InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Silver Dove and the Raven ❯ Chapter 11

Chapter 11 The lovers go public

Kagome blinked a few times, still in shock as Marla ran through the agenda she planned out for them. She looked at Sesshomaru who looked out the window of the jet still wearing his shades, his chin resting on his hand.

"So once we land in Rome, you are booked to stay at Majestic Roma, one of Italy's five star hotels in the Via Veneto Suite. You will unpack, get comfortable and meet with the press in the evening. You will be wearing Marques's evening wear, which should arrive to you an hour before the meeting with the press." She said as she skimmed through a black planner.

Marques just remained in the back, sitting statuesque with his whiskey in one hand and cigar in the other not taking his eyes off of Sesshomaru.

"After your meeting with the press, you are to have dinner at La Pergola. Here you will be dining together where the chef has created something special for you both; it's not on the menu. I'm afraid the only liberated days you have for recreational purposes is Sunday. Aside from that, you both have a strict schedule. You understand?"

Kagome nodded and gulped trying to let it all sink in and Sesshomaru took his gaze from the window and scowled directly at Marques. Marques's glass of whiskey shook when he jumped back in his seat receiving the look.

"Every day I will be by your side for the most part to remind you where you need to be, what you need to wear, what to eat, and what to say. Think of it as if you are my host and I am your parasite." She smiled.

Kagome and Sesshomaru looked at her and she closed her book. "As for diets, we have a personal chef cooking your meals when you aren't dining out to ensure you do not gain any weight. Absolutely under no circumstances should you find yourself indulging in anything we do not give you."

" Ok," Kagome started. " I may not look like it, but I eat a lot…and I don't like to have any limitation to what I eat."

Marla sneered. " How nice…but you lost that privilege once you got on this jet." She said as she stood up. Marques did as well. Sesshomaru continued to look out the window and Kagome stared at him.

"I don't get it. Why are you here? You don't model."

"I used to." He said, and she gawked at him with her mouth open.

"I didn't even know you were a candidate." She mumbled. "Why did you decide to model all of a sudden? I mean, this isn't your thing, people telling you what to do and wear?"

"I needed to get away." He said, impatiently. "Does it bother you that I'm here?"

"No." Kagome said. "Actually, I'm kind of happy you are."

He seemed taken aback and looked back out the window.

"I just thought…I was doing this alone so…" she stopped and picked up Marla's black planner. She opened it and skimmed through it. "Wow, she wasn't kidding. Kagome eats at five-fifteen, she showers at six, gets measured by eight. Sesshomaru gets manicure at four, visit tailor at five, massage at six. Oh my god, this is nuts." She dropped the book on the table.

Sesshomaru gnawed at his knuckle as his thoughts ran amok. He only came to get away from his mother and Shurran. There really was no other reason for it. When he agreed to do this, he specified under what requirement he would do it. They had to wait until he got on the plane to announce he was the male model. That way, he'd be long gone before his mother got in touch with him. There was something about his mother he feared. No, fear was the wrong word. Respect, was more like it.

His mother endured a lot of embarrassment his father caused her when he took Inuyasha's mother as his mate. During that awful time, she kept her head up and persevered and he respected that. But that wasn't the real reason he got on the plane. There was more to what he allowed himself to accept. He couldn't stand to see Kagome be taken advantage by the fashion industry. She didn't know what she was doing. It was also revealed to him that Shinji Yoko would be chosen had he refused the position. The model she had a date with. To spend two months together with him, not that he cared, but maybe his intentions were ignoble. He also knew that Kagome was going to be alone, it was already understood by him that she had no one there. She trusted him so who else be there other than him?

Marla walked back inside and looked at them suspiciously as she grabbed her book. " I almost forgot. We have eight more hours before we land. I suggest you get to sleep. We don't want you both looking tired."

Kagome pouted. What happened to the nice lady she was greeted with earlier? An alien must have taken over her body, she sounded so cold and mean.

" Your room is down that hall."

"Who's room?" Kagome asked and Sesshomaru bowed his head and rubbed his eyes.

"Your room." Marla said.

"My room?" Kagome asked.

"The both of you."

"What do you mean the both of us?" Kagome's eyes narrowed and looked at Sesshomaru who stood up and left his seat. "I have to share a room with him?" she whispered tersely.

"Yes. There are only three bedrooms. Marques is occupying one and I, the other. This leaves one bedroom. Besides, you should get used to it. You both will be sharing a room for two months."

"Wait, Marla, when you say share a room, there will be two beds at the hotel, right?

Marla laughed. "No, darling."

"But, no one has to know, right? It's just publicity!" Kagome protested.

"My dear, I can't afford room service or someone in the hotel to leak to the press that you're sleeping separately, it would strip away the 'authenticity' of your relationship."

Kagome raised her brows and bit her lip. She completely forgot about the sharing room part. She was so overwhelmed with everything else.

"Can't I just…sleep in the office?" she tittered.

"No." Marla said, pushing her toward the bedroom. "Come now. We shall be arriving there by breakfast time."

Kagome grabbed her bag and followed Marla to the room. Sesshomaru was already in there lying down on the bed, reading a book. Seeing Sesshomaru on the bed was awkward as it was. Even Marla paused in her step when she saw him on the bed.

"Ok…" Marla cleared her throat and patted Kagome on the back. "Shower is across the hall. Good night." She closed the door behind her. Kagome just stood by the door.

"Ok…There is only one bed and two of us…"Kagome mentioned.

"Wait, I know this one." He muttered sarcastically through his book.

"This isn't funny." She orated. "This is very weird."

"I don't like it any more than you do." He flipped to the next page.

"Well…I'm a girl. You should offer to sleep on the floor."

"I don't do floors. Sorry." He said.

"Fine!" she growled. "I'll sleep on the floor."

"Suit yourself."

She cursed under her breath as she grabbed blankets off the bed and made a bed for herself on the floor. She took off her sweater and grabbed a pillow from the bed.

Laying on the hard floor, the thin blanket offers no comfort. She was stubborn though so she tossed and turned for a while.

"You make such little things into a big deal. " He grabbed a cigarette from the nightstand and was about to light it.

"Do you mind? " Kagome sat up. "It's not like I can open a window here!"

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and placed it back on the nightstand. He waved his hands in a 'you happy' motion and went back to his book.

Kagome scoffed as she lay back down on the floor and wrapped herself in a blanket. Sesshomaru glanced at her and shook his head as he turned to the lamp on the nightstand and turned it off.

"Ok…I can't do this. My tailbone is hurting." She stood up and grabbed the pillow from the floor.

"No one told you to lay on the floor."

