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Kagome groaned as another dress was hung over the fitting room door, this one even more gauche than the last. "When Inuyasha said he needed someone for a blind date, I didn't think he meant you. Or that I'd have to spend the entire day getting ready." There was no response on the other side of the door, but she knew he was smirking. Either that, or he was ignoring her completely. "You haven't even told me what this event is for!"
"You have yet to ask."
She yanked on the next dress even though she knew it wouldn't be the right one. The colour was too bright, and the cut was too low. Even if her date did choose it, she wasn't about to leave the store in it. "Considering I accepted this date as a favour, the least you can do is provide me with the information about our venue," she groused.
Sesshoumaru, though he went by Yasei Shou in the modern era, barely looked up from his phone before waving her away. "It is a business event. That is all you need to know."
Kagome stalked over to him, hands on her hips. "Nice try. You want me to play nice? Spill the deets. I need to know how to dress. Is it black tie?"
He sighed, leaning back against the lush couch positioned in front of a myriad of mirrors. "You can wear any colour if that's what you mean."
She rolled her eyes. "Is it casual? Is there a deal to be made? Are you trying to impress someone?"
"The latter. But in a business sense." He took in more of her appearance. "Hurry up. We still need to do your hair and makeup."
She eyed him momentarily, then leaned over and grabbed his tie, flipping it over his shoulder. "If it's that important, shouldn't you be getting dressed too?" She turned on her heel, walking back down the aisles of dresses. So far, the so-called stylists had found nothing she liked, so she was taking matters into her own hands.
Sesshoumaru fixed his tie, staring down at the black fabric. He hadn't planned on changing—he already wore a suit to work—but perhaps something with a little more colour would catch the benefactors' eyes. Not that he was taking the miko's advice. This was his idea, solely for the purpose of setting himself apart in the eyes of Kakeru Tsubasa.
After the death of her father, everyone had thought the butterfly youkai would just pass the company off to the board members, but she'd proven everyone wrong by firing the entire group and doing a complete rework of human resources.
Apparently, she'd been trying to do so for years, but her father had blocked her at every pass. Now, she was at the height of power and popularity, and every other company was tearing themselves apart to try and create the best offer to merge with her.
Including himself.
Getting to his feet, he tried to remember his latest background check on her. He'd tried to collect as much personal information as possible, but he couldn't recall if there was a favourite colour in the file. Sighing, he meandered through the tie rack, for once glad his mother had forced him to take such care of his appearance.
He hadn't known which female his brother would send; his only requirements were that she needed more brain cells than the last five blind dates combined and that she would not hound him for his phone number after the fact.
He had not expected the miko. Though, he couldn't say he was disappointed. She was the one person he could count on not to trail after him like a typical simpering female. And so far, she'd held her own in terms of conversation. If she would only choose an outfit, they could move on to—
"Oh good! I was hoping you'd choose that colour," she said, taking the tie from his hand. He hadn't even realized he'd selected anything, eyes taking in the rich plum of the tie—and her matching dress. The satin hugged her curves, folding over itself in a sweetheart neckline before flowing over her hips to the floor.
She grabbed the extra layer of fabric attached to her back and swung it over her shoulders. "Look! I won't even need a coat tonight. Stylish and functional." She did a twirl, clearly pleased with her selection.
It wasn't as flashy as he expected, though he shouldn't have been surprised, considering it was her, but something about her smile caused his breath to catch. Was this the same woman who chastised him inside his father's tomb?
The miko had fought against the spider all while clad in that vulgar green kimono, which he only recently realized was a school uniform—from the present time. Inuyasha had tried to explain it to him several times, and even after he understood the mechanics of the well, Sesshoumaru had never comprehended the miko's need for privacy while she bathed.
If she valued her modesty that much, why did she insist on wearing such a risqué and unsuitable outfit? It hardly protected her from attack, physical or otherwise.
She was such an odd creature.
"If that is your choice, we will move on to hair and makeup," he said, retrieving the tie and waving down a stylist. He added a new suit to the bill, his measurements already on file, then ushered the miko back to the fitting room.
"I don't suppose you'll let me just do it myself?" she asked, forced to twist and turn while several pins were placed into the dress. The alteration would be made while they completed the rest of the makeover.
"It is part of the ensemble," he replied.
Kagome sighed, accepting their help to remove the dress behind the curtain, wrapping the offered robe around her before stepping out of the fitting room. "Are you getting yours done as well?"
