It was a lovely Tuesday morning in April. The birds were chirping their saccharine tunes that often signal the beginning of spring. And Sesshomaru was sitting patiently awaiting his obnoxious assistant. Rather, he appeared to be patient. However, anyone that had spent even five minutes in his presence knew that there was no way, unless hell froze over, that Sesshomaru's patience would remain intact when his high pitched, annoying employee was late. And not just late, but ten whole minutes late. Jaken has been working as an editor for Sesshomaru for twenty years, but had been involved in the demon's life for much, much longer. Ever since the D/H (Demon/Human) laws had been put into effect, Jaken had been no longer a servant, but a paid "employee". However, it didn't change the fact that Jaken still groveled to, adored, and practically worshipped his boss.

An entire two minutes passed by in which Sesshomaru contemplated how much of a pay cut he should administer upon the wretched toad - before said toad came sliding into the office.

"Sesshomaru – Sama!! Please fooooorgive me!!!" He screeched.

What I wouldn't give to have a sword with me.

"Jaken…cease your squalling." Abruptly, the toad was silent, but remained bowing low towards his beloved master. Sesshomaru barely refrained from stomping on him as he stood and made his way out of the room.

"Did you at the very least make an appointment with the new publisher?" He inquired coldly.

"Ah yyyesss, I did, Sesshomaru -Sama!"

"Good. Then let us leave"

It was ten o'clock in the morning. I still had thirty minutes. I could do this, I kept telling myself. It wasn't as if I was meeting anyone of extreme significance. Only a world famous demon, which was now making oobs and gobs of cash by writing adventure stories. Instead of screaming, which would be my usual solution to feeling overworked and stressed, I dialed Miroku.

"Yes, my sweet?" He answered in his most flirtatious voice.

"Get your perverted ass over here. Now." I hung up. I didn't have time to flirt. I had thirty minutes to pull myself together, become the professional, upstanding lady that I was and look like the CEO of this company.

In all of one minute, Miroku had barged into my room and made himself comfortable in my plush black chair.

"It will be absolutely fine, love. You've worked with macho guys before. I'm sure he doesn't have anything you haven't dealt with before," he reassured me.

"But he's THE Sesshomaru Taisho. You can't get any more damned prestigious than that! And for fuck's sake, Miroku, he's thousands of years old!" I was whining, I knew, but I just couldn't help it. I had received a phone call at seven a.m from this creepy little raspy voiced man, and now I had an appointment with the Daiyoukai himself to discuss becoming his new publisher. This was the deal of a lifetime. And if I got it, not only would I be getting a hefty sum of money, but I could also afford to take my vacation.

He slapped me in the face. I stared at him, astounded.

"Relax. You are gorgeous. You are successful. And you are a lady."

I remained silent and just stared.

"Repeat it, Kagome," he prompted me like a five year old.

"I am gorgeous. I am successful. I am…a lady," I said hesitantly. But in actuality I felt like a small child getting ready to face the big bad wolf.

Five minutes until Taisho and his assistant arrived, and I felt fabulous. I had had a vanilla chai tea latte, freshened up, and all the while Miroku's mantra was running through my head.

A light knock at my door caught my attention. I rose, straightened my black skirt, took a few breaths, and quickly answered, "You may enter."

Miroku offered me a smile as he escorted a little shrimpy toad demon inside. I couldn't help but gawk. What the hell was this little thing doing serving Sesshomaru? I had thought Mr. Taisho would have higher standards, but apparently I'd been mistaken. The toad drawled some rubbish about his almighty Lord for about five minutes, five minutes of my life that I had lost and not heard a damned word of, before he bowed and went to bring Sesshomaru in.

I bit my tongue…literally bit it…. almost completely off. The pictures just didn't do this demon justice. My gods was he gorgeous. And successful. And fabulous. But NOT a lady. However, in his case that was a very, very good thing. He was definitely all male. I could practically smell the pheromones oozing off of him. I was very proud of myself for maintaining my look of nonchalance. After all, it wouldn't look good in front of a potential client to drool on his very expensive Italian leather shoes.

I offered my hand to him. "Good morning Mr. Taisho, and may I be the first to formally welcome you to Higurashi Incorporated," I said in my most confident business-like voice.

He glanced at my hand briefly before ignoring it altogether, offering merely a nod, and sitting down… In MY chair. My very comfortable, specially ordered, black plush chair. What was it with everyone stealing my god damned chair today? I grit my teeth and casually dropped my hand that was still waiting in the air before sitting opposite him.

There was a brief silence before I decided I'd better keep the conversation going.

"So then, I gather we should begin. Given your history and the past success of your novels, I'm going to tell you we'd be glad to have you as a sponsored author," I began.

"Of course you would," he replied arrogantly. I could feel my jaw twitch. Miroku must have noticed, because his hand quickly dropped to my shoulder in a silent reminder to keep on my best behavior.

I remained silent as I brought out the contract and began my pitch. Basically I said my company was amazing and he should pretty-pretty please sign with us. Of course, I made it sound particularly more eloquent and less needy and desperate. After I'd finished, he carefully read over the contract, editing things as he went. Finally, after three painstakingly long, miserable hours of my short life, Sesshomaru signed his book contract with Higurashi Inc. A sigh practically leapt out of my mouth.

Jaken began quickly gathering their belongings and rambling to Taisho. I suddenly realized why I'd immediately detested the little demon. His shrill voice reminded me of something…familiar. Oh my God! His voice drones on just like my alarm clock. That damned annoying high pitched squeal!" I felt a cold shiver run down my spine.

"The little, er, man isn't going to be coming with you, is he?" I inquired as kindly as possible.

He allowed a brief look at the toad before giving a small shrug. "Jaken, you're being demoted. You may remove your belongings from your office immediately. And inform Sango she will be responsible for your duties hence forth, and vice versa," he replied in an uncaring voice. He then stood his six foot three inch body of beauty up and left, his ego ballooning miles behind him. And a depressed green demon lagging behind him.

I glared at Miroku as soon as the door closed. " There is positively no way I'm going to be able to hold my tongue every time that frustrating, egotistical demon is around."

He scoffed. "I really don't see how you're going to have any other options. And keep your voice down, they aren't far enough away yet," he whispered harshly.

I sighed. "This is going to be hell, isn't it?"

His voice softened as he smiled sympathetically. "I'm pretty sure it's going to be worse than hell, love. You are facing the King of all demons himself."

My forehead met my desk, and if I didn't feel so pathetic, I think I may have cried for myself.

I'm so sorry for the humongous delay!! I know it's short, but atleast it's out, right? Love you all. Thanks for the support. R&R!!