InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Special delivery ❯ Opportunities ( Chapter 22 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Chapter 22: Opportunities
A/N: Another long chapter, guess I'm on a writing roll lol. If I missed anyone on the reviewers list, I'm sorry, but as I'm sure you've noticed the website FF.net has been acting up lately.
To everyone else thanks so much for reviewing:
Killersupergirl (Here's your update.)
Sychotic
Sesshkagufan13
Psycho-pyro-shrink
Klv (When will Kagura and Sesshoumaru realize their shared attraction? Ku ku ku maybe sooner than you think...)
Bibliophile Nincompoop
ALLheartsOnfraya
Kiari13
ArtemisdelaLune
Hellina-Bertinalli (x4)
Flam1ng1c3 (x2)
The freak locked in ur closet
XxAzn HomiexX
Inu-midoriko
Crimsondawn 365
Mlkoolc86
On MediaMiner.org
Zetsuii (I'm glad you like the shoot idea. Will Kagura get the part? I'm sure you can figure out the answer :] )
Sovereignty (Oh I'm sorry, but at least you had something to look forward to after work, no? Lol)
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…
“Talking”
`Thoughts'
After a few minutes Kagura reappeared, sketches in hands. Considering the amount of time Sesshoumaru had slaved over them, she resisted the urge to unceremoniously throw the drawings on the table in front of the annoying older woman. With a smile on her dark red lips, she carefully deposited them and was on the way out when she heard the younger representative speak.
“Oh! These looks perfect. Brilliant idea Mr. Takahashi. Your reputation was true, you have not disappointed us.” Sesshoumaru nodded his head in Mr. Tanuki's direction, acknowledging his praise.
“Hum. Not bad, but casting for the test shoot will have to start soon. We are after all almost behind on schedule.” Mrs. Yamashita said as she reminded Sesshoumaru of how long it had took him to come up with a viable campaign.
“Well why look further. Your beautiful secretary would be perfect for the job. It is after all just a test shoot.” Tanuki said readjusting his glasses in a nervous gesture.
“Who me?!” The wind sorceress asked in shock as she turned around to face the three people sitting at the table.
“I agree. Why not. Anyway it is quite clear she served as your inspiration, Mr Takahashi.” The old woman said with a judgmental snort not even acknowledging Kagura's surprised reaction. 'I wonder why a supposed talent like Sesshoumaru could no go look further for a model...' The old woman thought pursing her lips in disgust.
“And there is nothing wrong with it. The miss here is after all quite a lovely woman” The other representative of B-bags, said as he gave Kagura an appreciative once over.
“I'm not sure...” Kagura said, not keen on being talked about as if she was not in the room. Instead of lashing out, she breathed deeply and clenched her left fist tightly.
The dog demon could understand Kagura's anger; after all he as well could not stand the lecherous look Mr. Tanuki had been giving Kagura, but the dog demon also understood that in order to keep his clients, anything they wanted, he had to provide.
“Kagura wait. Why don't you give the idea some thought?” Sesshoumaru asked her with a soft gaze, trying to will her to see that making his clients happy mattered to him, but of course not as much as her well being did.
'Hum. Sessh's in need of my help? That'd be a sure way to make him forgive me. It would also provide me an occasion to pay back Sesshoumaru for all the great things he's done for me. Should I do it?' Kagura wondered with a small smile.
Even if the idea of acting in the test shoot for some commercial did not really delight her, the prospect of helping out Sesshoumaru for a change was quite appealing to her.
“Sure I'll do it.” The wind witch said without any hesitation.
“Fantastic! Since after today, I will be the primary liaison with the Takahashi agency, I will have to be present on the set of the shoot. That means we will be sure to see each other again.” Mr Tanuki exclaimed happily. Emboldened by Kagura's favorable answer, he tried sending her a seductive smile, which she ignored since her gaze was fixed on Sesshoumaru.
“Of course you will be paid.” Sesshoumaru assured Kagura. He was surprised at how quickly she had agreed. 'I truly did not believe she would be interested in such a thing.'