He rolled his eyes, running a hand through his shortened silver locks. "There is nothing to fix with mine."
"So then why do I—" A frown pinched her brow as he was all but accosted by someone from the accessories department, a selection of wallets in her hands. They had nothing to do with why they were here, but with the way the stylist pressed her chest toward him, Kagome knew she was trying for more than a sale.
As arrogant as Sesshoumaru was, she'd noticed how much he kept to himself, making sure the attention remained on her even though he was practically a celebrity. He'd even gone so far as to peruse the tie rack alone instead of having the stylists bring them to him.
Clicking her tongue, and hoping he didn't berate her for it, Kagome looped her arm around his, forcing herself between him and the pushy saleswoman. "Just as long as you promise not to use too much hairspray," she said, leading him away from the fitting rooms. Luckily, she'd noticed the adjoining salon when they'd walked in, so she knew where they were going next.
Her presence seemed to keep the vultures away, at least for the short walk to the salon, though they continued to circle. If Sesshoumaru noticed, he didn't say anything, and Kagome eventually sat down in the chair with a huff. Hopefully, she wouldn't have to do this all night. She'd signed up to be a blind date, not a bodyguard.
Sesshoumaru mentioned something to the hairdresser, and she nodded solemnly, running her hands through Kagome's hair. "Do we have time to wash it first? It'll make it easier to style." Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru in the mirror, and he shrugged, and she smiled in relief. There was something about getting your hair washed by someone else that allowed for complete relaxation.
Plus, it would give her time to come up with a suitable style.
Her dress was slinky—she hadn't noticed the slit up to her thigh until she'd twirled around, and by then, it was too late to choose something else. She felt amazing in it, and trying it on initially had been more out of curiosity than anything else, but she hadn't been able to stop herself from showing it to Sesshoumaru.
He hadn't said anything, though his eyes hadn't left her when she'd found him, but he'd somehow had a tie of the same colour in his hand, so be it fate or fortuitous, she couldn't put it back after that point.
But he was looking for the entire ensemble, and if they tried for a complete up-do, it would make her look like an awkward swan. "My hair curls naturally," she said, trying to read the hairdresser's mind as she trimmed the ends. "So we could just add some product and—"
"We're going for elegant," the woman rebuked, already pulling out a bundle of hairpins. Kagome stifled a groan, resigning herself for a night filled with headaches from being weighed down by gel and bobby pins.
The woman started twisting the front of her hair back, and Kagome couldn't stop herself from wincing. It already looked like it was plastered to her head. A soft cough from behind them had both women turning around—well, Kagome would've turned around if the hairdresser had actually let go of her hair.
"If I might offer a suggestion?" Sesshoumaru asked, something glinting from between his fingers.
"Of course, Yasei-sama," she said with a bow.
He stepped forward, using his claws to pull out the harsh twists. He parted her hair on the opposite side, the top lifting more than usual, then braided a few locks together, pinning it behind her ear with a small barrette. It looked much more natural but not even close to elegant enough.
She gave his reflection a questioning look, but he wasn't finished, adding another barrette before clipping in a pair of butterflies connected by a vine of oxeye daisies, the jewels catching the light every time she moved. "It's beautiful," she breathed, admiring herself in the mirror. How had he managed to find something that would match her dress in such a short amount of time?
A new dress, a free meal, and she wouldn't have to worry about a headache at the end of the night? Maybe this wouldn't be a complete waste after all.
"Any last-minute details I need to know about?" she asked, grasping his hand as he helped her into the passenger seat. She'd half expected him to call a limo or a town car, but he'd actually driven himself, and she'd automatically questioned how they'd get home after he'd had a few.
"It is a business event, miko. Alcohol only clouds the mind and dulls the senses," he said, pulling out of the mall parking lot.
"See, I know that, and you know that, but most people forget after one drink." He did nothing but shrug, content to let the silence follow them to the front doors of the lush hotel where the event was being held.
Once she'd stepped out of the car, with his help, he curled her hand around his arm, keeping her close as they walked inside. The people ahead of them handed off cards to the greeters, but Sesshoumaru's stride never faltered, the pair of bridled tern youkai bowing as they passed.
Kagome chuckled to herself, shaking her head when he raised an eyebrow in question. "I'll tell you later," she said, hoping he forgot all about it. Some habits never died, and he'd walked in like the lord of the castle the day after drenching the earth in his enemy's blood.
"You may be required to join in idle chatter," he warned, steering her away from a few small circles. "Do not feel like you are obligated to engage."
