower lip with his own, Sesshoumaru nibble on it softly to which she responded by opening her mouth. Their tongues joined in a passionate dance.

 

Kagome couldn't help herself. She gave herself up to the heat of his embrace. Every centimeter of her body fitted into Sesshoumaru's. With every breath, the fabric of her bodice stretched more over her bosoms in a delicious friction, caressing her buds which were the exquisite focus of a million sensations. Sesshoumaru placed a hand on her bare stomach and she yield to the pleasure, inviting him to increase his ministrations. Kagome forgot all the promises she made to herself to not allow this to occur.

 

Somewhere, a door opened and voices were heard coming closer. They separated and instantly, three male executives appeared at the stair's landing. Their surprise reflected on their features and turned into a knowing masculine stare as soon as they understood the situation they have came across.

 

Kagome ascended the stairs hastily, followed by Sesshoumaru's sardonic chuckles that reached his eyes.