'Does he think I do everything just for money?' The wind sorceress wondered slightly angered, but she quickly discarded the idea. 'If anyone knows my character, it's definitely Sesshoumaru, so I know he didn't mean anything bad. I'm sure he's trying to erase my debt faster. It's either because he's eager to get rid of me, or he's just being a concerned and helpful friend. Strangely I'd go for the latter...'
“Would it be possible having Kanna be featured as well?” Kagura asked after laying her previous doubts to rest. She figured that is she was to be busy with the shooting; she would rather have Kanna as close as possible. Even is she was becoming more trusting of other people when it came to looking after her dear daughter, the wind sorceress still felt that no one could be a better job than her.
“Kanna is her two and a half years old daughter.” Sesshoumaru then supplied as he noticed the confusion of the B-bags representatives.
“Oh you have a daughter...” Mr. Tanuki said with a crestfallen expression, his red eyes suddenly shiny. `Aw that's too bad, and I found Kagura quite attractive…'
“I can't say I'm surprised…” Yamashita snorted under her breath. She had spoken so low, that only Sesshoumaru had heard her speak, and even with his great hearing he had had a hard time.
“Yes Kagura has a daughter; a very young daughter. And Kagura to answer your question, I see no reason why not.” Sesshoumaru said not appreciating Tanuki's reaction to his earlier revelation. 'If that stupid raccoon so much as thinks Kagura would be interested in him, he is gravely mistaken.' The dog demon silently smirked to himself.
“These are details you can work on your own. On this note, we shall take our leave. Be sure to inform Tanuki about the shoot.” Mrs. Yamashita said as she got to her feet. When she reached the door, she suddenly turned around and looked at Sesshoumaru. “Oh be sure not to forget to greet me at the celebration next Saturday.” Without another word, or a goodbye, she left the conference room with Tanuki in tow, his head hung low.
“Hum so that went well.” Kagura remarked with a sigh. `Strangely I could swear I've seen that old hag before.' The wind sorceress thought referring to Yamashita.
“Are you sure you want to do the test shoot? Even if it is only a trial run, and that it will not be featured in the media, it will be studied and surveyed by analysts from the company, and sent to randomly selected survey takers.” Sesshoumaru explained meaning to make sure Kagura knew what she had just gotten herself into. “If you wish to back out, no one would blame...”
“No thanks. I knew what I was doing when I accepted, and I won't be changing my mind. Besides that shoot thingy is the least I can do for you. I don't mind at all, and I'm sure Kanna and I will have fun.” She answered with a smile. “Well I better get going I have to finish taking care of some files now because later on Kagome wants to introduce me to her friend Sago.”
“I am sure you mean Sango Taijiya, she is the head of security.” He corrected glad to have managed not to smile nor laugh.
“Yeah yeah. Well I'll be at my desk. Let me know how the shoot will go down.” She said over her shoulder as she left.
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“So Sango, this is Kagura, Sesshoumaru's secretary...” Kagome started as she sat across from her good friend's desk, a magazine on her knees. The wind sorceress was sitting next to her looking a Sango as well.
'This actually is quite an interesting test; I don't think I can wait until I get home to take it.' Kagome thought as she took a pen from Sango's desk and started working. 'Well it wouldn't really apply to me, but taking it would still be amusing.'
“Kagura you're Sesshoumaru's girlfriend too, aren't you?” Sango asked with a friendly smile.
“What is it with you people?! No we're just friends... and house mates.” Kagura defended herself with groan.
“Oh I'm sorry, it's just that Miroku said that you were. Then again I shouldn't listen to this lecher...” The head of security said an apologetic smile on her lips. With a thoughtful frown and a blush she then ran a finger across her lips. Needing to change the topic as she did not wish to upset Kagome's new friend, Sango then asked “Hum so Kagura, do you like it here?”
“Well yeah, it's a pretty great place. I have a job that's not too boring, friendly co workers; it's just a nice place overall. My daughter loves it here too.” The wind sorceress answered politely. She had paid attention not to mention Sesshoumaru as she feared adding material to the rumor mill.
“Oh you have a daughter?” Sango inquired as she stood up and reached behind her to grab two ice tea bottles from the mini fridge behind her desk.
“Yes, Shippou's new best friend, Kanna” Kagome supplied with a broad smile. She had yet to finish with her test, but she did not want to appear rude, so she joined in the conversation.