She patted his hand. "Aren't I supposed to fawn all over you and laugh at everything you say?" He grimaced, the flicker of emotion taking her by surprise.
"If that were all there was to you, I would not have accepted Inuyasha's suggestion in the first place," he muttered. "You are much more than—"
His compliment was interrupted, and Kagome nearly groaned. Sesshoumaru was saying something nice about her, so of course, a harpy had to appear. And judging by the woman's pinched expression, the description was accurate. "Well, well. When you rejected my invitation for tonight, I hadn't realized it was because you were bringing a charity case, Yasei-san," the blue-lipped sea krait crooned. "Where did you find her?"
His face became placid, muscles rolling along his jaw, and Kagome squeezed his arm before turning to face the viper. "Shou-san has been so busy with work that we simply haven't had any time to ourselves. I practically had to beg him to spend time with me." She emphasized his first name, though it felt foreign on her lips, and was rewarded by a dark scowl.
"Anyone who runs in these circles understands what it takes to run a business," she said, crossing her arms to show off matching diamond bracelets on each wrist.
"Oh, I'm aware," she replied with a grin. "Which is why he's promised we won't stay late so we can have some time to ourselves." She leaned her head against his arm as she gave the woman a blatant once-over.
The snake youkai bristled, striped hair standing on end, then zeroed in on Kagome's lack of jewellery and smirked. "It's a shame you're not close enough that Yasei-san failed to inform you about the dress code for tonight. Wearing your wealth on your sleeve, so to speak, is a given." She touched the bottom of her elaborate up-do, showing off the matching chandelier earrings, but Kagome just rolled her eyes.
"Oh, he told me. But I've always found wearing my entire allowance all at once tacky. Besides," she added, smiling up at Sesshoumaru, "I'd rather wear something personal than something Daddy bought me."
Youki flared, the viper's eyes venomous, and Sesshoumaru tried to move her out of the way, but Kagome stood firm. She wasn't about some entitled slug ruin her night. "Do you have any idea who I am?"
Kagome cocked her head to the side. "No, why? Have you forgotten? Are you so insignificant you can't go five minutes without someone reminding you?" Sesshoumaru may have snorted, but Kagome kept her eyes on the snake, lifting her chin as she dared her to say anything else.
"I'll have you know that Kakeru Tsubasa is my cousin. And when she hears about the way you've treated me, she'll want nothing to do with your company." Kagome felt Sesshoumaru tense, but she squeezed his arm again, hoping it was reassuring.
A round of applause had them all turning around, the subject of the woman's threat stepping into the room, wings on full display. Most of the guests had stuck to darker shades, but Tsubasa was there to make a statement, her yellow dress adorned with real roses. The sea snake perked up, smirking at both of them as she waved at the VIP, and the butterfly youkai brightened and headed in their direction.
Sesshoumaru's youki spiked but was prevented from making a scene as Kagome's reiki curled around him. She couldn't say anything in front of the slug, but she wanted him to know things were about to take an interesting turn.
"Dear cousin, you won't believe who they've let in here!" The woman gushed, motioning to them. "This trollop just—"
"Kagome-san! It's so good to see you!" Kagome was forced to release Sesshoumaru as the butterfly pulled her into a fierce hug, both laughing as they nearly toppled over. The viper looked on awestruck as Tsubasa forced Kagome to spin around. "You look fabulous! I didn't know you were coming. Do you know someone here?"
Kagome grinned at her college roommate, then stepped back and motioned to Sesshoumaru. "He dragged me here against my will." She leaned closer to Tsubasa, whispering loudly. "He promised there would be cupcakes."
Tsubasa's wings fluttered, and she gave Sesshoumaru a considering look. "Yasei Shou? I am surprised. And here I thought you were nothing but a bloodthirsty warlord."
Her veracious description had Kagome bursting into uncontrollable laughter, using Sesshoumaru's arm to keep her balance. "Oh, he's definitely that, but it's only a small part of him." She gave him a warm smile, one that felt more genuine than it should've, and something flashed in his eyes before his arm slid around her waist.
"Kagome is an old friend and agreed to keep me on my best behaviour tonight."
