The Bracelet by Kaoruhana [Seven Treasures Challenge]
Title: Moving Forward
Author: Kaoruhana
Prompt: Seven Treasures Challenge - Pearl
Genre: Romance, Fluff
AU/CU: Canon Universe
Rating: G
Warnings: No set time-line, each chapter reflects different times in Kagome’s life.
Word Count: 886
A/N: Part 4 of a seven chapter story for the Seven Treasures Challenge.
Summary: It all started with the small bracelet that the stranger had bought for her that one Christmas. She never realized that one bracelet might be the starting point for a new relationship.
Link: http://dokuga.com/fanfiction/story/7322/4
Kagome was prepared for this meeting with her client- from her polished heels to her suave suit and even to the pearl earrings adorning her. She was going to make this meeting work for her and get these projects of hers rolling. It had taken her massive amounts of capital and investment to get her stuff to even be considered and she was not going to back down. Sesshomaru was counting on it. He’d let her plan one event for his corporate executives and when she succeeded in that task, he’d made her the event planner for his company.
“Ms. Higurashi,” A voice announced making her look towards the door where the secretary was waiting, “Mr. Taisho and the board members are here.” Kagome nodded, indicating she’d heard the secretary and moments later the room was filled with five individuals who held the company in their hands. Sesshomaru was easy to spot. His long silver-hued hair made him easily recognizable. Ms. Kaoru and Mr. Yamada took seats next to him at the long table. On the other side Mr. Tanaka and Mr. Honda took their seats as well before shooting her a glance. She swallowed before taking a deep breath and making her presentation on new advertising techniques to boost event sales and popularity. When she’d casually suggested it to Sesshomaru, she never knew he’d make her give a presentation in front of the board members. Yet here she was, doing just that.
Two hours later, Kagome sighed as she relaxed in the boardroom. The meeting was over and she had done a good job answering questions to the best of her abilities. The door opened again and she turned to see who was there.
Sesshomaru stood there eyeing her and suddenly making her feel like a child with only one look. She cleared her throat and asked him if he needed her for something. They had become friends in the two years she’d worked in his company and she usually knew what he wanted. But certain times his stares just put her on edge.
“Dinner tonight.”
Kagome fidgeted as she processed the words. She wasn’t sure what had happened but she assumed that Sesshomaru had just asked her out for dinner. She wanted to refuse because of the work complications that might arise but she also knew that this was normal for them. Once a week (sometimes more than that), she and Sesshomaru would get together for dinner and catch up on each other’s lives. But she wasn’t sure if that was okay right now. After all, their personal relationship was kept a secret from mostly everyone in the company. She was sure that his secretary, Nomiya-san knew their relationship extended beyond work but that was it. He seemed to sense her hesitance because he spoke again.
“You are a pleasant person Ms. Higurashi and I find myself wanting to know more about your proposed plan and others you might have in the future. I find that I might need a new head of advertising soon.” She paused taking note of the tone. By calling her Ms. Higurashi he made it seem like they were going to a causal business dinner and would hopefully cause the rumor mill to die down. Kagome and him were just friends after all right? She opened her mouth to say something but promptly closed it. What was there to say? She was getting a free dinner, and to top it off, she might just be getting a promotion while she was at it. And the fact that it was dinner with Sesshomaru wasn’t really something that bothered her either. They’d been a bit busy the past week so they hadn’t really had time to catch up. Plus with Rin being in town again they hadn’t really hung out.
“Dinner sounds good.” Gathering her things together she looked at him and smiled as he led her out the door.
They ate dinner at his house that night, with Rin and her mate, the old Southern Demon Lord, Hideki Fujiwara, there for company. The two had mated after Sesshomaru had given his consent and she could still see how the pain of having given up Rin hurt him so.
“Kagome,” Rin asked suddenly, “are you still single?” Kagome fumbled with her chopsticks and dropped food on her lap. She remembered now why she didn’t like to visit when Rin was around. She knew Rin was trying to be nice and all but still it stung every time she asked this question. To her surprise however this time it wasn’t her but Sesshomaru who answered the question.
“Her personal life is not your concern Rin. It is rude to interfere in the manner you have.” Though she felt a little admonished at being treated like a child Rin couldn’t help but smile. It had taken two years but she’d finally gotten her father figure to cave in and admit that he cared for Kagome more than before.
“It’s fine Sesshomaru.” Kagome stated turning to the girl with a smile. “It’s still a touchy topic for me but it shouldn’t be. I’m not getting any younger you know?”
“Yes.” Rin muttered shooting Sesshomaru another glance. He merely huffed before finishing his dinner. Well Rin mused, finally they were moving in the right direction.