“Wow you're so lucky to have such a big office; you even have a fridge and a private bathroom.” Kagura observed as she appreciatively ran her eyes around Sango's office. Even though her present working space was better than any work environment she had ever had, the wind sorceress was still amazed by the room she was in.
'On the other hand if I were Sango I'd take advantage of the space and add more decoration. The place looks kind of a little sober. Then again maybe it's just her taste and style...' Kagura thought to herself noticing how apart from a few picture frames, the walls of Sango's office were completely bare.
“Well as head of security I don't really get to go out of my office that much as I keep a close eye on all these monitors. There are other people working under me who also keep an eye on things, but I esteem it's my duty to do some of the surveillance myself from up here.” Sango responded as she pointed to the different TV's placed against the wall. “So I'm allowed a little more comfort in my office.”
“I see that's... What the hell?!” The crimson eyed demoness suddenly exclaimed, startling the other two women.
“What's wrong?” Kagome asked worriedly as she looked up from the magazine she was scribbling on.
“I was just surprised because of this...” Kagura trailed off as she lifted her hand in which was now a yellow furry ball.
“Oh I'm sorry, that's my cat Kirara, she tends to like to observe demons from up close. I think it's her nekomata nature.” Sango apologized with a smile. As she meant to stand up to retrieve her demonic cat, she noticed that Kagura had placed Kirara on her lap and was petting her.
“No harm done, she's kind of cute that's saying a lot since I'm not really an animal person.” 'Except dogs maybe...' Kagura thought with a smile and reddened cheeks as she gently scratched the cat behind her ears.
“Oh by the way Kagura did you have time to fill in the 'New employee information forms'? I know you're a friend of Sesshoumaru so I won't make a background check, but it's just standard procedure and all. I do security, but I'm also in charge of collecting those forms.” The brown eyed human said as she nervously played with her long brown locks held in a high ponytail.
. 'Had it not been for Sesshoumaru not talking to me this morning, I wouldn't have forgotten. I guess I was just too preoccupied about our relationship... or rather friendship.' The wind sorceress thought before suddenly wondering if things were truly okay between her and her boss. Shaking her head to rid herself of her thoughts, she then spoke “Oh yeah, I forgot about those. I left them on my desk. I can go get them.”
“Oh no, you two stay and chat, I'll go get them for you.” Kagome said always eager to be helpful.
“It's fine, I can get them.” Kagura assured her eyeing her suspiciously.
“Don't worry about it Kagura, Kagome just wants a reason to check on her good friend Inuyasha.” The head of security said with a twinkle in her brown eyes.
“That's not true. Well I'll be right back.” Kagome said with a red tinge on her cheeks as she quickly stood up, and disappeared from her friend's office.
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“Kagura?” Sesshoumaru asked as she stepped out of his office and into the wind sorceress's working area.
He was disappointed to find it empty as he counted on speaking with her about the details for the test shoot. With a sigh he approached her desk and noticed a note.
'Hey Sessh! As I said earlier, I'll go check on Kanna then swing by Sango's office with Kagome. Be back in a few.'
'The witch is taking a break...' He remarked, hoping she had not missed any important phone calls. 'Then again it's almost the end of the day, so I doubt anyone would call.'
The dog demon raised a surprised eyebrow as he noticed something else of interest on Kagura's desk. He picked up a pop culture magazine opened at a page of a multiple choice test. The reason of his interest was the name of the said test: 'Are you and your best friend meant for each other?'
'Is the witch thinking of our relationship?' He wondered a mix of pleasure and surprise going through him as he read the rest of the article.
'So you're into your best guy friend, now what? You're too afraid of looking ridiculous by confessing your feelings out of the blue, or you simply want to check if you two have a shot at a relationship? Then this test is for you!
1stquestion: Do you two flirt? Agree. Disagree. Don't know.
2ndquestion: Do you two touch a lot? Agree. Disagree. Don't know.
3rdquestion: Does he nevermention his (ex)girlfriends? Agree. Disagree. Don't know.
4thquestion: Does he often compliment you? Agree. Disagree. Don't know.
5thquestion: Does he often look at you? Agree. Disagree. Don't know.