Tsubasa raised an eyebrow, but Kagome didn't deny it, and her friend looked nothing if not intrigued. "Such wonderful familiarity. You must tell me how you met." One of her attendants touched her elbow, and she sighed. "I have to go mingle, but let's catch up later." She turned to Sesshoumaru, inclining her head. "Nice to finally meet you. If you can tear yourself away from her later, we can talk shop." She gave Kagome one last hug, then eyed her cousin over her shoulder before completely snubbing her, leaving the viper a sputtering mess before trailing after her.
"Well, that was fun," she mused, relaxing slightly. "You should've told me we'd be seeing Tsubasa. We could've hung out with her beforehand."
"You were too busy getting ready," he replied, taking note of each person the butterfly spoke to. She wasn't as open or friendly with any of the other patrons, though many tried, and suddenly a merger between their two companies didn't seem like too much of a stretch. "I was unaware you knew the business mogul."
The miko hummed, automatically reaching for her phone in a pocket that didn't exist, forgetting she'd left it in his car. "We were roommates in college. I can show you pictures later," she said, giving up on her phone. "I wanted to take some courses to help with the shrine, but Tsubasa was in it to win."
"So I have heard."
She looked around, judging their proximity from other people safe enough, then went up on tiptoe, the heels of her stilettos still not high enough for her to reach his ears and forcing him to bend down. "Her father was a tyrant. Almost bankrupted them several times. She's had things in the works ever since he got sick. His death just made it easier."
Sesshoumaru almost groaned. He'd been striving for some sort of loophole into Kakeru's good books, and the hook was literally hanging onto his arm. "You seem to get along with her."
She let out a chuckle. "We almost weren't. The first time I met him, he hit on me. Asked me if I wanted to be Tsubasa's next stepmom."
Her breath wafted over his ear as she steadied her heels on the floor, and his arm tightened around her waist. He'd known the elder youkai was into younger women, but he hadn't realized just how young. "I am glad I never had dealings with him beforehand."
She patted his chest. "I'm sure Tsubasa is too. And me, for that matter. Even if her earlier assessment of you was true."
The mischief in her eyes had the edge of his mouth twitching as he realized what had caused her earlier outburst. Perhaps he should let her surprise him more often. "Thank you for your assistance. Can I make it up to you?"
"That depends," she replied, tapping her chin. "Can bloodthirsty warlords dance?"
The smirk was real this time. "This one can." Her face lit up, and Sesshoumaru felt his expression softening as she pulled him toward the live band. The musicians seemed to read her mind, transitioning to a soft ballad so as not to aggravate her feet.
His hand automatically found hers, the other spanning the small of her back, and she didn't protest when he pulled her a little closer. Her eyes took on a faraway look as they swayed to the music, several other couples joining in but giving them enough space so their bubble remained intact.
"I can imagine the response you gave Kakeru's father when he made that offer." He wasn't sure why he couldn't let the matter drop, but the thought of the moth-eaten lecher laying his hands on the miko had his blood boiling.
She blinked, then smirked. "I wouldn't have done anything if Tsubasa hadn't been as revolted as I was. I wasn't sure where she stood on her father's antics, but her face said it all." She raised her chin. "I hear he limped for a week." A chuckle escaped, and she jerked in his arms, staring at him wide-eyed. "I didn't know you could do that."
"I am capable of many things," he replied smoothly, hand flexing as he spun them around.
"So I'm noticing," she said, the hand on his arm sliding up to his shoulder for a better grip. "I wouldn't mind seeing more of them." She was playing with fire, and he knew she wasn't serious, but the thought intrigued him enough that he leaned down, speaking directly into her ear.
"That would involve you sticking around." The action pulled her closer, their chests touching, and still she didn't pull away.
"If you want a second date, all you have to do is ask," she quipped. Her voice didn't change, still trying to keep the upper hand, but there was a breathlessness that wasn't there before, one that had him wondering if she was as good at concealing her emotions as he was.
The thought of deciphering that which had long been an unsolvable puzzle had merit.
"I wish for a second date," he said, spinning her around again. She pulled back enough to squint at him, trying to decide if he was serious, and he shrugged. "You are welcome to choose the venue next time."
"Oh, you can be damn sure of that." Her power flared indignantly. "Scratch that; this doesn't even count as a first one. If you're going to ask me out, do it properly."
They came to a stop, and he bowed slightly. "Would you do me the honour of accompanying me to dinner?" he asked.
She bristled, finally realizing he was serious, and a delightful blush stained her cheeks. "I am so going to make your life hell."
He pulled her closer, resuming their dance. "Is that a yes?"
Pursing her lips, she lifted her chin. "Bring me a cupcake, and I'll think about it."