Kagome snarled as she walked to the other side of the bed and sat down, debating whether to lay down or not. She looked at Sesshomaru who had his eyes closed.

"Ok…face the other way."

"You mean we can't spoon?" he sighed satirically.

"W-wha- no, I…" she stuttered.

"Note my sarcasm." He turned around and faced his back to her. He reached over to the lamp and turned it off.

"It's not like I can tell. You sound the same no matter how you mean it." She placed the pillow by the headboard and lay down.

He grinned in the dark; he couldn't help make fun of the situation. Normally, he wasn't even a jokester but she was acting more uptight than he was and he was pretty uptight.

A few hours passed and the both fell asleep. In the morning, Marla and Marques walked in and Sesshomaru and Kagome were each laying at the edge of the bed as far as possible from each other. Any more toward the edge and they'd be on the floor.

"Lovers, hm?" Marla looked at Marques and he shrugged.

Sesshomaru opened his eyes and sat up. He nudged Kagome and she gasped as she woke up, not knowing where she was.

"Good. You're awake." Marla huffed as she looked at her agenda. " You both should take showers and look your best, we are landing in two hours. Sesshomaru, a black Valentino suit is in the closet for you. Kagome, you are to wear a silk Marques dress which is hung outside the bathroom door for you."

"Ahem," Marques interrupted. "Pardon, I must say please be very careful with the dress, cherie, the fabric is very delicate and it will snag to anything."

Marla cleared her throat. " As I was saying," she scowled at Marques. " you both will exit the plane arms linked or arm around the waist, whichever you prefer. You could take turns…or"

"We have to hold hands?" Kagome's eyes hadn't even focused since waking up and now her eyes were opened completely.

"Not necessarily hold hands, holding hands are overrated; arms linked or around the waist will do."

"Why?" Kagome said.

"because that's what lovers do." Marla pointed out blatantly as she looked back at the planner. "As a matter of fact, do it now, let me see how you look."

Sesshomaru and Kagome met each other's gaze and looked away uncomfortable. Sesshomaru sighed and put his arm around her waist. Kagome not expecting it, froze and started turning red.

Marla and Marques both tilted their heads.

"No…she looks…very awkward. Kagome, how about you put your arm around his waist." Marla suggested.

Kagome raised her hand and left it in the air for a moment as she slowly placed her arm around his waist, her arm barely touching him.

"She looks like she's holding on to her grandmother…" Marques frowned rubbing his chin.

"Jesus Christ," Marla spat. "What is so hard? See, arm around. " She said as she put her arm around Marques who looked at her with a grimace. "You see, it looks natural. It's not like I'm asking you to hold his penis!" She growled.

Sesshomaru tightened his jaw and looked away and Kagome turned into a darker shade of red.

Marla sighed as she rubbed her temples. "Alright, Kagome you shower. Sesshomaru, you go after her then we'll work some more on this arm link before we land." She walked out, Marques following behind.

Kagome placed a hand on her hip and looked at Sesshomaru. This was going to be harder than she thought. She had to get over this childishness. This was completely professional. She turned away from Sesshomaru and left the room.

An hour later, Kagome and Sesshomaru stood before Marques and Marla, arms linked. Kagome's hair was down in loose curls and an Ivory silk dress with a plunging neckline. Her cleavage left no room for the imagination. She squiggled around feeling her stick on bra pinching her skin. Her shoes were silver with thin straps across her toes. Sesshomaru wore a black wool three button suit with notch lapels and four buttoned cuffs. His undershirt was a silk onyx. Marques and Marla preened at the way they looked in their designs. Twenty minutes passed and Marla persisted on critiquing them.

"Sesshomaru, lower your shoulders. Kagome, you look constipated, relax those face muscles." Marla paced as she tried to fix their pose. " You are lovers, you need to convince those that you are together. Kagome, stand up straight, stop slouching!"

Kagome growled under her breath as she stood up straight. Marques and Marla began to dispute over their pose.

" I give up. I'm taking the first plane home." Kagome whispered to Sesshomaru.

"Afraid of a challenge, are we?" Sesshomaru scoffed lowly as he raised his chin.

"No. I'm afraid of her." She whispered.

"Oh lord, Valentino is going to have a fit. These two can't cut it. They look repulsed by each other."

Marques sighed and pushed Marla out of the door. "Let me handle this." He said and closed the door and looked at the both of them.

"Alright, my children…"Marques spoke sharply as he took out his cell phone. He pressed a few buttons and turned the screen for Kagome and Sesshomaru to see. "You see this?"

Sesshomaru and Kagome leaned in to look at the picture on the screen. It was of them, at Koga's after-party. Sesshomaru held Kagome's hand in the picture and they both were locked in each other's gaze.

"Where are these two?" Marques exclaimed.

"Where'd you get that?" Kagome grumbled.

"It does not matter. A picture does not lie. This is why you were chosen."

" Look, it's just a picture." Kagome protested. Sesshomaru didn't reply, just looked to the side.

"People around the world will be looking at the both of you as the paragon of lovers. This picture showed love, be it fake or real, it caught what 'looked' like true love. An Angel and a Demon is what this project will stand for. The prejudice between human and demons has to be put to a stop; two different beings surpassing their differences, to be together. Try to surpass your differences…it is like the story my mother told me of the Black Raven and The Silver dove. One dark with the symbolism of darkness and despair, one light, with the symbol of greatness and purity, but in the end, they are both birds." He dozed off at the poetry he just recited.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Kagome interrupted his thoughts with a scowl.

"Look." Marques barked. "Either learn to make your poses look real or listen to that woman…" he pointed to the door. "…complain for hours. I personally cannot take it."

Kagome and Sesshomaru both looked down at the floor.

"Listen, you need to get over this shyness. You think this pose is bad? Wait till you have to pose wearing less clothes and on the bed, together, on top of each other and touching each other." He raised his fist and cursed in French as he left.

Aw shit, Kagome thought. Why didn't she think this through? Lovers, Kagome, Lovers, Duh!

She looked at Sesshomaru who appeared calm but she looked down at his hand. He was flicking his nails together. She exhaled as she sat on the bed and buried her face in her hands. Sesshomaru couldn't bring himself to look at her now. Not with what she was wearing. It was the same dress in his dream. He felt heat rising from his collar, he opened it feeling it close in on him.

"Alright, get in your seats." Marla walked in. "we are about to land."

Kagome and Sesshomaru both walked to their seats and put on their seatbelts as the plane leaned forward to land. A few minutes later, they landed and both looked at each other.

I can do this, Kagome thought. She smiled at Sesshomaru who glowered at her. Just pretend, she thought. 'like when you bartended and had to flirt.'