Sesshoumaru's upper lip twitched in amusement as he noticed that the answer to all the questions was Agree. He scanned all the way to the bottom to check the answer.
'Woohoo! Go for it girl. He's all yours. Your friend and you have a clear romantic future together. For sure that guy sees you as more than a friend and shares the feelings you have for him. There's no time like the present, so go get him now!'
The dog demon could not prevent a small frown from marring his face. He knew he desired Kagura very much, but he was not sure how she felt towards him. 'The fact that she took the time to take such a test means she at least thinks of me as more than a friend. She did say she was not interested in me when we went to dinner... but I wouldn't put it past her to lie' He reasoned a smug smirk on his lips.
“'Are you and your best friend meant for each other?' Now that is an interesting test. I had no idea Kagura was into these kinds of things...” Miroku said thoughtfully as he read over Sesshoumaru's shoulder.
“Keh! Wouldn't surprise me if Kagome was the one who gave it to her; the wench LOVES those type of stupid tests. Actually she loves tests in general. Surprising since from what I've heard she wasn't the best of students, especially in math...” Inuyasha remarked crossing his arms over his chest.
Little did the hanyou know that his secretary had actually been the one to take the test and had then forgotten it on Kagura's desk, which had caused Sesshoumaru's confusion.
“Hum what a lucky dog you are, this is proof enough that the wind goddess is interested in pursuing a relationship with you.” The dark haired human said with a satisfied smile.
“Feh! As if there was any reason to doubt that, didn't you see how they were all over each other this morning?” The half demon asked referring to the scene Miroku and he had walked in on when Kagura had been sitting on her boss's lap.
“This has nothing to do with it. The witch merely enjoys taking liberties with this Sesshoumaru's person.” He defended himself. `Not that I truly mind…' He added to himself remembering with pleasure the feel of Kagura's body against his.
“So what? I took liberties with Sango and it worked. I mean earlier today I simply grabbed her and gave her the best kiss she ever had. And guess what?! We're going out on our first date tomorrow.” The purple eyed human said with a broad smug smile. In the retailing of the event, he of course emitted to mention that before accepting his invitation, the head of security had mercilessly and thoroughly beaten him.
“Feh! Get out of here! You finally got Sango to date you?! I'm shocked. I guess Sessh's the only one still on the singles' list.” Inuyasha said with a mocking scoff.
“Maybe, but not for long I bet.” Miroku remarked lightly. “Now remember Sesshoumaru if you want the wind goddess go for it strongly. When a man wants a woman, he shouldn't be afraid or waste time. Love can not wait so unless you want Kagura to be taken away by another man, have no fear and go for it. Be direct, otherwise she might reject you.” The human's grin quickly disappeared as Sesshoumaru glared murderously at him.
“You fool! Not long ago were you not calling me your master and begging me to take you as a disciple to teach you how to get women? Do you truly believe I now would be interested in taking any type of advice from you?” Sesshoumaru asked flinging some of his silver hair over his shoulder. Despite himself he could not help but remember the interested look Tanuki had given Kagura during his meeting with the B-bags representatives.
'Why am I feeling this... possessive towards Kagura? It is not as if there is anything going on between the two of us.' Sesshoumaru tried scolding himself. 'Then again I have claimed her under my protection, so my reaction is not that out of the ordinary for a concerned friend.' The dog demon tried reasoning, even if a little voice inside him reminded him that he wanted to be more than friends with Kagura...
“Well you never know. I am just saying sometimes you have to be more direct with women and create your own opportunities to get them...” Miroku started but another sharp glare from his dog demon boss made him shut his mouth. It was merely the knowledge that Sesshoumaru would not really hurt him, at least not in front of Inuyasha that prevented Miroku from fleeing.
Taking pity on his best friend, the hanyou decided to change the subject. “So who're you going to take as a date for the gala?” Inuyasha asked his brother. “Even though you received your invitations a while ago, you do realize it's taking place next week, right?”
The dog demon almost growled in annoyance. Due to his position of CEO he was required to attend the gala, which was a reunion of the major people working in the advertisement industry in the city. Not attending to represent the Takahashi agency was not even an option.
