"Of course you're going!"

Kagome winced. She had hoped that Sango would have forgotten the charity event happening that night. She should have known better, her childhood friend never let her get out of anything. "Couldn't I just give my donation and stay home and watch it on television?" She looked down at the roses and lilies she was arranging for the Swan/Cullen wedding. Feeling the brunettes piercing eyes on the top of her head she looked up. She set the last rose in with a sigh. She stood and carried the vase into the cooler.

"Where do you think you're going?" Sango's eyebrow arched. You're not going to hide in there like when we were kids are you? I can get in there anyway… That lock looks rusty."

"No, I'm not going to hide in there. Too cold. If we're going to spend the afternoon dress shopping then I can't leave flowers lying around. Brown flowers do not sell." Sango did a victory dance in the background as Kagome took off her apron and glanced around the shop for a final check.

The little shop looked like a dream with its waxed antique oak wood counters and cheery flowers in the window. The counters and glass gleamed as Kagome walked across the room. Since her father opened the shop forty years ago the shop had not changed a bit. It still held the sweet scent of tulips and beeswax that it had in her youth. She ran light fingers over the patterned keys of old time cash register. An indulgence on her father's part. She remembered when she and her father had spent days scouring antique shops and poking through old warehouses looking for just the right one. You never know what you need until you see it. Kagome mused. It had been her father's favorite saying. At five the phrase didn't mean much, but now at twenty-five she thought she knew what he meant.

"Come on! At the rate you're going the shops will be closed! And we still have to get our hair and nails done!" Sango's eyes gleamed as she walked to the door. She lived to dress Kagome up like a doll. She never understood how such a beautiful person could wrap themselves in ratty jeans and sweats and be happy. Turning at the sound of a martyrs sigh, she grinned. "Aww come on. It won't be too bad. Who knows… Tonight could change your life forever."

But I like my life. Kagome grumbled under her breath. She stuck her tongue out at Sango's retreating back. And Sango being the sister of an active younger brother immediately felt the jibe and whipped around to poke Kagome in the ribs.

"Behave or I'll force you to get your legs waxed…"

Kagome's eyes widened in mock fear. Kagome let out a low wail of anguish worthy of any B movie. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" Both girls laughed like loons as Kagome hurried to lock up.

"Were you listening?" Sesshomaru's brow wrinkled in annoyance. He knew perfectly well that his brother was listening but could not resist the urge to prod the irate hanyou. "I said that you need to go get a new tuxedo and pick up the donation check for the event."

"Why in the hell do I have'ta go anyway? This shit is more yours and Dad's speed. I never had to go before!" InuYasha's voice rattled the window panes. Gathering breath he prepared to launch into another tirade but was stopped by a light footstep. One silver ear swiveled toward the door as Rin, Sesshomaru's personal assistant, peeked around the door.

"Lord Sesshomaru? May I go for a few hours? I still have to pick a dress for the event and also pick up your clothing. I thought I could go with Kagome and Sango." She pointed out the window at the two laughing women who were walking across the street.

Rin twisted her fingers tightly together. Lord Sesshomaru no Tashio of the House of the West always made her uncomfortable. Not alarmingly so, but just enough to where she felt like he was always watching her. She didn't mind really, it was nice to have someone watch out for you and tried to always show her appreciation by trying to anticipate his needs before he did. Her heart beat just a tad faster at being in the same room as her beloved boss. She hoped he couldn't hear her traitor heart as she blushed. She didn't mind that he sent her all over town on little errands. She was the type of woman who showed she loved someone by taking care of them.

The aforementioned lord's eyes crinkled a bit into what passed as a smile before nodding once. His warm low voice washed over her as he gave her last minute errands. Of course he could hear her heart beat as he talked. He was full youkai after all. He knew that Rin loved him and after much self denial found that he loved her as well. He took a long look at Rin as he spoke. Her twisting fingers made him almost laugh aloud. In his deepest heart of hearts he wanted to get up from behind his desk and hold the small white hands. He wanted to hold her close and breathe in her sweet scent. But he was a Tashio. There were rules about conduct and holding one's personal assistant in your office wasn't on the list. There was also a bigger silvered eared fish to fry.