"Come on darling…"she gushed as they got out of their seats. She grabbed his arm and put on her shades. He placed his shades on as well and they both walked to the exit.

"Alright, Marques and I will exit first because the paparazzi will be out there getting ready to take your pictures and we don't want to be seen in back of you. " Marla studied their pose before the door opened. "not bad…"

Sesshomaru pulled his arm out of Kagome's and wrapped it around her waist and brought her closer to him. Her heart pounded as she tried to play it cool. I can do this, she shouted to herself. I can do this.

"Even better..." Marla smirked.

The door unlatched and opened automatically and the bright sun shone in. Marla and Marques walked out first. They could hear people already shouting and applauding. Relax the muscles, she told herself. She lowered her shoulders and leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked out. She forced a smile as they walked down the steps, photos being taken, a crowd of girls and guys shouting his and her name. They were immediately escorted to a limo and Kagome groaned as she got inside.

"I hate limos'. She whimpered as she looked around. "They're so…. long." she said to Sesshomaru who lowered the window to light a cigarette.

"What's up with you? You're acting stranger than usual."

"What is it you expect me to say?" he took a deep drag of his cigarette and closed his eyes. He really needed it. He wasn't necessarily an addict but the cigarette had a calming effect to his body lately. Ok, if he wasn't an addict before, he was one now. He snuck a glance at her when she wasn't looking and it was a big mistake. He could feel his heart beat faster, taking in the sight of her legs as her dress rose up, her cleavage and the mental image of his dream popped into his head, almost making him flinch.

"Something…"she scratched her head and tried to lower her dress as it rose up while she sat. Her thighs kept sticking to the leather interior. "Gross…" she shifted in her seat. "It's so hot in here."

Sesshomaru shot a side glance toward her and looked away. This was too weird. "Open the window."

"Doing it…"she rolled her eyes as she powered down her window but it was a very bad idea. The wind kept blowing her scent toward him in a strong gust that his cigarette couldn't over power.

"Alright, close the window." he pleaded.

"Why?" she poked her head outside to feel the wind.

"There is air conditioning." He stated. "You're…messing up your hair." He muttered.

"Oh, that was very thoughtful." She blurted out disbelievingly and closed the window as he looked around for a button to the air conditioner. He found it and turned it on. Kagome glared at him as he exhaled smoke out the window. " You know; I wish you could tell me what is on your mind. I tell you everything."

He turned his gaze toward her and chuckled.

"I still don't get why you chose to do this," she muttered.

"You sound disappointed, would you have preferred it if it were that Armani model sitting here instead?"

"Shinji?" she commented with a raised brow. "I don't prefer anything. I just feel like…there's more."

"Don't think so much."

"which means you aren't going to tell me."

"…in time." he smirked.

She blew her cheeks as she stared out the window austerely. "I'm a little nervous about meeting the press." She panted.

"It will be fine." He said confidently.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

"Kagome, what is your favorite sexual position with Sesshomaru?" said a man in a thick Italian accent holding a microphone. A few people laughed but gawked at Kagome and Sesshomaru for an answer.

Sesshomaru and Kagome both stared into the audience from the stage. They sat at a table with microphones in front of them. Marla and another man beside Kagome and Marques and an old Italian woman beside Sesshomaru. She appeared to be a translator.

"Um…"Kagome echoed into the microphone and looked at Marla in confusion. "C-could you repeat the question?" she said and a few people laughed. She covered the microphone and whispered to Marla. "Can he ask that question?"

"Well, in Europe, there is no censorship but you are not obligated to answer. Know that if you don't, they will question your relationship."

"Because I won't answer what position?" she couldn't believe it. This was absurd. She looked to Sesshomaru for help but he shrugged.

"Just give them an answer…"he smiled and his amber eyes flashed at hers. "What is your favorite position?"

"Oh…you're enjoying this, aren't you?" she growled and looked back into the audience after hearing her name.

"I asked what was your favorite position?" asked the man once more.

"You don't have to answer that, Kagome." Said a man in the back, he was a reporter as well. He sounded American.

"Why shouldn't she answer?" the Italian reporter laughed. "There should be no secrets if they are exploiting their relationship through the fashion industry. I don't see how the question is irrelevant. Many people want to know what position are the lovers' favorite unless they don't have one."

"I can assure you, the lovers have one." Marla tittered through the microphone. "It's part of the American culture to consider this subject personal and not a matter to address publicly."

"Well, they are in Italy where your sexuality is open and freely expressed. Are you not going to answer the question?" he continued. All eyes left him and went back to Kagome.

"Um…the uh…"she stuttered. "The uh…when he…uh..is on top." She mumbled quickly causing Sesshomaru to laugh. He pressed his hands against his lips and she wanted to hit him with the microphone.

"I'm sorry, we didn't catch that." The Italian man grinned. 'He so did!' Kagome thought.

"Um…"she cleared her throat. "On…top." She laughed nervously. Everyone laughed and a woman shouted in the back.

"I love that position too!" she howled.

Kagome chuckled and looked at Sesshomaru. "Yeah, isn't it the greatest?" she raised her brows not knowing how else to reply to that remark.

"How many times a week?" another person asked.

"Just about every day." Sesshomaru answered when Kagome didn't. She sat stiffly in her chair as she rubbed her thighs. She looked over at him and couldn't understand how he could keep so casual. He barely told her anything when they were alone. Here he was acting like he had little care in the world.

"Sesshomaru, same question, how about you?" the man asked.

Kagome smirked as she turned to him to see how he was going to answer under all of the pressure.

"Definitely when she's on top. She's pretty wild." He said smoothly and effortlessly. Kagome's mouth dropped as she looked back at the press who were laughing and whistling.

"What is your favorite feature about her?" asked another man.

He scanned her quickly and shrugged. "Her lips."

Kagome felt her face heat up and tried to sip the water in front of her.

"No, preferably a sexual feature, I.E her butt, breasts, her va-."

"We get it, thanks." Kagome said over the mic. What was wrong with these horny people? He wasn't going to answer, was he?"

"Oh..."he said as he thought for a moment. Kagome smiled, not easy, huh? "her breasts…"he answered.

She dropped her mouth even lower and gasped.

A few people mumbled "aws" and whistled. Kagome couldn't believe this culture. Her head was going to explode if she got any more embarrassed.

"Her breasts are a wonderful feature as we all saw in the cover of Glamour when she posed in the bikini" said a German woman. "They're very round and firm looking. Tell us, Kagome. Are they fake?"

"What?" Kagome squeaked. "No!" This was a nightmare.

"No, take it from me, they're real." He answered in her defense.