“I will go with Kagura.” 'At least she might be able to make this dreadful evening enjoyable...' The dog demon tried to reason his choice.
“See that's a golden opportunity there! And to think you were trying to act as if you weren't interested by her. You old dog.” Miroku said with a smile.
“Do you have a death wish?” Sesshoumaru asked as he cracked his knuckles loudly.
“He he I think I'm gonna go.” Without another word the young human was out the door.
“Pfft what a coward...” The half dog demon said mockingly as he walked out, a grin on his lips. 'The wench is going to love this new development...' He thought to himself eager to regroup with his girlfriend, and listen to her interpretation of things. Once he realized where his train of thoughts had led him, Inuyasha could not help but try to reason his thoughts. `Ain't like I'm truly interested in the life of my bastard of a brother. It's just that seeing him struggle with his feelings is so much fun…'
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“Oh Kagura, it seems you didn't fill in the previous employer section.” Sango said reviewing the paperwork the wind sorceress had just turned in to her.
“I think you mentioned working for your father...” Kagome said trying to recall where the information had come from.
'Actually I did not. It must have been Inuyasha or Miroku. Damn those two are idiots!' Kagura thought worriedly. 'No need to panic. I simply have to stick to the story I gave Sesshoumaru and everything will be alright. If Sessh believed me, there's no way other people could find out about the truth. Well I just hope Miroku will keep his mouth shut. Damn I'll eventually have to have a conversation with him, and make sure that he doesn't plan to reveal my past!'
“My... father owns an escort service business and I used to work for him.” Kagura said with an uncomfortable smile. 'There. That should be enough information for her. Only thinking about Naraku makes me sick, but it's not like I'll see him anytime soon.' She then thought trying to quell her fear.
“I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to pry... it's just standard procedure and all...” Sango mumbled her face taking on a red tinge.
“No Sango I should be the one apologizing. I had no idea, I never should have spoken... I really did not know you were a... prostitu...ah… I'm sorry... really... I...“ Kagome cut herself, unable to speak more. 'I can't believe Inuyasha didn't tell me that! He made me look so dumb!'
Feeling deeply uncomfortable and ashamed, Kagome looked over to her side and noticed that as her own, Sango's cheeks were also flaming red in embarrassment, and mortification. The two young human women had both averted their brown eyes from Kagura's piercing crimson orbs, too ashamed to look at the wind sorceress.
“It's not what you think! I was not a prostitute!” The wind sorceress snapped angrily. “I mean...Whatever you're thinking you're wrong.” She added on a calmer and friendlier tone of voice, trying to contain her shock and anger.
“Don't believe you see everything you see on TV. Not all escorts are prostitutes. My father runs a completely legal agency. My job was really only a mix of acting and modeling. You have no idea how many wealthy lonely men there are out there. They are willing to pay good money only to go out on a simple date with a young beautiful woman who can make conversation. Most of the time, all I did was keep company to some nice old man during a very expensive dinner. The rest of the time I had to be a date at a client's company party and once or twice even a wedding. Not all men intend to go alone at wedding to try to pick up girls.” Kagura explained faking a cheerful laugh.
“Really? All you did was accompany men to dinner and be their dates? Some men are really willing to pay for just that?” Kagome asked in curiosity and mild shock.
“I can't say I'm surprised. If Miroku wanted to invite someone to dinner and couldn't convince any woman, I could see him hiring a date.” Sango answered wondering for the hundredth time why she had agreed to go on a date with her coworker.
The head of security's statement was followed by a deep silence. The slightly uncomfortable conversation left the three women busy with their own thoughts. Kagura was simply hoping no one would find out about her alteration of the truth. Sango wondered if she should not cancel her date with Miroku. Kagome despite her efforts could not stop her mind from straying to a problem she could not seem to be able to solve.
“I just don't get it.” The miko murmured thoughtfully, breaking the heavy silence between the three of them.
“What is it?” Kagura questioned as she rested her crimson gaze on her new friend 'She couldn't possibly know the whole truth...!'
'Crap demon super hearing. I'm so stupid! You'd think I'd know better with Inuyasha and his cute puppy ears...' Inuyasha's secretary berated herself.
“Hum... I was just thinking about you and Sesshoumaru. Sorry, don't get mad.” Kagome said apologetically.