InuYasha's ear flicked back to its original position on the top of his head. He concentrated his gold eyes on the two women at the curb. The taller of the two had long brown hair in a ponytail that swung back and forth as she waited for the light to change. That must be Sango. Miroku was right. She is pretty. She was dressed fashionably for someone who owned a catering service. Her long legs were clad in black leggings and her top half was wrapped in a blushing rose hued shirt-dress. He watched as she tapped her companion on the head and unconsciously perked his ears forward to catch what she said. So that must be Kagome. She's nowhere near as pretty as... He frowned as Kagome turned her head and looked in his direction. His breath caught as he looked at her face. Her heart shaped face glowed as she laughed. Her milky skin seemed to shine in the midday light. Her chocolate eyes sparkled as she tossed her midnight silk braid behind her. Then they made eye contact. A small shiver coursed its way though his body. Surprised he almost took a small step back, but his pride wouldn't allow it. He almost willed the girl to hold his gaze as he fought his emotions.

He almost regretted not stepping back as her face blushed a dull red and she looked down. He hadn't meant to scare her. He took the moment to assess the rest of her. Her plain jeans and scared boots showed she was a worker. Her slim waist was accented by the well worn flannel shirt tucked into the ancient jeans. Her waist length braid seemed to droop as she flushed. He smirked as she saw her hair was tied by a piece of green florists tape carelessly knotted around her tresses. She timidly waved her small hand in greeting. Just as InuYasha nodded a curt greeting in return she was pulled out of his sight by Sango. InuYasha huffed a breath as he turned back to the room. He was met by two sets of eyes, one curious and the other contemplative.

Rin, the owner of the curious eyes, clasped her hands over her lips in prayer fashion as a thought raced through her mind. What was Lord InuYasha staring at? He stood there with such a soft smile on his face. I've never seen that before! He never looked like that. Ever. Not even with Kikyo. She suddenly remembered the pretty (and single) florist that was coming over. Could it be… Kagome? Does he like her? I didn't think they knew each other. I have to introduce them! Her little matchmaking mind already awhirl with romantic dates and rose-hued jumped as soft voices sounded in the quite lobby. She quickly sped out of the door to greet her friends and gather her things.

At the same time, another pair of eyes was sizing up the hanyou. He had not missed the little play that had happened outside his own office window. Ah good. It seems that this Kagome will fit the bill nicely. I shall have to greet her personally. Sesshomaru's lips twitched as he cleared his throat. As if on cue, Rin's head popped back around the heavy door.

"Yes my lord?"

How does she do that? Sesshomaru wondered. No matter. It does save me time and energy. "I would like to meet your friends." He waved a hand at his brother. "I am sure InuYasha does as well." He turned his steady gaze toward the seething half-demon. "It will not hurt you to meet our neighbors. It is good to know the people who have business around you. Now straighten up and do not forget you represent the Tashio name."

InuYasha grunted. He knew that the full demon had him over a barrel and would enforce his command none too gently. He squared his shoulders and crossed his arms over his chest and nodded his ascent. "I will meet these women", his formerly even voice dropped into a low growl, "but don't forget we're not done discussing..." Unable to continue his threat Rin pushed her two friends through the door. What is with this woman? That is the second time she interrupted me. I suppose I can't be too mad. She is good for Sesshomaru. He chuckled inwardly. Poor bastard doesn't even know that he's hooked. He glanced over at the demon. Sesshomaru had stood and loomed protectively over Rin's shoulder. Somehow he managed to politely greet Sango and Kagome without removing his hands from Rin's shoulders. I will have to soon call her sister.

"Why can't we just grab Rin and go?" Kagome hissed at Sango. Just the thought of seeing the extravagantly wealthy and respected Tashio brothers scared the crap out of her. Paling to a sickly white she turned and made for the front door. Sango managed to grab the back of the flustered girl's shirt.