"Alright, no more questions, Kagome and Sesshomaru are off to have dinner now and have a busy schedule ahead." Marla said into the microphone as she tapped Kagome to get up.

"Kagome! Sesshomaru!" people shouted as they were escorted off the stage.

"I hate you so much right now…"she scowled at Sesshomaru and walked ahead of him.

Marla walked beside Sesshomaru. "Don't worry, you did great. I think they bought it." She rubbed his back and he walked ahead trying to catch up with Kagome.

In the limo, Kagome and Sesshomaru didn't speak. She stuck her head out of her window, pouting with her arms crossed.

They arrived at La Pergola and the waiter led them to a table in the terrace. The view was breathtaking. Kagome tugged her red Satin bow-dress. It had a ballerina neckline, a gathered bust and cut in shoulders. The dress probably cost more than everything she owned back home. She sat across from Sesshomaru and avoided looking at him.

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and tilted his head.

"You can't seriously be upset." He folded his hands and looked around.

Kagome didn't say anything and just lifted a brow.

Sesshomaru sighed and opened a menu.

"I can't believe what you did earlier." She snapped in a whisper.

"What exactly did I do?" he flipped the menu over.

"You made a mockery of me, my body, they were personal things."

"Really?" he let out a dry laugh. "Ms. 'I like it when he's on top.'"

"Oh my god, I was in the spotlight and they wanted me to answer!" she cried not expecting him to throw it in her face. She shook her head and sighed as she tried to relax. She'd never been so uptight in her life. It was like they both switched roles once they got to Italy. He was acting like nothing bothered him.

"So you going to tell me…what or who made you become the male model for Marques and Valentino?" she said, trying to change the subject. The embarrassment she'd encounter with the media is long gone. No one will probably even see it on the news nor mention it.

" No one made me." He replied, looking out to the terrace. The view of Rome was enticing although it was his fifth time being there. First time in the restaurant, though.

"Then?" she studied him. "You certainly didn't come because you wanted to be with me every waking minute, did you?"

He didn't reply, just made a face.

"Yeah, I thought so." She smirked. "So?"

"I told you I wanted to get away." He remarked shortly.

"From what?"

"From…everything. Stop questioning me."

"Uh-huh…."she eyed him suspiciously. "and…you couldn't do that without the help of Marques and Valentino. It's not like you have billions of dollars of your own money…."she rolled her eyes. " I mean…your father's money."

He scowled at her comment about him being a trust fund baby and turned away from her gaze. He stopped living under his father's wealth at thirteen but he let her think what she wanted.

"Why don't you concern yourself with your life…" he nodded, his grin only rose on one side.

"Well, I don't have anything to hide. I was just trying to get away from there. There's no one or nothing for me in New York."

He couldn't understand it, but that last statement bothered him. He was bothered by a lot of things tonight. His phone vibrated through his pocket the entire day. He ignored it of course for it would only be one person calling him obsessively; his mother.

His voicemail would probably be full at the rate of the phone calls he kept getting but he didn't want to answer it, not yet, at least. He met eyes with Kagome and she broke from his gaze. He noticed she couldn't meet his eyes most of the time unless it was accompanied by a dispute of some sort.

"Ok..." she broke their momentary silence. "We need to discuss bedroom arrangements."

He leaned back in amusement.

"We both can't sleep in the same bed." She whispered. "I've never shared a bed with anyone…"

She then opened her eyes wide and cursed herself to the depths of hell for saying that last remark. Now he was going to have every right to assume she'd never slept with anyone before but he didn't seem to care or didn't point anything out. Instead he pursed his lips, looking around the restaurant and scanning the menu periodically.

"What do you propose then?"

At that moment, the waiter walked over to them, introduced himself, and poured them a glass of wine. He bowed to give them a few minutes to think and walked away.

" I don't know." She shrugged as she looked around the room. Everyone was staring at them, smiling all googly-eyed.

"It's a king sized bed." He dismissed. "What are you worried about, me jumping you?"

She blushed and covered her face with the menu.

"Or you jumping me." He teased.

Kagome glared daggers at him and he decided to put a stop to his playful remarks. He really couldn't help it. She was quite cute when upset.

"I can assure you that I won't make any attempts at you."

"Great." Kagome mocked. "As long as we established that. I know I can be very irresistible but if you can control it, well, then no worries."

He contained a smirk, ignoring his phone again. He went into his pocket and looked at his phone underneath the table. Kagome glanced curiously and wondered why he kept looking at his phone.

"You know…" she cleared her throat. "If you answer it, maybe she'd stop calling you so much."

He sneered. "How do you know it is a she?"

"It's a very persistent ring for a man." She smiled at her accurate observation but at the same time, she was disappointed that she was right. It was probably Shurran, she thought. He ignored Kagome's advice to pick up the phone and just turned it off. Whoever it was, Kagome thought, he didn't want to talk to them.

After they had what they called 'dinner', which was a 2-ounce salmon, three broccoli spears with a parsley garnish, they went back to the hotel to call it a night. Marla had insisted they go to bed early because they had to get up at five in the morning. Sesshomaru had showered first so by the time Kagome had gone to shower and come back out, he was already laying on the bed. She shrugged. If he wasn't going to have a problem sleeping with her, then she wasn't going to make it a big deal.

What other alternative was there for them? They were both adults, they can easily share a bed without any problems. It was a very large bed with plenty of room for the both of them. She brushed her wet hair as she toured around the room. The suite was large enough to be an apartment. There was a loveseat facing their balcony window, a large bathtub with jets installed, a 70-inch flat screen TV, a mini bar and memory foam recliner by another window. Outside their balcony, there was a small bistro table for two with a perfect view of the Pantheon and Barberini Railway station.

While she was brushing her long wet hair, she cocked her head to the side to see what he was reading. He seemed very engrossed by the book. He looked so crisp and fresh in his nightwear which was just a white t shirt and gray wool pants. She could smell him from where she was sitting and she continued to breathe him in as she brushed her hair. It was soothing to her.

When she turned around, facing her back to him, he looked up from his book. He watched as she brushed her hair quietly, in deep thought. She brushed her hair back into a neat ponytail and walked toward the window. She was wearing navy shorts and a sky blue t shirt. While she was putting her hair in a pony tail, her shirt rose up and he could see her stomach and the small of her back. She had a tiny waist, her hips were curvy and she was pretty busty for a petite girl but not in an overly dramatic way. She wasn't that tall but her legs were long and were much toned. He quickly observed her posture as she stared out the window and felt an ache in his groin. He kicked his knees up as he adjusted himself.

"I can't believe I'm in Italy…"she remarked in a quiet yet cheerful tone. She and walked toward the bed. She slipped under the covers and he inched away further.