“You really have a one track mind don't you?” The wind sorceress muttered as she scratched Kirara's stomach, as the kitten conveniently turned to rest on its back. Even is she pretended to be angry over the new topic of conversation, the wind sorceress was actually glad they had moved away from her dark past.
“I'm sorry, but it's just that I think you two fit too well together to not actually be together.” Kagome said trying to explain her point of view.
“Kagome maybe you shouldn't try to push her like this...” Sango said, feeling a little embarrassed at discussing the private life of her boss and someone she barely knew. 'Poor Kagura, if Kagome gets on her case, she'll never be left alone.' Sango thought remembering how much her friend was pushing for her to date Miroku.
“How many times do I have to say it anyway? He's not interested.” The wind witch said rolling her eyes in annoyance.
“Ah ha! But if he was, you would go for it, right? Then that just means you have to wait for him to give you a sign. It was the same with Inuyasha, I thought I would have to wait forever, but he finally invited me out. Since then we've been so happy together.” Kagome said with shining brown eyes. 'That is when he's not being an insensitive jerk.'
“Yeah right. By the time that 'sign' comes, I'll be old and gray.” Kagura said on a mocking tone. “So no, I'd rather not wait.”
'Besides when did I even decide I wanted to go out with Sesshoumaru? That damn Kagome is good at getting to people... Then again to be honest I really wouldn't mind. He's a great guy, and he's great with Kanna. Maybe things could work, but is being with him worth the risk of losing our friendship and maybe even getting Kanna and me hurt?...'
Kagura's thoughts were interrupted when the door to Sango's office was thrown open and Sesshoumaru walked in with Kanna in his arms.
“Here you are. It is time to go home and Kanna was asking after her mother.” He said as his eyes rested on Kagura who had turned around to face him. The wind sorceress safely deposited Kirara on the ground before standing up. She then smiled as she walked towards her friend and her daughter.
“Before that. Here.” Sesshoumaru handed to Kagura a white envelop.
She opened it and was shocked to see inside an elegant invitation to some sort of celebration taking place in the following week. She did remembered something about a gala being scribbled in Sesshoumaru's schedule for that date, but since the dog demon had not said anything about it until now, and that Kagura did not trust Mika, who had been the one to write down the reminder, the wind witch had not really paid attention to the scheduled event.
“What does that invitation has to do with me?” The wind sorceress asked cocking her head to the side in confusion.
“You shall be attending the gala with me, as my date.” The dog demon said masking his eagerness at the prospect of going somewhere with Kagura. `That would technically be the first time just the two of us would be going out together… not that it would be a date.'
“Do I have the option of refusing?” She asked fingering the golden letters on the invitation card with awe.
“No.” Sesshoumaru responded as he handed Kanna over to her mother. 'She better not bail on me'
“Fine, whatever I'll go with you.” She answered feigning an unconcerned shrug. “Kanna must be starving, so let's go home. Bye guys.” Kagura said before kissing her daughter's forehead and walking away, a smile on her lips.
“If that isn't a sign I don't know what else could be!” Kagome said loudly to Kagura, a grin on her face.
Her sudden comment made the demonss's cheeks burn red. To hide her reaction, the wind sorceress started walking faster, not keen on Sesshoumaru noticing the effect going out with him truly had on her.
“Ladies.” The dog demon said with a nod as he joined Kagura and walked out of Sango's office. He was confused by Kagome's parting words to the wind sorceress, but knew well enough not to interfere in 'women matters,' whatever they may be.
'Is this really the sign I've been waiting for?' Kagura wondered as she felt her heart speed up as she headed towards the parking lot, Sesshoumaru not far behind her.
To be continued...
A/N: Hum what will Sesshy do? Will he listen to Miroku's `advice,' or not lol. Will Kagura let go of her fears and go for it? We'll see. The next chapter will be named On the go. I promise to all of you guys that have been missing cute little Kanna that we will see more of her next time.
I just posted a one shot called Bittersweet memories, so please go check it out. Here's the summary:
Summary: AU When faced with sad memories, if you could go back in time and change things, would you? A Sesshoumaru/Kagura one shot. Rated T for language.