"Now smile and be nice! Don't forget, you could get some business from them." Sango gestured to the large empty Chinese urns beside the doors. "Imagine those with flowers. Wouldn't they look good with those lilies you're always mooning over?"

"Mmmm" Kagome let herself be pulled to the back offices. Her head swirled with images of flower arrangements that would accent the rich bold colors of the Tashio and Sons law office. Rich reds and shimmering greens might work, a soft touch of blue for contrast… throw in some gold… her musings ground to a halt as she came face to face with the very gold she was imagining. But instead of vibrant gold flowers she was captivated by glittering gold eyes of the younger Tashio brother. They stared at each other in silence. Little did they realize that the silence had stretched out longer than was normal. Rin cleared her throat. "Lords Sesshomaru and InuYasha? This is Sango Hatsudoshi she owns A Moveable Feast." Sango bowed. Rin placed a gentle hand on Kagome's shoulder. "And this is Kagome Higurashi," Kagome bowed. "She is a florist. She owns the place across the street." She turned to Kagome. "I believe you've done business for them before."

Kagome's brow wrinkled as she flipped through her mental rolodex. Her warm eyes went blank as she frantically tried to remember when she had met the Tashio family before. "Yes! I remember now. White roses with blue carnations and baby's breath. The tall crystal vases with fluted edges. Two of them. White satin ribbon with silver edges." She blinked, the two men standing before her didn't look as if they bought flowers. Frankly they didn't look as if they even went clothes shopping. Rich people always had others do their errands and such didn't they? "I don't remember you two. I do not wish to be rude."

"Kagome doesn't remember anything that doesn't have leaves and petals." Sango snickered.

Kagome shot her a death glare as she chuckled in return. "At least I'm not obsessed with food."

"Bug"

"Heifer"

Sango, Kagome, and Rin all burst out into peals of laughter leaving the men looking nonplussed. After the women had laughed themselves out, Seshomaru cleared his throat. "My step-mother ordered them. They were for a garden party and she was very impressed with your work." Sesshomaru stated simply. Impressed did not do Kagome's work justice. Izayoi had raved about them for weeks and gave out Kagome's shop number at the least provocation.

InuYasha grunted. What did he care about some stupid flowers? But on searching his memories he did vaguely remember them. The filtering light had swirled around the soft petals onto the white silk table cloth creating little rainbows that flitted and danced like baby koi. Beautiful like their creator… InuYasha mentally slapped himself. What was he thinking? She's just some random woman Rin knew.

"Feh" he came back to the present just long enough to catch Kagome's eye as the girls turned to leave. He quirked an eyebrow at her blatant stare. Her eyes had traveled up to his ears and were filled with such a naked state of longing that he suppressed a smirk. He twitched one ear just to see what she would do now that she was caught. She dropped her eyes to his and smiled. She kept the same small smile on her lips as she bid them both a quiet good bye and all three women filed out of the room. Sesshomaru beckoned to InuYasha to follow him out into the lobby.

InuYasha's eyes followed Kagome without him even noticing his surroundings. Sesshomaru mentally patted himself on the back. His overly emotional half-brother had finally had his eye caught by the young florist. And by the looks of things the girl was equally interested. His father's voice rang in his ears. It's high time the two of you stopped jetting around and gave your step-mother and I grandchildren to spoil. He narrowed his eyes and stood at the door watching the women get into the company car he had loaned Rin. He had chosen his mate with care but he'd worried about InuYasha. The hanyou was too rash and too violent for a normal girl. He wondered if this Kagome Higurashi could stand up to the half-demon in full tantrum. She didn't seem afraid of him. I must speak with Rin about her more in depth when she returns. He turned to InuYasha. "I hope you will treat her with respect tonight Little Brother."

"Why?" InuYasha eyed a smirking Sesshomaru. "What are you talking about?"

"She is to be your date."

"WHAT?"