"Night…" his voice was low as he turned around, his back facing her. He felt his body rigid next to her, smelling her shampooed hair and her body washed skin, his eyes started to burn. Maybe sharing a bed wasn't a good idea? No, he could do this. He reasoned with himself as he justified his body's actions. He was stressed, tired and perhaps concupiscent by the lack of sexual engagement.

He deeply tried to concentrate and control his body but he knew it was already taken over by lust. He just couldn't understand why his body would act this way around a her. His mind was set and clear that he wanted nothing to do with a human but his body pulled toward her. He then thought if he had slept with Shurran, perhaps his body wouldn't act this way, tortured by deprivation. He was a man, after all and his needs weren't met for a long time. It was his own fault, really.

He started to think about what his father said, and what his mother will say and Shurran and his body suddenly stopped shaking. It was then replaced with annoyance and anger. Anger was better to suppress than lecherous tendencies. He closed his eyes and sleep befell him in minutes.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

He was dreaming again, he was sure. How he knew? Shurran was on top of him, naked and kissing his neck and laughing. His mother was standing over the bed watching him, her face proud. His father was standing behind her, his arms crossed and disappointed. Kagome was sitting at the corner of the bed, her back facing him, crying. Inuyasha stood over her and rested a hand on her shoulder trying to comfort her. Then everyone disappeared, Kagome was at the window again like she was before, but she had on that white silk dress again. The room was dark and the only light that shone came through the window from the street lights. Arms wrapped around her and his brows drew together trying to see who it was. Shinji's face appeared through the light and he started to kiss Kagome's neck. Sesshomaru sat up, furious but remained in the bed. He just gripped the sheets so hard; his claws went through it and ripped it to strings of fabric. Kagome giggled and turned to face Sesshomaru. She pulled the straps of her dress off to reveal her breasts and Shinji placed his hands on them, caressing them. Sesshomaru bolted from the bed, his eyes red, growling. He pulled Shinji off of Kagome and leered at him viciously.

Kagome then disappeared, and he was left alone in the room with Shinji. He paced left to right as he waited for Shinji to move but he didn't. He just stared at him and laughed.

"She doesn't want a demon, you know." Shinji ran his fingers through his hair. "Demons are disgusting to her. You can't give it to her like I can." He continued and Sesshomaru could still hear Kagome giggling and moaning but she wasn't in the room. His eyes then shifted to the deep blood filled sclera and he grabbed Shinji by the collar and slashed his neck with his claws.

He woke up after that, breathing hard. He looked over to Kagome who was sleeping soundly and looked down at his hands. His claws were short and smoothed out. He sighed as his heart pounded against his chest. He stood up and looked at the clock. It was an hour away from five so he decided to get up and take another cold shower.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Meanwhile, back in America…

The resort was beautiful and relaxing. A lady sat by the pool at the top of the New Yorker Hotel reading a novel by her favorite author. It was a great day. She sipped her cosmopolitan as a masseuse walked over to her.

"Lady Saya, would you like a massage?"

The woman looked up from her book, and gazed at him through her shades. "You're human…"she said.

"Um…yes, ma'am, I am." He frowned not seeing relevance to her statement.

"No. I don't think so." She said and went back to her book. How disgusting, she thought. Was there anywhere she could go that humans weren't infesting the vicinity; stupid emancipation laws and their worthless attempt at equality! Never in a million years would humans ever be equal to demons. Garbage, she thought. She looked over at the masseuse who scowled at her and read his newspaper.

Her phone rang and she picked it up with a smirk. "Well, hello, Kyoha." She sang.

"Yes, I am at the resort. No…it's actually quite a disappointment, they have humans everywhere. I've managed to rent out the entire pool to myself so no one is around for the moment except a human hire that's lurking around." She glowered at the masseuse. She nodded as she listened on the phone.

"Well, good for Shurran. I'm glad she told him. What did he say?" she paused. "Really? Oh, he'll come to. Sesshomaru has always played hard to get with the ladies." She let out a dry laugh. "We are still on for lunch, right? Great, Ciao."

She hung up the phone and was about to go back to her book when she saw the front page of the newspaper the masseuse was reading. She stood up from her chair to get a closer look and the masseuse just glared at her suspiciously. She saw Sesshomaru's picture on the front cover and something about 'lovers'. At first, she smiled. Did he find a mate and had already addressed it to society? No, then why didn't he tell her first? She snatched the paper from the man who just scoffed and walked away and opened to the pages about him.

'It was decided last night, in the midnight hour, that Lord Sesshomaru had accepted the role for the male model lover in Marques and Valentino's crossover project 'The lovers.' She read.

Her smile slowly faded as she read on and saw the woman from the restaurant. The one Sesshomaru denied he knew at first and then later announced it was a tenant of his father's. They both were in this project that is said to strike controversy around the world. A demon and a human, or they refer this human to an angel; Marques's angel.

'Lord Sesshomaru and Kagome Higurashi left before sunrise today to Rome Italy where they are scheduled to travel around Italy, advertising the Fashion Gods' new line for two months. The couple' she stopped breathing once she read that word. '…were both chosen by the designers themselves.' Her hands started to shake and a low growl sounded from her chest.

"WHAT?" she yelled so loud, it echoed throughout the place.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Marla had been talking for about ten minutes non-stop as Kagome and Sesshomaru sat across from her in the limo. Marques sat quietly as usual in the back with his cigar and glass of whiskey.

Kagome hunched over by the window, starving. Last night's dinner didn't do anything but tease her. She didn't even like fish but she ate it so she wouldn't starve to death.

"Are we going to eat?" she whined. Sesshomaru sat next to her by the other window, smoking a cigarette.

Marla looked up from her planner and squinted. She set her book down and folded her hands. She had to be patient with this Kagome. She was new to the industry, new to the fashion world for that matter. "Darling, let me tell you how this is going to be…" she forced a fake grin. "Food should be the last thing on your mind."

Kagome lowered her head.

"Back to the primary consideration," Marla spoke as she lifted her planner eye level. " You both will have breakfast in an hour, after that you will meet with Marques's photographer, Benito Cerro."

Marques cleared his throat. "Jean Luc was fired after he sold your pictures to the magazines."

Kagome's jaw tightened. She'd forgotten about that. She hadn't really tried to figure out what happened since it was her fault for not signing any contract. "We are signing one now though, right?"

"Of course, you are not to sign modeling releases when you meet with your photographer. This contract would publicize your photos to anyone willing to pay the price. This isn't what we want. Anyway, he knows not to give you this form. The photos are only to be used by us. However, you are to sign an exclusive contract with us. This prohibits you to model for any other company but us. Your lawyers will both be there at noon to discuss further details."

"We have lawyers?" Kagome cocked a brow and looked at Sesshomaru who seemed unfazed.

"Yes. You do. "Marla sighed. "Anyway, after the photo shoot and meeting with the lawyers, you are to meet with an old lady Faye Fontinni, your tailor, after that you are to attend Versace's winter launch party to represent Marques and Valentino."

This all sounded so boring to Kagome. She had always had the impression that celebrities or models could do what they want. She didn't think they had to work so hard.

An hour later, after signing a plethora of contracts, they were sent to their rooms to change, meet with stylists and make-up artists.

Kagome grumbled as a spunky girl did her hair. "This is nuts. I'm so hungry."

The stylist seemed surprised that a model would say this and smiled. "They said you had breakfast before you came."

"Yeah, right, if you can call a slice of grapefruit with cottage cheese, a hearty breakfast." She scoffed.

The stylist chuckled. "I promise you'll get used to it."

"Yeah…"she winced when the stylist pulled her hair tighter. The torture that had befallen her was nothing compared to what happened next. The torturer's name was Anya Polnavich. A very short Russian girl who looked like she was straight out of high school but was a lot older than Kagome. She plucked and drew on Kagome's face with no mercy and then after she was done, she sprayed Kagome's face with hairspray.

"This is to keep the make-up in place and not get on thzee fabric." She said in a strong Russian accent ignoring Kagome's excessive coughing.

After hair and make -up was done; she walked over to the photo shoot where she met Sesshomaru. There was a white screen behind him and white floors. He sat on a red couch that seemed to stand out in the white theme. He didn't seem to go through the same make up attack she had gone through. He was sipping a cup of espresso when Kagome stiffly walked over to him.

"You know….I'm not feeling the life of luxury here." She stood with a hand on her hip, expressionless but not by choice, wearing heels that were about four inches tall and a black cocktail dress, with a lei of pearls around her neck. Her hair was wrapped up in a bun with loose curls coming out of it.

Sesshomaru tried to contain a grin while she was venting but the same expression wore on her face. She was mad, he could tell but her brows didn't move.

"Alright..." Benito said in a thick Italian accent. He was handsome, tall, and muscular with a tan that accentuated his blue eyes. He didn't look like he was the photographer, he looked like the model.

"Sesshomaru, I need you to put the espresso down and lift your leg."

Sesshomaru bowed his head and sipped his coffee, paying no mind to what he was just told. He wasn't going to be rushed to drink his coffee. The photographer looked through the camera and lifted his head above when Sesshomaru didn't move. " Ok, finish the coffee and then we'll get to work." He cleared his throat as he walked over to Marla and Marques.

"Yes, I know you are pressed for time, Benito but uh…Lord Sesshomaru doesn't consider requests or demands…he'll be done with his coffee in a few minutes." Marla apologized and looked at Marques who shrugged. " Um…why don't you just work with Kagome's positioning and poses while he finishes his libation."

Benito grumbled under his breath and walked over to Kagome.

"Alright, Dolcezza. " he said in a soothing voice that calmed Kagome. "When he is done with his coffee, I want you to place both your legs around him, like sitting on top of him.

"Um…what?" she said and looked at Sesshomaru. He didn't look up, just continued to drink his coffee.

Benito went back to his camera and unlatched it from the tripod. He started snapping away at Kagome.

"Bellissimo" he said and looked at Sesshomaru. "In qualsiasi momento." (Any time now?)

Sesshomaru lifted a brow and looked at him. "a tempo debito." (All in good time)

"essere una perdita di tempo!" Benito shouted back at Sesshomaru. ( this is a waste of time)

"Silenzio, Fai il tuo lavoro e basta." Sesshomaru grimaced. (Silence. Just do your job.)

The photographer gasped and walked away.

Kagome raised a brow, which cracked her makeup and looked at Sesshomaru. "You speak Italian?"

Sesshomaru shrugged. "So?"

"Alright, what did you tell him?" Kagome frowned. "I just want to get this over with!"

He sipped the last of his espresso and set it down on a tray beside the red couch. He waved his hand to show he was done and Benito walked back glaring daggers at him. Sesshomaru just smirked.

"Alright, Kagome, do as we spoke about, sit on top of him but you are going to raise your hips to where you are kneeling, instead of sitting on him."

Kagome faltered a nod but did as she was told. She felt really weird doing this but it was just a photo shoot. It didn't help that many people were looking at this. Make up artists and stylists gathered around drinking coffee and eating donuts. Then there was the staff that handled the lighting. She sat on top of him and she could feel him tense up as well. Not so tough, she thought. He wasn't comfortable with this either.

"Alright, Sesshomaru, place your eh..left hand on her thigh and slowly lift the dress up."

Sesshomaru did as told but his face was tight.

"Alright, that's it. Not too much. Her butt is for only you to see.." he joked, and everyone laughed except for the two. "Alright, now you should rest your chin on her stomach and look up at her. Kagome, grab one side of the pearls and place it in your mouth, hang them on your lips. Ok stop." Benito said as he snapped away. "perfetto, Sesshomaru, lower your shoulders, Kagome look at me." He snapped away more than a thousand snaps. " Alright. Change them for the Jacuzzi."

'Oh god', Kagome thought. 'I hope they don't have me do anything naked.' The stylists carried them away and prepared them for the shoot.

A few minutes later, Kagome was escorted to the Jacuzzi. It was surrounded by loads of red roses. The water was a pink hue and the steam looked pink as well. There had to have been more than a hundred candles. Sesshomaru already sat in the Jacuzzi. A huge guy helped Kagome over the heated pool and she stood standing, looking down at Sesshomaru who looked up and met her gaze. They both quickly looked away.

She worried that he was naked but she could see through the pool he was wearing white shorts. He had no shirt on and she felt her face hot and red, and it had nothing to do with the steam. She could see his entire abs and his tattoos or 'birthmarks' as he called them.

Sesshomaru kept his eyes down at the pool and tried not to look at Kagome. They had her in a skimpy bikini made out of gold embroidered sequins. The top was so low; it looked like her breasts were too big for the thing.

"Ok, Kagome dip yourself completely in the pool so your hair eh… gets wet and pop out of it by Sesshomaru's chest. Come out where your hair falls eh… back, not in your face."

She nodded, and that is what she did. At first, she didn't realize how small the pool was so she wound up bumping her nose into his chest and popped out coughing.

"I'm sorry. Being sexy is not my forte."

Sesshomaru bit his lips from laughing. Kagome kicked his foot.

Benito growled. "Ugh…again!"

After the third try, it went successfully and he started snapping away. "Sexy, ok. Now, rise up."

When she did, the water began to fall down her skin and Sesshomaru had front seats to watch this. He gulped feeling his body tightened and forced himself to look away. Kagome felt proud of herself, she was complying without fighting or whining about it. This was business, she told herself and it made it easy once she accepted that.

" Ok, Sesshomaru, place your left hand on the right side of her .."he looked at his assistant for help with translation. "lower bottom but your fingers at the top."

Sesshomaru nodded and cleared his throat as he did this.

"Ok.."Benito smirked. "Wonderful. Now place your lips on her stomach, but don't press down, I want to see a little…uh…space between your lips and her stomach."

Kagome tensed when she felt his lips on her stomach. Her heart pounded fast and Sesshomaru looked up, feeling this.

" Sesshomaru, look at her stomach. You need to look like that is what you want. Her skin, her…" he snapped away. "her body. Ok, Kagome, take off the top."

"What?" Kagome and Sesshomaru both spat in unison and Kagome was surprised that he had protested as well. He seemed casual about everything up until now.

Benito looked at Marla who nodded.

"Kagome, just remove the top."

"Absolutely not!" Kagome cried. "Sue me if you want, I am not doing that, I'm not!" she crossed her arms, realizing how little she was wearing now.

"Stop acting like a child." Marla scolded. "These are professionals; everyone has seen breasts."

"No!" she exclaimed and she actually felt like she wanted to cry.

"Ok…"Benito raised his hand and walked over to Kagome and Sesshomaru. "Let me speak to them…eh…in private."

He knelt down and smiled at Kagome. "Ok, Dolcezza, I know it is..eh…hard to do this…but no one will see anything. The pose will cover the areas most private. Think of it as wearing a very revealing dress. Sesshomaru won't even see them…but…he'll kind of feel them."

Sesshomaru closed his eyes and looked away and Kagome's eyes widened even more.

"WHAT?"

"Ok, you will remove the top and rest your chest on his, so…his chest will feel them, not his hands and no one will see anything, alright? Basically you will press your chests together and wrap your arms around his neck."

Kagome pouted and looked at everyone around them. People bickered and grimaced, she even heard someone say 'amateur'.

She looked at Sesshomaru who was rubbing his eyes and glanced back at Benito. "O-ok…"

She then pulled the strings to her top and loosened it. She took it off but covered her breasts.

Sesshomaru kept his gaze on her face, seeing that she was mortified as she bent down toward him. She leaned close to him and put her bare breasts on his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. This time, she felt his body jerk and she jerked back.

"What's wrong?" Benito frowned.

"Nothing..." Kagome said and Sesshomaru shook his head as she leaned in again. "I feel like I'm doing a porno..."she muttered.

Sesshomaru didn't reply. He was quiet, she noticed and his body was very tense. His breathing was deep. She looked at him with concern.

"Are you ok?"

"I'm fine. "he uttered curtly, he placed his hands behind her back as advised by Benito.

Benito started snapping away and singing in Italian. "Ok, Sesshomaru place your lips on her shoulders like you are kissing them."

Kagome felt his soft lips touch her shoulder. His hands gripped the side of her back, and she couldn't shake how familiar they felt, like, it belonged. Benito continued to snap and instructed Sesshomaru to move his lips up her neck. Her body tingled, and she cleared her throat and bit her lips, ignoring the pleasure it brought her.

"Alright, move your lips up to her mouth but don't touch it, just keep it an inch away."

Kagome could feel his grip on her get tighter as his lips made his way to hers. She closed her eyes, feeling the heat of his lips, his breath was unsteady. He stared at her plumped lips, the smell of her lip gloss filling his nose. Benito went snap crazy as he circled around them. Kagome opened her eyes, and her breath caught in her throat, he was looking right at her. The Jacuzzi was very hot, so she debated whether she was hot from it or hot from the lust she felt coming on. She noticed Sesshomaru drop his gaze back to her lips.

They needed to finish this pose quickly but Benito kept telling them to stay still. He kept thinking about his father, his mother and Shurran, thinking they would make his body relax. His hands started shaking as his lips hovered over hers, but Kagome's breathing triggered the dreams he'd been having. He pulled back, becoming impatient and annoyed. Kagome could tell he was starting to become uncomfortable and it insulted her. It seemed he wanted to get away from her as quickly as possible. It wasn't like she wanted to do it either but this was professional. It seemed his dislike for humans was getting in the way of even that.

Benito scolded Sesshomaru to fix his position, to position his lips over hers. She had a strong urge to kiss him and that made her body flinch. She felt a vibration coming from his chest and her brows drew together as Benito snapped away.

She continued to look at Sesshomaru's face but his eyes were closed, like he was concentrating on something. His breathing became shallow and his grip tightened even more. His lip slowly brushed against hers accidently and that was when his eyes shot open, blood shot red and Kagome gasped. Sesshomaru pushed her off of him and jumped out of the pool. Covering her bare breasts, she glowered at him. Everyone looked at him puzzled as he grabbed a robe by the pool and sprinted toward the exit. "I need a cigarette." He said and everyone looked at him as he left, including Kagome. She looked back at Benito.

Benito smirked and looked at Marla and Marques. " I think I have enough shots here. Why don't we call it quits and look them over tomorrow?" He said as he wrapped it up.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

A half an hour later, they had gotten dressed, avoided the press as they were escorted to the limo and left. They had gone to meet with the lawyers but couldn't sign anything because Kagome's lawyer wasn't present. They rescheduled it later in the week. They had a three-hour break before they met with their tailor.

They went back to their hotel to rest. Kagome didn't utter a word to Sesshomaru as she went into the room. Sesshomaru sensed she was angry so he didn't try to speak to her. He sat by the window, smoking a cigarette, listening to his voicemails while Kagome lay in bed. After a couple of hours in silence, he looked at her.

"I didn't mean to push you…"he spoke to her back but he knew she was listening. "I apologize."

She didn't respond at first and contemplated how to. She turned to him and sat up.

"You know…I know humans repulse you in that way but can you at least try to look at this professionally?" she rolled her eyes.

He wanted to protest but couldn't. There was nothing he could say to back out of what he did. "I wasn't repulsed…I was…"he stopped to think and she waited for him to answer.

"You were what?"

"I needed to get out of there..." was all he could manage to say.

"Why?" she replied.

"I just did."

"…because you were disgusted." she finished his answer, or what she thought his answer was. " Well, I'm sorry I'm not a demon, I'm sorry I'm not Shurran." She spat and he was taken aback by it. "But you chose to do this, if you can't, then back out."

Why had she mentioned anything about being a demon or Shurran? She almost sounded jealous. He took a pull of his cigarette and exhaled deeply. "You think what you want." He licked his lips and took another pull. He decided he didn't want to be in the room with her right now. Something told him if he'd stay, the argument would get bad.

"Where are you going?" she said. "We have to leave in a bit." But he ignored her and slammed the door as he left.

He blocked his thought on the way to the lobby and asked for a rented car. They escorted him to view the cars for rent and he immediately saw the one he wanted. It was the latest update of the dodge viper. He picked it out, grabbed the keys and raced out of there.

A half and hour later, Marla and Marques walked in.

"Alright, let's go." Marla clapped her hands. "Where's Sesshomaru?"

Kagome just stared at her, speechless and shrugged.

"You don't know where he is?" Marla spat. "We have to leave now."

Marques's cell phone rang and he picked it up. He sighed when he listened and hung up.

"The limo driver said he got into a car and left."

"Whose car?" Marla exclaimed, her face turning red.

"A rented car." Marques exhaled and looked at Kagome. "We can still get her fitted."

"and what of the launch party? It is in three hours! You think he'll be back by then? Oh my god, I swear, I don't know what we were thinking. Sesshomaru has a history for not taking orders from anyone. I should have expected complications. You both are the most unprofessional people I've ever worked with!" she stormed out of the room.

"What did I do?" Kagome cried.

Marques scoffed and sat down next to Kagome. "Fous le camps et morte" he cursed under his breath. "She is very annoying." He looked at Kagome but she looked depressed or unhappy about something.

"He'll come back." He said.

Kagome looked at him and rolled her eyes. "I could care less if he does."

Two hours passed and Sesshomaru never came back. Kagome had gotten fitted by the tailor and ordered room service to eat lunch. She ate while she looked out the window. What a beautiful city she was in and she'd never felt more alone. She hated to admit, she already missed Koga, Sango, Miroku and even Inuyasha. She heard the door and felt relieved thinking it was Sesshomaru but it wasn't. It was Marla.

"He's still not back?" she fumed and looked around the room. "We have to leave for the launch party, and you're not dressed either!"

"I thought you said we don't go anywhere without each other?" Kagome bit into the disgusting dry tofu they served her for dinner. She wasn't going to die of starvation here in Italy.

"Well, it seems Sesshomaru already did. He doesn't seem to be taking any of this seriously. So, get into the Velvet blue dress, the stylist will be here in ten minutes."

Kagome groaned as she threw her tofu away and walked toward the closet. She opened it and grabbed the beautiful velvet blue halter dress with a low to the waist neckline, with a belt strap across the bottom of the chest. The hem was asymmetrical and it was open back.

She exhaled and pursed her lips as she walked to the bathroom to undress. The stylist showed up first and Kagome remembered her from the photo shoot.

"Hi." She said.

"Hey…"Kagome forced a smile as she sat down in a chair. "Isabella, right?"

"I'm surprised you remember." Isabella smiled. "Didn't expect someone like you to."

"Someone like me?" Kagome looked down at her lap.

"You know… models." She smiled. "I'm just used to it."

"Well…I'm not really a model." Kagome muttered and Isabella looked at her perplexed. "I mean…ugh, don't listen to me, I'm just hungry."

Isabella giggled. " You know…there is a sandwich in my bag. It is not to be touched…but I am going to go to the bathroom for a few minutes so if you happen to not go in the bag to get sandwich to fill your stomach, I'd appreciate it." She said. Her Italian accent was so thick but her English was perfect. " The sandwich you are not supposed to eat is in the bottom pocket." She winked as she left to the bathroom.

Kagome looked confused when she left but realized Isabella had hint to her about a sandwich she offered her. She probably didn't want to directly offer it because she'd get fired. No time to think about the details, Kagome thought as she sprinted toward the stylist's bag and fished out the sandwich. Her stomach growled as she opened the foil and started eating away like she hadn't eaten in days. Apparently, she hadn't been eating fast enough because the stylist came back and watched as Kagome engulfed this sandwich.

"You poor thing…"she laughed. "And I thought you had it good."

"Yeah, me too." She said through a full mouth. "Have any soda?"

"Ah, yes. I do. Cola?" she pulled out of her bag.

Kagome grimaced. It wasn't Pepsi but it would do. She guzzled it down and wiped her mouth with her hand.

Isabella couldn't stop laughing as she started messing with Kagome's hair.

"Thank you so much, Isabella. I owe you big time." Kagome smiled, her stomach was the happiest it's been in three days.

Isabella concentrated on Kagome's face and dress. " Ok…I'm going to give you blue highlights to match the dress. It will wash out with water."

"Ok." Kagome nodded and looked into the mirror. "so, you like being in the industry?" she asked. She never really made small talk but she felt so lonely and it was comforting to talk to someone other than Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru didn't even respond as much lately and seemed bothered with something that he wouldn't tell her.

"Yes. I do. It is fun to make people beautiful." She poured colors onto a sheet and started to paint Kagome's hair. She hesitantly answered Kagome not being used to being asked questions by anyone. She was usually invisible to everyone. Afterwards, she straightened Kagome's hair which made it look longer. It was down to her hips and her jet black hair made the blue highlights look dramatic.

"Wow…it looks wonderful." Kagome swayed her hair and turned around. "Strike a pose. " she danced around making silly faces.

Isabella smirked liking Kagome a lot and was curious to know her more but she had to leave and if her boss saw her talking to Kagome, she'd get in trouble.

"Alright, I must go. Anya will be by to do your make-up." Isabella said as she packed her things.

"Anya?" Kagome gasped. "The Russian torturer? Noooo."

"Yes, she is little but she is rough." Isabella chuckled. "Anyway, have fun at the party. Don't mess up your hair."

"Thanks for feeding me."

"Shhhh…"Isabella scolded. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Kagome blushed as she turned to the mirror admiring her hair. Perhaps she'd consider dying it blue, permanently.

As soon as Isabella left, Anya showed up. She wasn't as fun as Isabella. She was very serious looking and every time Kagome asked her something, she'd answer in one word; sort of reminded her of someone.

It was time to leave and it was getting late. Sesshomaru still didn't come back. Would he ever come back? If he didn't, would that mean she'd have to model with a stranger or even worse, sleep next to one? Marla and Marques walked in and followed her out.

"So…this is the story. Sesshomaru is stricken with a cold. He couldn't make it but you did to represent the line and he sends his apologies." Marla whispered in Kagome's ear.

Kagome rolled her eyes and nodded as they went into the elevator.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Author's note:

In the process of editing the story. Please be patient.

Edited February 2016

Review, Review, Review!